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.