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!