Eternal Potential, Karen & Richard Carpenter Appearance, What do Spider Man The Great Pumpkin and a Witch Have in Common ?, Safe As A House

Our Physical Body and Our Eternal Potential

Have you ever marveled at the miracle of your physical body and all that it can do? On the other hand, have there been times when you have felt frustrated by challenges you experience because of your body? 

Our physical bodies were created in the image of God (see Genesis 1:26–27). President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency explained, “The purpose of mortal life and the postmortal growth that can follow it is for the offspring of God to become like He is” (“The Great Plan,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 94).

(Theo, Tessa and Graham three of our dear grandchildren, enjoying their mortality and teaching us to find joy in the moment. )

So, what do we need to experience in mortal life to become like God? Two important elements are mentioned in the following statement from the family proclamation: “In the premortal realm, [we] … accepted [God’s] plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: If, then in the course of our mortal experience, we chose to “do all things whatsoever the Lord [our] God [should] command [us]” [Abraham 3:25], we would have kept our “second estate” [Abraham 3:26]. This means that by our choices we would demonstrate to God (and to ourselves) our commitment and capacity to live His celestial law while outside His presence and in a physical body with all its powers, appetites, and passions. Could we bridle the flesh so that it became the instrument rather than the master of the spirit? Could we be trusted both in time and eternity with godly powers, including power to create life? Would we individually overcome evil? Those who did would “have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever” [Abraham 3:26]—a very significant aspect of that glory being a resurrected, immortal, and glorified physical body. No wonder we “shouted for joy” at these magnificent possibilities and promises [Job 38:7]. (“Why Marriage, Why Family,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 51)

Elder David A. Bednar of he Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said: “Every appetite, desire, propensity, and impulse of the natural man may be overcome by and through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. We are here on the earth to develop godlike qualities and to bridle all of the passions of the flesh.”

We are eternally grateful for His love and power extended to us, to lift us from a fallen world and make Eternal family relationships possible.  Our hearts ache with love and hope to be with every one of our family members after this life.  We get a glimpse of the love, peace and joy available to us by visiting His Holy house.  May we continue to strive towards our Eternal home hand-in-hand with each of our loved ones.  Never give up on each other, never lose hope.  With our dear Savior in our family circle, there is always a way forward!

Karen and Richard Carpenter Appear

We attended the North Shields Ward Fall Festival (Halloween) party and to Elder B's surprise, while he was out of the room.   Sister B began to sing along with the Karaoke one of the songs  they heard at a Carpenter's concert at BYU when they were dating:  "Close to You".  So Elder B rushed to her side to complete the duo.  Great fun for all, witches, spider man and the great pumpkin all had a good time. 

What do Spider Man The Great Pumpkin and a Witch Have in Common ?

A Karaoke Moment

New Permitted Driver on the Road

In our last blog entry we talked about Elder B passing the driving theory test.  We were fortunate to get a practical test scheduled just 5 days later, but it meant going up to Alnwick about 1 hour away to take the test.  So because it was the only available test opportunity before the end of the year we booked the slot and made preparations to drive there and take the test.  Nerves were on edge but to our great relief and surprise Elder B passed the test with 4 minor faults out of 15 maximum allowed.  His only faults were 'driving too slow' and then going 25 in a 20 zone for a few seconds before he saw the speed limit sign.  The examiner thought these were minimal enough to give Elder B a license to drive.  He said while driving with Elder B, he felt "safer than a house".  We then celebrated with fish & chips at our favorite F&C cafe in Alnwick.  

Helping Jackie and Andrew

Jackie and Andrew live in an assisted living facility.  Jacki has not had the use of her legs since her birth and Andrew is suffering from Alzheimer's -- they are quite a pair -- Andrew is as loving and kind as a dove and Jacki as strong and organized as a sergeant major in the army.  We helped Andrew move to a separate flat just down the hall from Jackie so he can get the help he needs.   We worked together with sisters Victor and Barnard and moved loads of stuff up and down the corridor with trolleys (shopping carts).   

