Still Married, Transitioning, German & Sarah Make a Splash Landing, T-time, First Deacon, Don't Hit the Hog

Nurturing the Marriage Relationship

This last week in institute class we discussed nurturing the marriage relationship.  We talked about how to build a joyful eternal marriage.  In a world where many marriages appear to struggle or end in divorce, some may wonder if martial happiness is really possible for them. Elder Holland of the quorum of the Twelve Apostles answered this question:

"Let me declare unequivocally, absolutely, and adamantly that not only is there such a thing as a happy marriage, but happy marriages are the rule, not the exception.

Sister Holland and I are living proof that you can not just be happy but that you can be ecstatically happy. …

You have to work at a marriage. Every good thing that I know of in this world you have to work at.

God will help you. Of all the things in this world that He will help you with, He will help you with your marriages and your families, because it matters to Him at least as much as it matters to you."

Elder L. Whitney Clayton, who served as a member of the Seventy, shared the following insights about nurturing the marriage relationship:

"I have observed that in the happiest marriages both the husband and wife consider their relationship to be a pearl beyond price, a treasure of infinite worth. … They know that no other relationship of any kind can bring as much joy, generate as much good, or produce as much personal refinement. …

… Successful eternal marriages are built on the foundation of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and adherence to His teachings [see “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org]. …

… Happy marriages rely on the gift of repentance. …

Humility is the essence of repentance. Humility is selfless, not selfish. … Humility means that both husbands and wives seek to bless, help, and lift each other, putting the other first in every decision. …

… The happiest marriages I have seen radiate obedience to one of the happiest commandments —that we “live together in love”

The Apostle Paul in a letter to the Ephesians (Chapter 5) counsels us as follows:

25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

Transition

We are working to transition the teaching of institute class and the cooking of the meals to the Sunderland Stake members.   It appears that a new senior missionary couple to serve in the Sunderland Stake is not on the foreseeable horizon.  Though this may change, the general guidance from the Brethren is for the stakes to take responsibility for their own YSA programs.  (There may be different guidance for the established institutes with buildings and Institute Directors).  We have been informed that in stakes such as ours YSA senior missionary couples will no longer be called, but rather MLS (member leader support) couples will be called to help where needed.  In the next month we will be modeling how to lead discussions using a hand held smart phone connected to a TV as opposed to using a PowerPoint presentation, so YSA can feel more confident that they can take on the responsibility to lead institute discussions without needing to prepare a powerpoint presentation.  Local members in the area where we currently teach will be asked to provide meals for the institute nights. Stay tuned, we are praying for a successful transition!

German and Sarah Have a Soggy Visit

We were so THRILLED to have a visit this last week from our daughter Sarah and her husband German, amidst a lot of rain.   It was so fun to be with them and run around Northeast England together to see the sites. 

We visited Edinburgh and the Edinburgh Castle in Scotland.

We enjoyed the best Chocolate milk in the world !  The M&S Belgian Chocolate Milk. 

We also visited Bamburgh Castle.

We also visited Robinhoods Bay, where Elder Betteridge's Bedlington ancestors lived.  

We also visited Scarborough where Elder Betteridge's Grandmother was born and enjoyed a walk along the bulkhead at Whitley Bay as well as a brief stop in Alnwick to see Harry Potter's home. 

Temple Time

We had a week full of Joy! After Sarah and German visited us we had a ward temple trip and were able to be in the Preston England temple performing proxy baptisms for the first time with Evans Moses (Elder B baptized Evans several months ago) and Frankie Sherit (recent convert of several months ago) and a return visit to the temple with our friend Mohan Chukka from India who is going to Newcastle University. 

First Deacon

We were pleased to have our first Deacon ordained in a LOOOOONG time in the North Shields ward:  Jack Conway.  He is standing with his Father, Dan Conway and his brother Henry Conway.  Can you guess who Jack is below?

