*********** DRY PACK UPDATE*************
In late December, the Lindon Home Storage Center (Dry Pack) requested the information about price changes happening on January 16th be sent to our distribution list. It was amazing to see the effects this had. Brother Anderson, Manager of the Lindon Home Storage Center, has now asked that we share the following with you:
Lindon Home Storage Center (Dry-Pack) update. For Dry Pack questions call: 801-785-0997
• Powdered Milk
On January 16th the price of powdered milk rose $10.60 per 25# bag, from $24.80 to its current price of $35.40. As noted on the Family Home Storage Center price sheet (found on-line at www.providentliving.org), prices are subject to change without notice. The $24.80 price was in effect for almost seven months prior to the increase.
As soon as we were notified of the price increase in early December, I sent out a notice via the great sisters in the Wet-Pack Cannery Office. The results were interesting:
o In November 2009, our patrons canned just under 800 #10 cans of milk.
o In December, they canned just under 700 #10 cans of milk (remember that we were closed for ~the last two weeks in December.)
o In the first two weeks of January - before the price change on the 16th - just under 2,500 #10 cans were processed.
o On Thursday, January 14th, there was so much demand that we literally ran out of product fairly early in the day. It should be noted that if the demand had peaked in the weeks before, we could have replenished the milk to meet the demands since we order each week for the following week. But, by the last week, it was too late to order more.
o Note: the canning stats above do not include the thousands of pounds that were purchased in bulk during this time.
o The parallel to the parable of the 10 virgins came to my mind after all the (milk) dust settled. Those who waited until the last minute lost the benefit of the better price.
o Please note that the price of our powdered milk is still excellent considering that ~two years ago the price was over $70 per bag!
• Potato Flakes
A new opportunity has now presented itself. With the new price changes, potato flakes (NOT potato pearls!) have dropped from $30.20 per 25 lb. box to $22.20, a decrease of $8 per box.
Potato Flakes are only dried potatoes. Their shelf life, when properly canned and stored under ideal conditions (as noted on the order form), will be 30 years. You can make them taste just as good as potato pearls by adding salt, butter and milk.
We recommend that you plan early to increase your own home storage inventory and take advantage of the lower price of this and other items.
Other items to take note of are:
• White Rice: Price dropped $1.90 (11.1%) per 25# box to $$8.45
• Black Beans: Price dropped $1.85 (4.1%) per 25# bag to $14.50
• Spaghetti: Price dropped $1.70 (7.4%) per 25# box to $14.55
• White Beans: Price dropped $1.65 (7.6%) per 25# bag to $14.10
• Pre Packs
As you were informed earlier, the prices of our pre-packed items are no longer the same price as the do-it-yourself cans of equal quantity. They are slightly higher, ranging from 11 cents to 23 cents per can higher depending on the product. This is still a great buy if you want to save time in securing these products for your home storage. You can buy these pre-packs directly off the shelf.
New Pre-Pack Items: Starting sometime after the 1st of April, we will be offering two additional pre-pack items:
• White Wheat
• White Flour
Pricing and availability will be forwarded to you as soon as we are notified. This information, as always, will also be posted when the time comes on the Home Storage Center Order Form at www.providentliving.org.
We strongly suggest that the counsel of the Brethren be followed and that you build up your home storage items by:
• First securing your 3 months supply of those items your family eats every day.
• Then slowly build up your long-term food storage.
o You don't have to do it all at once! But keep at it!
o We have some very excellent and EASY instructions to help you determine what you will need for a year's supply of food for your family. Come in and talk to one of our excellent missionary staff! They are all willing and anxious to assist you.
The Lindon Home Storage Center is open on a walk-in, first-come/first-serve basis on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Price and product information is located on www.providentliving.org. (Make sure to use .org extension since there is a .net website with the same name.) You are looking for the Home Storage Center Order Form link on this website. It is an interactive form where you can plan your expenditure by entering order amounts and seeing the total amount you will spend. After you complete the order form, print it off and bring it with you to expedite the check-in process at the Home Storage Center. Do not fill out your check prior to arriving at the Center just in case they are out of any of the products you planned to order.
One last note: Remember that it isn't enough just to buy food stuffs in bulk and store them, as-purchased, without preparing them to last long-term.