Dinner at Heather Thompson's

Dinner at Heather's is always a delight.  This time we were joined by one of our young single adults, Grace.  She has really taken charge of the YSA program in the North Shields ward.  Though hesitant at first, she has emerged as a strong and supportive young adult leader in the stake and always attends our institute class. She has been a member of the church for about 2 years.  She had to move out of her house when she joined the church because her mother would not condone her decision.  She is now 22 years old and loves 9-Square. 

Zone Conference and Personal Reflections

Every 6 weeks we get to gather with the Elders and Sisters in the Sunderland Stake and the Billingham Stake that comprise two of seven stake-named zones in our mission.  We serve a lunch for about 50 people (we served UP Apple-cake a creation of our dear friend and cousin Becky Gehring) and our Mission Leaders, President and Sister Clare, and the missionaries all instruct and edify each other on how to be better representatives of the Savior.  

This last week we have both had strong impressions that have come to us and wanted to share them here.

Sister Betteridge:

I had an interesting dream which prompted this conclusion--

"Just show up.  Do the best you can.  Invite the Savior and all will be well."

Elder Betteridge:

"My heart was so full of the spirit today during zone conference… brim with joy for the great privilege we have to serve the Savior on this mission.  My name is next to His name on my name tag… that is special and says it all!  He lives…  He knows me… I know him …He truly cares about me and loves me individually… He rescued me…. His Atonement is for all of us… His redeeming power is as real as the water we drink—I have felt it and tasted it… He is full of grace and truth and thinks I can be too."

Quote from sister Clare to us after zone conference — "Hey my dear friends, so sad I didn’t get a chance to chat with you today…. 1st of all I just love you. There is something about you both that exudes love and goodness …. The food was absolutely delicious and I just wanted you to know how much we love you and appreciate you❤️❤️❤️!"

In our efforts to be someone in this world … guess what, you don’t have to try so hard.  You are already the most important person you can ever be--   A child of God.  That’s enough.  Just strive to be full of love and goodness as His Son has shown us how to be and you will one day wake up to the realization that you are enough! —you are everything our Heavenly Father had hoped you would be.

 

  

 

The Entire Theology, Elder Cameron Betteridge, Picture Perfect, A Creamy Super Sunday, Coal Dust, Our New Great Granddaughter

 The Family is Central

We are so grateful for the privilege of teaching the doctrine of the Eternal family.  This last week we were able to teach "The Family is Central to Heavenly Father's Plan".  We use our experiences and feature our family members in every lesson.  It is such a joy to have this doctrine and to know what Heavenly Father's plan is for us, His children.  Here are  a couple of our favorite quotes from this lesson:

Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

The entire theology of our restored gospel centers on families and on the new and everlasting covenant of marriage. 

We also believe that strong traditional families are … the basic units of eternity and of the kingdom and government of God.  We believe that the organization and government of heaven will be built around families and extended families." (Why Marriage and Family Matter—Everywhere in the World,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 41).

Elder Robert E. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve said: 

“Eternal perspective informs our daily decisions and actions. It steadies our minds and souls. When persuasive but eternally flawed opinions swirl about us, we are steadfast and immovable. …

Marriage and family are under attack because Satan knows that they are essential to obtaining eternal life—as essential as the Creation, the Fall, and the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Having failed to destroy any of those pillars of the plan, Satan seeks to destroy our understanding and practice of marriage and family." (The Plan of Salvation: A Sacred Treasure of Knowledge to Guide Us,” Ensign, Oct. 2015, 28, 29)

This week we featured Elder Cameron Betteridge, our grandson, serving a full-time mission in Chile.

We often show our family picture as the backdrop to our institute Powerpoint slides.  We are so blessed to have a loving, supportive family.  We are not without our challenges but a beautiful picture is a wonderful memory to show us at our best.

Super Sunday and Creamy Chicken Italiano

Once or twice per year we have a young adult "Super Sunday", which involves meeting together as a stake YSA group with young adults from the 9 wards in our stake.  We have a testimony meeting together and then a joint Relief Society - Elders Quorum class to discuss gospel topics.  Following these meetings we have a dinner all together.  Guess who made the dinner?  -- you are correct! Sister and Elder Betteridge cooked Creamy Chicken Italiano over rice and served brownies, peas, carrots sticks, grapes and squash (squash is flavored water - it is better than it sounds -- our favorite flavor is black currant).  