Hedge Hog Warning

 

 

Companions, In the Zone, BDay for HJB, Looking for a Home

Choosing an Eternal Companion

This last week we shared lesson 11, Choosing an Eternal Companion, in the Eternal Family institute class curriculum.  It was a great lesson for the institute students and there was a lot of questions about... ' how do you know? '  We are so grateful for the scripture example of Oliver Cowdery attempting to translate the plates and what he and Joseph learned about the process of receiving revelation:

Doctrine & Covenants 8

2 Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.

3 Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground.

President Thomas S. Monson saw a saying on the wall of the home of his aunt and uncle which we love:

"Choose Your Love;  Love Your Choice!"

Two of our favorite quotes this last week were from Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf (currently a member of the twelve Apostles and Elder Robert E. Hales (formerly of the twelve Apostles).

Dieter F. Uchtdorf: "What about those who despair of ever finding an eternal companion? First, don’t give up. Go to activities, meet people, and do all you can. I know that dating can be rough. Rejection is one of the most painful things we can experience. 

… Find simple ways to be together. … The goal is to get to know one individual person and learn how to develop a meaningful relationship with the opposite sex…God’s promises are not always fulfilled as quickly as or in the way we might hope; they come according to His timing and in His ways. … [But] the promises of the Lord, if perhaps not always swift, are always certain."  (Ensign or Liahona, May 2010, 58) 

Robert E. Hales: “When you date, learn everything you can about each other. Get to know each other’s families when possible. Are your goals compatible? Do you share the same feelings about the commandments, the Savior, the priesthood, the temple, parenting, callings in the Church, and serving others? Have you observed one another under stress, responding to success and failure, resisting anger, and dealing with setbacks? Does the person you are dating tear others down or build them up? Is his or her attitude and language and conduct what you would like to live with every day?” ( Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 45–46)

Zone Conference

This last week we had zone conference and made Hawaiian haystacks for 50 Elders and Sisters.  It was a wonderful and inspiring day.  The theme was "Choose to Believe" and miracles will abound.  

Happy Birthday Sister Betteridge !

Sister Betteridge had her birthday this last week, her 2nd one on our mission.  Elder Betteridge took her to the Morpeth Larder for lunch.  She had a beet salad and veggie quiche. Elder B had a tuna and cucumber sandwich on wheat bread.  (By the way, tuna fish with cucumber on wheat is a tasty combination!)

Looking for a Home

Our little 24" high Blue Spruce Christmas tree is looking for a home.  We were going to plant it in our back yard in the picture below but our landlords, who have a horse and donkey ranch,  are going to re-home this little beauty-- wish her well at the donkey ranch!

Everlasting Marriage, Memory under Glass, Everyone, Secret Connection Revealed, Ellie-May and Henry - Twins at Last Meet Below

The New and Everlasting Covenant of Marriage

We are back after the Christmas break teaching institute.  The lesson this last week was about the New and Everlasting Covenant of Marriage-- a lot of meaning-packed words here and we talked about each one of them.  We feel at times we forget about the significance of this covenant and ordinance.  When President Nelson spoke at Pat Holland's funeral he asked, what was the most significant day in her life?  Her birth, death, baptism ?   He said it was none of those but the day she was joined together with Elder Jeffrey R. Holland in the New and Everlasting Covenant of Marriage (Eternal Marriage).  Elder F. Burton Howard said:

If you want something to last forever, you treat it differently. You shield it and protect it. You never abuse it. You don’t expose it to the elements. You don’t make it common or ordinary. If it ever becomes tarnished, you lovingly polish it until it gleams like new. It becomes special because you have made it so, and it grows more beautiful and precious as time goes by . . .  F. Burton Howard, 2002

The Eternal Marriage covenant is a covenant between three people.  The wife, the husband and the Savior, Jesus Christ.  By focusing on the Saviour, we are more likely to come closer to each other.  