I talked with a patron a few months ago who wanted to buy 2,000 lbs of White Wheat. When I asked how she planned to store it, she said she had no idea what I meant. She felt that all that was needed to be prepared was to buy it in bulk. No thought was given to safe and secure storing procedures. Don't get caught with a lot of food storage that may be at risk because of improper storage preparations.
We love serving you!
Y'all come in and see us! Hear?
Elder Anderson, Manager
Lindon Home Storage Center
February Spotlight
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Our Spotlight this month is Rita Jeffery
I was born in Ririe, Idaho, but I grew up on a dry farm near Sun Valley, Idaho.
I went to school in a two room schoolhouse, and was the only graduate. We skied to school most everyday in the winter months. My dad would leave our car in town and then our horses would pull us in a sleigh back and forth to our home. My dad was the bishop most all of my growing up years. So on Sunday mornings we would get into town and clean up the town tavern, (which was always a dirty mess from the bar the night before) then that is where we would hold church. So that is where I was taught and learned the gospel).
In the spring time it was such a wonderful time of year, so many gorgeous birds! Lots of meadow larks and bluebirds.
I graduated from college and I have a bachelor degree in Elementary Education. I taught school for 15 years. Kindergarten is my favorite. In Arizona I taught near an Indian reservation. I loved these children. Papago Indians and many Mexican children were in my kindergarten class. I also taught in a private school. That year when school was out for the summer, we had three missionaries out, and I thought what can I do to help out here, that is when I decided to start a preschool in my home, which worked out great, and I had it for 6 years.
I met my husband Ray a few years after our missions. We both served as missionaries in the Western Canada mission. We were serving at the same time, so I'm sure we must have met at zone meetings, but I really met him at a mission reunion some years later.
We have been married for 51 years. Ray worked for IBM. We lived in San Jose, Calif. in Longmont, Colorado and Tucson Arizona. He is always helping people. He honored every call in the church. He has served in two bishoprics and many other callings. We've both been very active in the church. After Ray retired we have served two missions. Santa Rosa, California where we worked mostly with Native Americans. We had several baptisms. One very special one with a paralized lady named Wonda. After she died I did her temple work.
We served as temple missionaries in Santiago Chili (2002-04) We learned all the ordinances in Spanish.
A special experence we had in Chili. The temple was closed for nearly a month in Dec. (this is their Summer.) We flew south with a group of missionaries. What an experience! We went to Penguin Island and saw 40,000 pairs of penguins plus their babies. It was unbelievable! I also have washed my hands in the Straights of Magellan. I have seen birds and animals that are no place else in the world! Also waterfalls and glaciers that are just breath taking. I've been in a wind that picked up rocks as big as your fist.
Ray and I have had many wonderful experences together.
We have 7 children. 5 living. I have had 2 sets of twins. Rawlin was our first then one year later, Ralph and Ryan (twins), Mary and Cinda (twins) they lived just a few hours. Jeana, and Jonathon. All of our children have served missions. All have graduated from college, three are doctors.
We have 11 grandchildren and 4 step grandchildren that we love so much.
My favorite hobbies are reading, walking, working in the garden, reading to children, and watching birds.
My greatest joys are my children, grandchildren, and working in the Temple.
My favorite scripture is; 2 Nephi 31:19-21
We love having Sister Jeffery in our ward!!! She lives at 577 S. Towers Dr.
Pictures are the Jeffery family on their 50th wedding anniversery and Grandsons who were serving missions at the time.
GOOD NEWS MOMENT
Jimmie and Lynette Black have been called on a service mission at the MTC.
Congratulations to the Fillmore family, they have a new baby boy!
Congratulations to the Fillmore family, they have a new baby boy!
January Presidency Message
"This is God's work, and God's work will not be frustrated. But there is still much to be done before the Great Jehovah can announce that the work is done. While we praise and honor those faithful Saints who have brought us to this point of public prominence, we cannot afford, my brothers and sisters, to be comfortable or content."We are all needed to finish the work that was begun by those pioneering Saints over 175 years ago and carried out through the subsequent decades by faithful Saints of every generation. We need to believe as they believed. We need to work as they worked. We need to serve as they served. And we need to overcome as they overcame."Of course, our challenges are different today, but they are no less demanding. Instead of angry mobs, we face those who constantly try to defame. Instead of extreme exposure and hardship, we face alcohol and drug abuse, pornography, all kinds of filth, sleaze, greed, dishonesty, and spiritual apathy. Instead of families being uprooted and torn from their homes, we see the institution of the family, including the divine institution of marriage, under attack as groups and individuals seek to define away the prominent and divine role of the family in society."This is not to suggest that our challenges today are more severe than the challenges faced by those who have gone before us. They are just different. The Lord isn't asking us to load up a handcart; He's asking us to fortify our faith. He isn't asking us to walk across a continent; He's asking us to walk across the street to visit our neighbor. He isn't asking us to give all of our worldly possessions to build a temple; He's asking us to give of our means and our time despite the pressures of modern living to continue to build temples and then to attend regularly the temples already built. He isn't asking us to die a martyr's death; He's asking us to live a disciple's life."
