Cheers, TTT, Lastiness, The Show Ain't Over 'Til..., Rollin.. rollin... rollin, Arise!

Cheers to Health

We were able to discuss with the young adults this last week understanding mental and emotional health.  Our mental and emotional health influences our thoughts, feelings, behavior, resilience, and more. Even as we strive to maintain good health, we may experience mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression.  It is important to be mindful of how we feel and why we feel the way we do and to do the best we can to manage these emotions in healthy ways. Jesus often went to places where He could be alone and commune with God.  Following His example can strengthen our mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

While sinful behavior can cause mental, emotional, and spiritual suffering, it is crucial that we do not attribute all such challenges to sin or a lack of faith. Some of the Lord’s most faithful children experience mental health challenges, such as severe anxiety or clinical depression. Though we don’t know everything about mental illness, we do know it is complex. Mental illness can be linked to chemical imbalances in the brain, genetic and environmental factors, traumatic events, brain injury, or substance abuse. In our day, “one in four people will be affected by mental or emotional illness at some point in their lives”, said Bonnie L. Oscarson.  

If we experience mental illness, fasting and praying for relief, seeking priesthood blessings, and attending the temple can often bring strength and healing. At other times, the illness may persist. If this occurs, know that our efforts are not in vain.  The Lord is watching over us and can sanctify this experience for our good.

Consider how the following principles can support our efforts to maintain or improve our mental health:

• Stay focused on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Especially when it is challenging to feel Their influence, choose to act with faith in Them. Reflect on times when you have felt Their influence. Remember that the Savior can always help because He “descended below all things”. He perfectly understands the despair and frustration of those who experience mental illness. The prophet Alma testified that Jesus Christ knows “according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities” (Alma 7:12)
• Share what you experience with loved ones. Keeping mental illness secret can increase feelings of isolation and prevent you from receiving necessary, even lifesaving, help. Helping others understand what you experience will increase their ability to support you.
• Seek help from competent medical professionals. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles advised:  “If things continue to be debilitating, seek the advice of reputable people with certified training, professional skills, and good values. Be honest with them about your history and your struggles.” (“Like a Broken Vessel,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 41)

To The Temple with Skie Elson (pronounced sky)

We had a delightful experience attending the temple this last week with Skie Elson, who attends our Thursday night Institute class.  Her parents also attended the temple with her.   Her family lives in the Newcastle ward.  She is the oldest of 5 children and a wonderful example to all.  We loved the opportunity to be with her as she received the Endowment ordinance.

The Lasts

We took our last transfer day trip to Leeds.  The car was empty on the way down but we picked up two of our favorite missionaries, Elder Jacoba Trotta from Italy and Elder Felix Heller from Germany, back with us.  They will be serving in the Gateshead ward area within the Sunderland Stake. 

We conducted our last series of Flat Inspections (9 flats).  We have done this every 6 weeks, preparing treat bags for the elders and sisters and making sure their flats are safe, clean and free of black mould.

We taught our last institute nights in Gateshead (Thursday nights)  and North Shields (Wednesday nights).  We have transferred the discussion leading / teaching to the stake leaders and recommended people within the stake who can carry on this responsibility..

We prepared our last institute meals.  The winner for easiest to prepare and most favorite was Taco Soup, served over tortilla chips with sour cream, grated cheese and olives.

Yes, Elder Betteridge really performed in the North Shields Ward Choir fully with pants and shirt ;-).  Heather accompanied several soloists and sang with the choir.  Jan Phillipson has inspired Elder Betteridge that he has a voice that should be heard (in the choir). 

Egg Roll

An Easter tradition in our family is to hard boil eggs and then sit across from each other in the living room and each roll an egg at the other with the intention of hitting your opponents egg and cracking it. Only one egg will crack and the owner of that egg is deemed the winner of the egg roll. Well.... guess who won the 2024 Hardy-Betteridge Family Egg Roll in Seaton Delaval England?  

The Resurrection

The spring time renewal is here and it is truly amazing to us.  The beautiful creation of this Earth testifies in so many ways of the Resurrection of our Savior.  As we entered the chapel on Easter morning the Daffodils and tulips outside the door seemed to stand a little taller that morning as if to say, He is Risen!  We express deep and joyful gratitude to our dear Father for the Resurrection of our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.  He lives !