Of this special relationship Elder David R. Bender of the Twelve Apostles wrote:

"The Lord Jesus Christ is the focal point in a covenant marriage relationship. Please notice how the Savior is positioned at the apex of this triangle, with a woman at the base of one corner and a man at the base of the other corner. Now consider what happens in the relationship between the man and the woman as they individually and steadily “come unto Christ” and strive to be “perfected in Him” (Moroni 10:32).  Because of and through the Redeemer, the man and the woman come closer together." (Ensign, June 2006, 86)

This diagram has been an important reminder in our marriage of the important role the Savior plays in our relationship.  It has been so important that Sister Betteridge and her sister Tara Anderton wrote a song about it called "The Triangle of Truth", a children's song.  Here are the lyrics:

Verse 1:

There’s a very special triangle that helps me choose the right.

At the top is Christ our Savior I’m directed by His light.

If I want to be in harmony with someone that I love, we each will turn our thoughts to Him.

He’ll strengthen from above.

Verse 2:

In our triangle the lower corners show our starting place.

Then our actions bring us near the Savior and His smiling face.

You will see as we come closer to the Savior ev’ry day, my friend and I come closer too,

Christ is the Truth, the Way!

We love this poem that reminds of our special day:  August 9th, 1977

A Celestial Opportunity for Everyone

There is hope for everyone to have an eternal marriage. The Savior has made it possible for all of us to repent, be forgiven, and make and keep sacred covenants with Him. Even those who do not have the opportunity to marry in this life can be sealed to a spouse for eternity if they are faithful.

Secret Connections Revealed

We discovered last week that one of our beloved institute students is related to our daughter Tiffany Ericksen's husband, Todd.  Todd has a cousin Mark-- his daughter Kennedy Inman has been in our institute class for the last semester.  It is a sweet revelation and connection.  Meet Kennedy Inman, our cousin-in-law? (I'm guessing).

Baptism of Ellie-May

We were pleased to attend the baptism of Ellie-May Bolton in the Ashington Branch.  We have enjoyed being around her on institute nights when we taught in Ashington.  She is an important part of the Ashington youth group and has gained a testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the last year.  It has been marvelous to see the change in her.  We are so grateful to know her. Here she is with family in the picture blow.  Her granddad is Elder Stewart Grimes, a senior service missionary in our mission.  She is prominent on the far left and her granddad is the one smiling on the right in the picture below:

Henry Bryce Ericksen Joins the Saints

Our dear grandson Henry Bryce Ericksen joins the saints... no not the New Orleans Saints (maybe in a couple years), but he was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Saturday the same day as Ellie-May.  We are so proud of him and enjoyed viewing the proceedings via Zoom.  Henry is out daughter Tiffany's 5th child and youngest son and a big brother to his little sister Tessa.  His brother Andrew, Tiffany's oldest son, baptized him.  His sister Mary also joined via Zoom from her mission in Ogden as well as cousin Cameron from his mission in Chile.  His father Todd, gave a talk and confirmed him and Clara and Tiffany were witnesses.  Brother William gave the opening prayer.  A family affair!  Wow... we are grateful for technology!  

Raging, Bulwark, Stotterized, Go Deep, Light Still Shines

 Master the Tempest is Raging

As we were out on our morning walk/jog this last week, we were surprised to see the North Sea in great commotion.  The hymn, "Master the Tempest is Raging", came rushing into our minds.  Once you get a tune in your mind, sometimes it is difficult to remove it.  

Master the tempest is Raging

1. Master, the tempest is raging!
The billows are tossing high!
The sky is o’ershadowed with blackness.
No shelter or help is nigh.
Carest thou not that we perish?
How canst thou lie asleep
When each moment so madly is threat’ning
A grave in the angry deep?

[Chorus]

2. Master, with anguish of spirit
I bow in my grief today.
The depths of my sad heart are troubled.
Oh, waken and save, I pray!
Torrents of sin and of anguish
Sweep o’er my sinking soul,
And I perish! I perish! dear Master.
Oh, hasten and take control!

