Parents Take Note, The Race is On, The Gathering, Don't Forget

Parents to Provide

This last week we taught an institute lesson on the responsibility of parents to provide for their family.  This sometimes may seem like a daunting task but as we look back over our life, we recognize the Hand of the Lord in blessing us all along the way as we strove to provide for them. We are grateful for the commandments of God.  It has only been by following the Lord's commandments and receiving the associated blessings that made it possible  for us to provide for them. 

Through Latter-day prophets, the Lord has reaffirmed that “parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness [and] to provide for their physical and spiritual needs” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World”).  To fulfill this duty to provide for their children’s physical needs, parents must learn to be self-reliant. Self-reliance is a fundamental principle of the gospel. 

Elder Robert E. Hales said:

Self-reliance is taking responsibility for our own spiritual and temporal welfare and for those whom Heavenly Father has entrusted to our care. Only when we are self-reliant can we truly emulate the Savior in serving and blessing others.  It is important to understand that self-reliance is a means to an end. Our ultimate goal is to become like the Savior, and that goal is enhanced by our unselfish service to others. Our ability to serve is increased or diminished by the level of our self-reliance. (“A Gospel Vision of Welfare:  Faith in Action” in Basic Principles of Welfare and Self-Reliance, worldwide leadership training meeting, 2009).

The Race of Life

Every Saturday morning at 9:00 AM the Whitley Bay park run begins.  We often find ourselves in the middle of it as we do a walk/run along the Whitley Bay boardwalk every Saturday at about the same time. It is easy to observe how fast they are running and ask ourselves, wow, can I run that fast or where would I be in the pack if I were in this race?  

 

We then remember King Benjamin’s counsel: “And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength” (Mosiah 4:27).

Clearly every pace is different.  It is not wise to compare our run path or pace through life to that of others.  We need to say to ourselves...  Just keep moving forward... Focus on the Savior guiding you, coaching you, preparing the way, building the bridges for you to cross, carrying you across the streams you must ford... and be grateful for the opportunity to be on the path.

The Gatherings

Both institute classes this last week were very full.  We had over 20 on Wednesday night in North Shields and also over 20 in Gateshead.  The institute nights are successful because of 4 things: 

1. Food,   

2. Activity/Games,  

3. A Good Gospel Message, and 

4. Associating with the young full-time missionaries.

 

Remembering

Remembering those who have passed on, seems to be very important to the English people.  Remembering those who have fought for and defended freedom is a big event in the Fall each year, but also there are many shrines that people establish for their loved ones.  So we have found many paths with dedicated and decorated park benches.  Let us all remember those who have gone before-- we stand on the shoulders of their teachings and influence in our lives.  Most of all let us remember our dear Savior who has made Salvation possible for each one of us.  We love Him and seek to remember Him each day of our lives.