Mad Driver on the Road

Elder Betteridge has received a provisional driver's license and has passed his theory test after studying for three months.  Next step is take the practical driving test, with the Driver and Vehicles Standards Agency (DVLA).  Hold your breath on this one, it will be tough, the officials conducting the tests are required to fail a certain number of people.  Ugh! not looking forward to this one. (Maybe I can serve them the little known snickerdoodle cookie while I take the test-- many have not ever heard of this cookie and think it tastes like "Christmas")

Dom Book Signing

Dominic James Wright (Dom), a recent convert who suffers from Muscular Dystrophy, and who was baptized 2 months ago, has completely transformed his life.  Through the help of our Savior, Jesus Christ, he broke the bands of several degrading substances and committed to a path of freedom. He comes to institute every week and is such a happy, joyful young man.  Just 18 years old, he has just published an historic novel, "Where The Coal Dust Lies", which features the history of coal mining in the Northeast of England and his coal mining ancestors and their lives.  We attended his book signing. 

New Great Granddaughter

Elder Betteridge's 3rd cousin, Tony Coulson Brown, who lives just 2 miles from our flat,  shared his joy with his first great grandchild, a beautiful girl, Penelope.  

Divinity Within, 2500 Mile Journey for the Bk of Mn, Mary Poppins, Egglestone, One-Legged Roller Blader, Disco Time

Snapshot of Our Week

Each week seems so busy and getting busier but we are happy to be serving here in this beautiful land with these beautiful people.  We covered a lot of ground this week:  going to a wonderful new convert baptism in Gateshead on Tuesday (Heather played the organ for this);  teaching and cooking for institute classes on Wednesday and Thursday;  driving down to Leeds on Thursday to deliver missionaries who were transferring (4 hours round-trip);  driving down to the temple on Friday (6 hours round trip) to be with Ben Lowerson (one of our amazing recent YSA converts) who was meeting up with a new convert from Poland who wanted to go to the Preston temple; being the photographer for the Sunderland Stake '80's roller derby activity on Saturday; and then teaching the Gospel Doctrine lesson on Sunday and singing in the ward choir. There are so many wonderful and varied opportunities where we can serve and we love being busy! Plenty of opportunities for senior missionaries! 

Our Granddaughter Mila Sings for Institute Class

Our Divine Nature and Destiny

There were many highlights this week, but we loved teaching the doctrine of our divine nature and destiny in our institute classes.  This is clearly one of the most important messages we will teach this year... that we are sons and daughters of God with a divine nature and destiny.  The Bible is so clear on this doctrine, how can many in the world be so confused?

Acts 17

28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.  29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.

Hebrews 12

9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

1 John 3

2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

Genesis 1

27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf said: 

"We are created by the Almighty God. He is our Heavenly Father. We are literally His spirit children. We are made of supernal material most precious and highly refined, and thus we carry within ourselves the substance of divinity.

Here on earth, however, our thoughts and actions become encumbered with that which is corrupt, unholy, and impure. The dust and filth of the world stain our souls, making it difficult to recognize and remember our birthright and purpose.  But all this cannot change who we truly are. The fundamental divinity of our nature remains."

(“ He Will Place You on His Shoulders and Carry You Home”, Dieter F. Uchtdorf), Ensign or Liahona, May 2016, 104)

Mila (Two Years Old) Sings for Institute Class and Inspires an Analogy for our Lesson

Like singing…maybe we  don’t know all the details of Our heavenly Father’s plan for us … like not knowing the words to a song… but we know and recognize the melody, like feeling His Spirit and moving forward with the feelings and knowledge that he is directing us… who would criticize a child for trying to sing a song without knowing the words, like a toddler trying to walk and frequently stumbling and falling.  This is like us, we recognize the melody (the Spirit) but we don't know all the words (His plans for us) but we know the melody feels good and rely on our knowledge of the melody to lead us forward until we can learn the words. 

At the temple with Hania Gajewska and Ben Lowerson

She went on a journey of 2,500 miles in search of a copy of the Book of Mormon.  How many of us are so committed to read the Book of Mormon that we would travel so far to obtain the truths contained in this amazing book.  She just wanted to get a copy of the Book of Mormon to read it without talking to anyone from the church.  She ordered it on EBAY for $50 but it never came.  