[Chorus]

 [Chorus] The winds and the waves shall obey thy will: Peace, be still.

Whether the wrath of the storm-tossed sea
Or demons or men or whatever it be,
No waters can swallow the ship where lies
The Master of ocean and earth and skies.
They all shall sweetly obey thy will:
Peace, be still; peace, be still.
They all shall sweetly obey thy will:
Peace, peace, be still.

Text: Mary Ann Baker, 1831–192, Music: H. R. Palmer, 1834–1907

As we witnessed such great waves and power in the surf and journeyed along on top of the concrete bulwark which led along the seashore above the waves, a new hymn began to emerge in our minds:  "Standing on the Promises of God." 

We felt the safety of standing on the concrete bulwark and enjoyed only observing the tempest without having to be in it.  When we stand on the promises we have made with God we are protected.  Even if we may be in the midst of tumultuous experiences, we can have the comfort and peace that we will get through them.  Honor your covenants and get through the rage of life with peace in your heart.

Standing on the Promises of God

1 Standing on the promises of Christ, my King,

Through eternal ages let his praises ring;

Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,

Standing on the promises of God.

[Refrain]

2 Standing on the promises that cannot fail.

When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,

By the living Word of God I shall prevail,

Standing on the promises of God.

  [Refrain]

3 Standing on the promises of Christ, the Lord,

Bound to him eternally by love's strong cord,

Overcoming daily with the Spirit's sword,

Standing on the promises of God.

[Refrain]

4 Standing on the promises I cannot fall,

List'ning ev'ry moment to the Spirit's call,

Resting in my Savior as my all in all,

Standing on the promises of God. 

[Refrain]

[Refrain] Standing, standing,

Standing on the promises of God, my Savior;

Standing, standing,

I'm standing on the promises of God.

Russell Kelso Carter (1886)

Called, and Chosen, and Faithful

Every 6 weeks we have a transfer and missionaries may or may not be transferred to new areas.  We just completed a transfer last week and only lost our district leader Tanner Stott, who was transferred to the south of the mission to serve as a Zone Leader.  Elder Stott is from Worland, Wyoming and has been an excellent district leader.  The district leader chooses the name of the messenger chat group for when he is its leader. Our Alnwick district operated under the banner: "Called, and Chosen and Faithful" on Instant Messenger.  Because several of the Elders and Sister were 'poorly' (the English word for 'feeling sick') we had our last district meeting via Zoom (from upper left--Elder Stott, Elder Keith, Elder and Sister B, from lower left-- Sister Barnard, Sister Moss, Elder Ward, Elder Suyama)

In district council we talked about the analogy of sin being like weeds in the garden of life.  We all must deal with weeds as we tend our garden.  It is easy to just chop off the tops of the weeds at the ground level. And it may appear that the weed is gone, but most of us recognize that the roots of the weed are still there lurking beneath the surface.  We need to dig below the surface and get the roots out if we are to truly rid our garden of the weed. If we don't get the roots out the weed continues to grow and even comes back stronger and is even more difficult to pull out thereafter.   So it is with our life and the sin-weeds that are there, we need to dig deep to find the roots and pull out all the root-causes with it if we are to truly change.  We are grateful for the Atonement of Our Savior that enables us to find and pull out the sin in our life with its hidden roots. 

43-Degree Motivation

Many celebrate the changing of the year as a time to commit to positive change in their lives.  There is a very popular practice in many areas and we have seen it here to where the new year is celebrated with a "polar plunge", so we saw on the banks of the North Sea this last week.  Maybe a polar plunge will wake us up to the need to make change (The average temperature of the North Sea this time of year is 43 degrees F).  

The Light Still Shines Above Every Storm

We are reminded that with every stormy day the light or love of our Saviour and Heavenly Father still shine brightly above the storm.  Find the spot where you can see the light and feel their love.