Rearing, Millington, BuT, Beauty Is as Beauty Does, 70 MPH

Rearing Children in Love and Righteousness

It is a true joy to raise children in the Light of the Lord and to see their path mirror that of the Savior. BUT... that is not always the choice of some  children who have been raised in love and righteousness. 

We have found great comfort in the the words of our prophet and general leaders as we shared the institute lessons on Rearing Children in Love and Righteousness.  These are some of our favorite quotes from the lesson this last week. 

Elder Bradley D. Foster taught, “Our Heavenly Father wants us to succeed [as parents] because really, after all, they were His children before they were ours.”

President Susan W. Tanner, former General YW President said, “Sometimes discipline, which means “to teach,” is confused with criticism. Children—as well as people of all ages—improve behavior from love and encouragement more than from fault-finding.”

President Russell M. Nelson said, “When a child needs correction, you might ask yourself, “What can I say or do that would persuade him or her to choose a better way?” When giving necessary correction, do it quietly, privately, lovingly, and not publicly. If a rebuke is required, show an increase of love promptly so that seeds of resentment may not remain. To be persuasive, your love must be sincere and your teachings based on divine doctrine and correct principles.”

Joy P. Jones, Primary General President said, “We cannot wait for conversion to simply happen to our children. Accidental conversion is not a principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Becoming like our Savior will not happen randomly. Being intentional in loving, teaching, and testifying can help children begin at a young age to feel the influence of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is essential to our children’s testimony of and conversion to Jesus Christ; we desire them to “always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them”

Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve said:  “It is hard to understand all the reasons why some people take another path. The best we can do in these circumstances is just to love and embrace them, pray for their well-being, and seek for the Lord’s help to know what to do and say. Sincerely rejoice with them in their successes; be their friends and look for the good in them. We should never give up on them but preserve our relationships. Never reject or misjudge them. Just love them! The parable of the prodigal son teaches us that when children come to themselves, they often desire to come home. If that happens with your dear ones, fill your hearts with compassion, run to them, fall on their neck, and kiss them, like the father of the prodigal son did.  Ultimately, keep living a worthy life, be a good example to them of what you believe, and draw closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ. He knows and understands our deep sorrows and pains, and He will bless your efforts and dedication to your dear ones if not in this life, in the next life."

Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency said: “For some, … eternal joy may seem a faint or even a fading hope. Parents, children, brothers, and sisters may have made choices that seem to disqualify them from eternal life. …A prophet of God once offered me counsel that gives me peace. I was worried that the choices of others might make it impossible for our family to be together forever. He said, “You are worrying about the wrong problem. You just live worthy of the celestial kingdom, and the family arrangements will be more wonderful than you can imagine.”

Hazel Millington Artist

Hazel Millington is a member of the North Shields ward and is an accomplished artist.  She has used a variety of mediums including oils, acrylics and water colors. Her artwork is mostly of the English landscape around her.  She has been commissioned to paint one of our favorite views along Whitley Bay where we typically walk most mornings. 

Teaching in Berwick upon Tweed

For the last 3 weeks we have taught an elderly (over 80) sweet woman called Natasha.  Berwick is about 1 hour 15 minutes from our flat and is the furthest north town in our mission.  We teach with the young elders, Elders Daniels and Keith from Alnwick.  The lessons are going very well.  Natasha has almost read the entire Book of Mormon.  Pray for her to receive a testimony of its truthfulness.  We will keep you posted on her progress. 

Relief Society Birthday

Today was the Relief Society Birthday celebration. All women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are members of this organization.  The purpose of the Relief Society is to save souls and relieve suffering, taught Joseph Smith.  This includes serving others, building unity, and to learn and live doctrine.  The Society is 182 years old-- as far as we know the oldest women's organization on Earth.  Heather was called upon to speak in Sacrament meeting on how the Relief Society has blessed her life over the last 48 years.  Beautiful Heather did a Beautiful job.  What a blessing it has been!

70 Miles an Hour

If a mile were a year and an hour were a lifetime, I would be at my speed limit.  It is hard for me to believe but I just hit 70 miles an hour, for which I am very very grateful.