M. Russell Ballard, "The Truth of God Shall Go Forth," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 83–84
M. Russell Ballard, "The Truth of God Shall Go Forth," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 83–84
Cooking Tips and Tricks
Reheat Pizza - Heat up leftover pizza in a nonstick skillet on top of the stove, set heat to med-low and heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy.
Conditioner: Use your hair conditioner to shave your legs. It's cheaper than shaving cream and leaves your legs really smooth. It's also a great way to use up the conditioner you bought but didn't like when you tried it in your hair...or those little bottles you bring home from a hotel.
Conditioner: Use your hair conditioner to shave your legs. It's cheaper than shaving cream and leaves your legs really smooth. It's also a great way to use up the conditioner you bought but didn't like when you tried it in your hair...or those little bottles you bring home from a hotel.
Powdered milk, syrup, egg, hot cocoa
Two recipes for cocoa mix using powdered milk:
Instant Cocoa Mix
1 8-qt. box powdered milk (9 c)
1 1-lb. box powdered sugar (4 c)
1 1-lb. container Hershey’s or Nestles Quick (5 c)
1 10-oz. jar powdered creamer (3 c)
½-1 c unsweetened cocoa (to taste)
Mix in very large bowl. Store in covered container. Mix about 3 heaping spoonfuls to one cup hot water. Makes a lot!
Cocoa Mix Karen Wilcox
15 c instant powdered milk
1 ½ c sugar
1 c cocoa
1 ½ tsp. salt
Makes enough for 10 quarts or 40 1-cup servings. To use the mix, stir ½ c mix into 1 c hot water for a warm drink or ice cold water for chocolate milk.
Other recipes for using food storage: (These were in my recipe box along with the beans. I’m sure all of these recipes were from a homemaking meeting in the ‘90s, when 2nd Ward went clear to the Woodland Hills stoplight.)
Homemade Maple Syrup Tori Goudy
2 c sugar
1 tsp salt
1 c water
½ c Karo (opt)
1 tsp maple extract
Mix all ingredients except flavoring; boil to dissolve sugar. Add flavoring.
Egg for baking Tori Goudy
1 tsp. unflavored gelatin
3 Tbsp cold water
2 Tbsp + 1 tsp boiling water
This mixture will substitute for 1 egg in a recipe.
Condensed milk
½ c hot water
1 c sugar
1 Tbsp butter
1 c pwd. Milk
Blend thoroughly in blender. Can be stored in refrigerator or frozen.
Buttermilk or Sour Milk
1 c water
1/3 c pwd milk
1 Tbsp. vinegar or lemon juice
Drinkable Powdered Milk
To improve the flavor of powdered milk, mix it half and half with whole milk. Or try adding a little sugar or vanilla to enhance flavor. Let it chill several hours before drinking.
Instant Cocoa Mix
1 8-qt. box powdered milk (9 c)
1 1-lb. box powdered sugar (4 c)
1 1-lb. container Hershey’s or Nestles Quick (5 c)
1 10-oz. jar powdered creamer (3 c)
½-1 c unsweetened cocoa (to taste)
Mix in very large bowl. Store in covered container. Mix about 3 heaping spoonfuls to one cup hot water. Makes a lot!
Cocoa Mix Karen Wilcox
15 c instant powdered milk
1 ½ c sugar
1 c cocoa
1 ½ tsp. salt
Makes enough for 10 quarts or 40 1-cup servings. To use the mix, stir ½ c mix into 1 c hot water for a warm drink or ice cold water for chocolate milk.
Other recipes for using food storage: (These were in my recipe box along with the beans. I’m sure all of these recipes were from a homemaking meeting in the ‘90s, when 2nd Ward went clear to the Woodland Hills stoplight.)
