Try Again, Babbling Brook, 5K, Hand it Over, Girl in the Park

 Repentance & Forgiveness in Family Life

This week in institute we discussed repentance and forgiveness in family life.  We may often overlook how important regularly practicing these principles can bless our lives and those of our family.  Seeking to learn how others are feeling and recognizing when communication needs to be improved can help us find opportunities to practice repentance and forgiveness.  Some of our favorite quotes this week:

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained, “Repentance means a change of mind and heart—we stop doing things that are wrong, and we start doing things that are right. It brings us a fresh attitude toward God, oneself, and life in general.”

Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught: “Repentance not only changes us, but it also blesses our families and those we love. With our righteous repentance, in the timetable of the Lord, the lengthened-out arms of the Savior will not only encircle us but will also extend into the lives of our children and posterity. Repentance always means that there is greater happiness ahead.”

We need to sometimes give someone space to repent, to not assume that they will behave the same as they have in the past, but to give them the 'benefit of the doubt' and give them the gracious love the Savior gives to each of us, the opportunity to repent.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “Let people repent. Let people grow. Believe that people can change and improve.”

Elder Massimo De Feo of the Seventy said: “My dear brothers and sisters, if you are struggling to find the strength to forgive, don’t think of what others have done to you, but think of what the Savior has done for you, and you will find peace in the redemptive blessings of His Atonement.” 

The Brook Pauna Family

We sometimes highlight families we come to know.  We had the opportunity this last week to have a meal with the Brook and Lyndall Pauna family.  Lyndall is from South Africa and Brook is from Australia.  They met when Brook's brother met the Hamiltons on his mission and suggested that Brook reach out to Lyndall and get to know her.  He did and the rest is history.  They are such great examples in the stake here.  They have three children, Josiah 9, Asa 6 and Phineas 3.  They live in Morpeth and Lindall's mother, Debrah Hamilton, lives not far away.  Brook is the Ashington Branch President and a Chiropractor and Lyndall is the Primary first counselor and a dentist.  They have full lives and are very busy but take time to be loving and kind to others.  We had beef stew with mushrooms and dipping bread then played with the family guinea pigs and played 'Doubles' (Spot-it).  

District 5k

Our district activity this week was on the banks of Whitley Bay where we joined the ParkRun there.  Of course Elder Betteridge couldn't resist a run in the park, so off we went.  Sister Betteridge walked along the course and took pictures. There were probably 400 participants. 

The members of our district are from back left to right -- Elder Howard from South Dakota  , Elder Jones from Worster Massachusetts, Elder Gao from Provo Utah, Elder Ahlmer from Pleasant View Utah, Elder Daniels from Firth Idaho, Elder Muchmore from Casper Wyoming, Sister Moss from Winslow Arizona and Sister Sagers from Tooele Utah.  

The Handoff

This last week we took a step back from leading the institute effort and turned it over to the stake as counseled by our mission president.  David Redpath, the high councilor advising the YA activities, led the effort this week.  We had record attendance with 24 at North Shields and 21 at Gateshead.  Many friends of the missionaries attended.  

We handed off the 9-square which has been a big hit here in the stake. We have hauled this 50 pound bag around the stake to our two institute classes every week for the last year.  It barely fits in our little Toyota Corolla.  We have enjoyed using a slightly larger, balloon-type rubber ball.  It is easier to play with and is more unpredictable.  

Look who we found in the park, she looks just like our youngest daughter.