In an effort to find one, she then got on the train, traveling to other cities, and ended up traveling over 2,500 miles but still did not find one.  She traveled from her home in Poland to Warsaw, then to Bulgaria, then to Romania then home again but did not find one in all those miles.  So she finally relented and called the mission office in Warsaw-- they said there were sister missionaries just 10 minutes from her home who could bring her one.  Message: go to the source and receive.  

Meet Hania Gajewska.  She had been proselytized to the Fundamentalist church and was planning to be baptized in that church, but something didn't seem right.  She had not learned of the complete history and context of the succession of the leadership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-days Saints after the prophet Joseph Smith was killed.  She hoped reading the Book of Mormon would fill this knowledge gap for her.   

At about this time, she traveled to Manchester, England to visit her aunt and then learned that the Preston, England temple was just 30-45 minutes away from where she was.  She traveled to the temple but it was not open.  She walked around the temple and spent a whole afternoon on the temple grounds and there received a powerful witness of the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as she walked around the grounds of the Preston Temple. 

The rest is history.  She was able to meet with the sisters missionaries finally in her home town and they shared with her a copy of the Book of Mormon and the history of the Restoration.  She joined the Church in her home town in Poland in August.  She speaks Dutch, Polish, and English and is now anxious to serve a mission!   

Within a month of her joining the church she traveled to the Temple in Freiburg, Germany to do baptisms. She then traveled to England to meet Ben from our stake YSA group, who had befriended her on-line and helped her to learn the truths of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was present for several of her lessons via Zoom as she was taught in Poland by the sister missionaries.  Ben invited us to accompany him to the Preston temple where he was to meet her in person for the first time.  We enjoyed being in the temple with Hania and Ben doing baptisms and confirmations.   Hania was SO EXCITED to finally enter the Preston Temple after her strong revelation about the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ while on the temple grounds earlier in August.

Another surprise came while in the temple baptistry in the Preston temple-- there she met the uncle of the missionary who had confirmed her in Poland and who is still serving in the Warsaw, Poland mission.  It was a sweet moment for her to make this connection while she was visiting her beloved Preston Temple. 

Mary Poppins Sighting

We were so impressed with this English woman riding her bike, complete with flowers around the front basket, that we were convinced she must be Mary Poppins. 

 

Egglestone Abbey

Egglestone was a Premonstratensian house founded around 1185.  Premonstratensian monasteries were made up of canons (ordained priests) who served the spiritual needs of nearby communities.  In 1535, Egglestone Abbey was the poorest of these institutions in all of England.  It was closed on 5 January 1540, and the abbot and eight canons were pensioned off.  In the 1700s the east part of the complex was used as cottages until new farm buildings were built nearby.  It was abandoned in the late 1800s, and in 1925 the remains were placed in the guardianship of the state.  Pictured here are the remains of this once great complex, that sits just outside Newcastle not far from the Barnard Castle. 

  

The 80's Disco Roller Derby Stake Activity and one legged roller blader 

Chemo-therapy patient and North Shields Relief Society President,  Jayne Johnson with Husband, Norm, Stake Young Men's President,  and son-in-law giving a go at roller-blading with her one leg

My 16th and 17th Cousins (approximately) descendants of Elyn Betteridge, Born 1500

Prophets See, Pres Nelson Checks in, Moses Baptized, Pony Up, Chapel Ball, Serving up Steak Conf, Man on the Run

 The Role of Prophets in Proclaiming the Doctrine of the Eternal Family

Prophets help us see things from God’s eternal perspective. He blesses them as seers with a divine endowment of spiritual sight. They are able to “know of things which are past, and also of things which are to come." The Lord has set them in place to protect us from spiritual and physical danger.  The Proclamation on the family was given to the world in October 1995 and outlines the truths about the doctrine of the Eternal Family, the roles we play, and the importance of this institution in our day.  