Homemade Maple Syrup Tori Goudy
2 c sugar
1 tsp salt
1 c water
½ c Karo (opt)
1 tsp maple extract
Mix all ingredients except flavoring; boil to dissolve sugar. Add flavoring.
Egg for baking Tori Goudy
1 tsp. unflavored gelatin
3 Tbsp cold water
2 Tbsp + 1 tsp boiling water
This mixture will substitute for 1 egg in a recipe.
Condensed milk
½ c hot water
1 c sugar
1 Tbsp butter
1 c pwd. Milk
Blend thoroughly in blender. Can be stored in refrigerator or frozen.
Buttermilk or Sour Milk
1 c water
1/3 c pwd milk
1 Tbsp. vinegar or lemon juice
Drinkable Powdered Milk
To improve the flavor of powdered milk, mix it half and half with whole milk. Or try adding a little sugar or vanilla to enhance flavor. Let it chill several hours before drinking.
Rice
To cook rice:
One cup of uncooked rice will make 3 cups of cooked rice, or four servings.
Combine:
1 c uncooked rice
1 tsp. salt
2 c boiling water
Combine the ingredients. Bring to boil in a saucepan, stirring now and then to keep rice from clumping. When it reaches a boil, cover with lid and lower the heat to simmer. Cook about 15-20 minutes without removing lid or stirring, until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Ideas for using rice Karen Wilcox
• Cook rice in beef or chicken broth instead of water.
• Mix cooked rice with a variety of things—sliced mushrooms, sautéed onions, crumbled pieces of bacon, slivered almonds, or grated cheese.
• Try sour cream and chives mixed into cooked rice.
• Substitute ½ c fruit juice (apple, orange, cherry) for ½ c water when cooking. Vegetable juice cocktail or tomato juice may also be exchanged for 1 c of the water used in cooking.
• Add on of the following herbs to the cooking water when preparing rice.
o 1/8 tsp. dried thyme, oregano, sage, rosemary, basil, or savory
o ½ tsp. celery seeds or dried dill
o ¾ tsp. dried marjoram
o seasoned salt instead of regular salt
o 1 small bay leaf
Sweet Rice Lili Hartman
Melt ¼ c butter in non-stick frying pain. Add 1 c rice, uncooked. Sauté rice. Add 2 c water and bring to a boil. Add ¼ c butter, turn to low. Cover and cook 20 min. or until liquid is absorbed.
One cup of uncooked rice will make 3 cups of cooked rice, or four servings.
Combine:
1 c uncooked rice
1 tsp. salt
2 c boiling water
Combine the ingredients. Bring to boil in a saucepan, stirring now and then to keep rice from clumping. When it reaches a boil, cover with lid and lower the heat to simmer. Cook about 15-20 minutes without removing lid or stirring, until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Ideas for using rice Karen Wilcox
• Cook rice in beef or chicken broth instead of water.
• Mix cooked rice with a variety of things—sliced mushrooms, sautéed onions, crumbled pieces of bacon, slivered almonds, or grated cheese.
• Try sour cream and chives mixed into cooked rice.
• Substitute ½ c fruit juice (apple, orange, cherry) for ½ c water when cooking. Vegetable juice cocktail or tomato juice may also be exchanged for 1 c of the water used in cooking.
• Add on of the following herbs to the cooking water when preparing rice.
o 1/8 tsp. dried thyme, oregano, sage, rosemary, basil, or savory
o ½ tsp. celery seeds or dried dill
o ¾ tsp. dried marjoram
o seasoned salt instead of regular salt
o 1 small bay leaf
Sweet Rice Lili Hartman
Melt ¼ c butter in non-stick frying pain. Add 1 c rice, uncooked. Sauté rice. Add 2 c water and bring to a boil. Add ¼ c butter, turn to low. Cover and cook 20 min. or until liquid is absorbed.
Beans
Refried Beans Dawn VanNosdol
Soak and cook small red beans until very, very tender. Drain and while still hot, put in food processor or blender. Add a little water and process until desired consistency is achieved. Then add spices—these may include: garlic, onion, chili pwd., salt, dried green peppers, pepper, bacon fat or rendered ham fat, liquid smoke, or any others you like. All of the spices are optional.
