Defend, (TT)x2, It's Over, Our Word Cloud

Defending the Family

In institute class this last week we talked about how we can defend the family organization in a changing and chaotic world.  The family is the most fundamental unit of our society.  We have an obligation to provide an environment for children and spouses to be nurtured and cared-for in a loving home.  The "Proclamation on the Family" released in 1995 by Gordon B. Hinckley, president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints concludes with these words: 

"We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society."

We love our family and want each and every one of them to have all the blessings possible from being raised in a safe and loving environment.  

Temple Time with Grace Cadle

One of our institute students, Grace, has been on a faith journey for the last three years which culminated in a trip with us to the Preston temple this last week to receive the Endowment Ordinance.  The word endowment means "a gift." The temple Endowment Ordinance  is literally a gift from God whereby He bestows sacred blessings upon us.  The Endowment can only be received in the Lord's holy temples.  Some of the gifts one receives through the temple endowment include:

1.  Greater knowledge of the Lord’s purposes and teachings.

2.  Power to do all that God wants us to do.

3.  Divine direction and protection as we serve the Lord, our families, and others.

4.  Increased hope, comfort, and peace.

5.  Promised blessings now and forever.

It was a glorious day to be with Grace.  Because she is the only member of the Church in her family, this was an especially tender time for her and we felt privileged to be with her.  She is one of the most resilient & optimistic individuals we know. 

A stop for the world's best chocolate milk was a a fun treat for us, the sister missionaries (Sagers and Moss), and Grace.

Temple Time with Emily Wheatley

We also had a wonderful adventure with Emily Wheatley to receive her Endowment, just 2 days after our trip with Grace to the Temple.  Emily has grown up in the church and also attends our Institute class.  She has submitted her mission papers and expects to be called on a mission shortly.  She is pictured here with us, her parents and her grandparents (her grandfather is Bishop Adlington of the South Shields Ward).  She has the sweetest smile and most pleasant disposition.  

It's Over Celebration

We had a humbling and delightful gathering at the Newcastle Chapel for Sunderland Stake members who wanted to wish us a farewell.  Mixed feelings for us--  leaving now after having met so many incredible people here, yet missing so desperately our family back home. 

They presented us with a word cloud gift, based on input from the YA who attended our classes.