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world?lang=eng

Concerning the role of prophets on the earth today, President Russell M. Nelson, said:

"Each of the Lord’s apostles is in a position to observe and feel the love that Heavenly Father has for His children, particularly for those who are struggling. …Sometimes we as leaders of the Church are criticized for holding firm to the laws of God, defending the Savior’s doctrine, and resisting the social pressures of our day. But our commission as ordained apostles is “to go into all the world to preach [His] gospel unto every creature” [Doctrine & Covenants 18:28].  That means we are commanded to teach truth.  In doing so, sometimes we are accused of being uncaring as we teach the Father’s requirements for exaltation in the celestial kingdom. But wouldn’t it be far more uncaring for us not to tell the truth—not to teach what God has revealed?  It is precisely because we do care deeply about all of God’s children that we proclaim His truth. We may not always tell people what they want to hear. Prophets are rarely popular. But we will always teach the truth! [Brigham Young University devotional, Sept. 17, 2019], 3, speeches.byu.edu)"

What Did the Lord's Prophet, Russel M. Nelson, Tell Us Last Week ? 

(He turned 99 just a few weeks ago)

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/10/51nelson?lang=eng

We witness that Russel M. Nelson is the Lord's mouthpiece on the earth today! Follow his counsel and you will always be right! He said:

"An understanding of God’s fabulous plan takes the mystery out of life and the uncertainty out of our future. It allows each of us to choose how we will live here on earth and where we will live forever... The very things that will make your mortal life the best it can be are exactly the same things that will make your life throughout all eternity the best it can be. Today, to assist you to qualify for the rich blessings Heavenly Father has for you, I invite you to adopt the practice of 'thinking celestial'.  Thinking celestial means being spiritually minded." 

"Mortality is a master class in learning to choose the things of greatest eternal import... Far too many people live as though this life is all there is. However, your choices today will determine three things: where you will live throughout all eternity, the kind of body with which you will be resurrected and those with whom you will live forever.”

Evans Moses is Baptized

Evans was born and raised in a Christian home in Nigeria until the age of 11.  When he was 11 he was sent to live with his sister in Italy, where he was free to do whatever he wanted.  When his parents discovered the lack of discipline he was living under they had him come back to Nigeria and taught him how to work.  He eventually moved back to Italy and then to England.  He always felt there was something more to life, that someone was watching over him and his family.  He recently began searching for a church  and came across a Facebook Ad from our mission.  He responded to the Ad and requested more information.  After the first lesson he knew this was the right church and wanted to come closer to God! He was so happy to hear that God was our Heavenly Father who loved him! This principle changed his life and he was baptized last week (no Moses did not part the waters, he went under). His family has been very supportive of him. There are about 100,000 members of the church in Nigeria; one operating temple and a new temple announced at general conference last week. Evans was taught by Sister Frampton and Sister Victor (Heather's 3rd Cousin).  (Evans also attends our institute class). 

Pony Up

As we have been getting ready for Mont's driving tests we have noticed how respectful drivers need to be of cyclists, powered wheel chairs and of course horses!  We see them all on the roads here. 

Play Ball (in the Chapel?)

Because the church buildings are small here compared to the buildings at home in the states.  Most of the chapels have mobile benches so the chapel can be converted into a multi-purpose room.  At first it felt really odd to us to be playing sports in the chapel, but we are used to it now.  It is often the only room we can set up for our 9-square game.

Stake Conference

This last weekend we had a wonderful stake conference (9 congregations in the Sunderland Stake).  We sang in the stake choir and had a delightful experience.  Our visiting Area Seventy was Kyrylo Pokhylko from Ukraine.  He had previously served in the Kiev Temple for 7 years as Temple Recorder and then was called as the Mission Leader to the Baltic States.  He has not been able to return to his home in Ukraine and remains outside his home country at this point.  He is the missionary department representative for all the missionaries in northern Europe and works with many mission leaders in this role.  He was very focused on the rising generation, missionary preparation and encouraging the youth and primary aged children to participate in Sacrament Meeting. He was very earnest and bold in his teachings-- we enjoyed his messages.  

 

Man on the Run

On Monday mornings we have zone prayer and do planning.  Zone prayer is at 8:45 am and is over a Zoom video chat with the whole zone-- we often have not been able to exercise by 8:45 and get ready.  So..., we dress from the waist up for the zone prayer and then waist down for exercising.  (The zone prayer video only shows from the waist up).

Berry Funny Elder Betteridge