Cook just long enough to blend spices together. This is all “make to taste.” You may use immediately or freeze.
*If beans are old, add ½ tsp. baking soda or more to your beans while you are soaking them. Rinse before cooking.
To cook old hard beans:
Wash and sort to remove any discolored beans or foreign material. For each cup of dry beans, add 2 ½ c hot tap water and 2 tsp. of baking soda and soak overnight. Drain and rinse two times. Then add water to cover. Cook until tender and soft, about two hours, adding more water as needed.
Adding a Tbsp. of oil will cut down on foam as beans cook. Stored beans should be rotated regularly. They continue to lose moisture and will not reconstitute satisfactorily if kept too long.
Cooking Beans Karen Wilcox
Soaking and cooking beans before mixing with other recipe ingredients helps to get the right tenderness and can minimize final cooking time.
Overnight Soaking:
For each 1 lb. beans, dissolve 2 tsp. salt in 6 c water. Wash beans, add to salted water, and soak overnight.
Quick Soaking:
For each 1 lb. beans, bring 8 c of water to boiling. Wash beans, add to boiling water, and boil for 2 min. Remove from heat, cover and soak 1 hour.
To cook soaked beans:
For each 1 lb dried beans, dissolve 2 tsp. salt in 6 c hot water; bring to boil. Add soaked beans. Boil, uncovered, adding water if needed to keep beans covered until tender. Yield: 6-7 cups.
To soak/cook beans in crock pot:
For small crock pot:
2 c beans. Fill the rest with water. Add 2 tsp. salt. Leave to cook all day (8 hrs.)
For large crock pot:
4 c beans. Fill the rest with water. Add 4 tsp. salt. Leave to cook all day (8 hrs.)
Soak and cook small red beans until very, very tender. Drain and while still hot, put in food processor or blender. Add a little water and process until desired consistency is achieved. Then add spices—these may include: garlic, onion, chili pwd., salt, dried green peppers, pepper, bacon fat or rendered ham fat, liquid smoke, or any others you like. All of the spices are optional.
Cook just long enough to blend spices together. This is all “make to taste.” You may use immediately or freeze.
*If beans are old, add ½ tsp. baking soda or more to your beans while you are soaking them. Rinse before cooking.
To cook old hard beans:
Wash and sort to remove any discolored beans or foreign material. For each cup of dry beans, add 2 ½ c hot tap water and 2 tsp. of baking soda and soak overnight. Drain and rinse two times. Then add water to cover. Cook until tender and soft, about two hours, adding more water as needed.
Adding a Tbsp. of oil will cut down on foam as beans cook. Stored beans should be rotated regularly. They continue to lose moisture and will not reconstitute satisfactorily if kept too long.
Cooking Beans Karen Wilcox
Soaking and cooking beans before mixing with other recipe ingredients helps to get the right tenderness and can minimize final cooking time.
Overnight Soaking:
For each 1 lb. beans, dissolve 2 tsp. salt in 6 c water. Wash beans, add to salted water, and soak overnight.
Quick Soaking:
For each 1 lb. beans, bring 8 c of water to boiling. Wash beans, add to boiling water, and boil for 2 min. Remove from heat, cover and soak 1 hour.
To cook soaked beans:
For each 1 lb dried beans, dissolve 2 tsp. salt in 6 c hot water; bring to boil. Add soaked beans. Boil, uncovered, adding water if needed to keep beans covered until tender. Yield: 6-7 cups.
To soak/cook beans in crock pot:
For small crock pot:
2 c beans. Fill the rest with water. Add 2 tsp. salt. Leave to cook all day (8 hrs.)
For large crock pot:
4 c beans. Fill the rest with water. Add 4 tsp. salt. Leave to cook all day (8 hrs.)
Lynette Black
I was raised right here in Salem. My parents are Max and Naomi Wride. I'm the oldest of five children. I thought I lived so far out of town and was grateful to have aunts, uncles and cousins close by. (Actually, I was even named after my moms brother Lynn Christensen, which I've always loved, its been fun living in the same ward with him and Aunt Aylene.)
My parents bought my mothers family home when I was very young which sits right across from by cousin Soren Christensen's big white and red barn that you see coming into Salem from Payson today. There were no homes south of us, just fields clear to the goose nest in Elkridge, actually fields everywhere.
We were all one ward here in Salem until I was 12 years old. When the town split into two wards, right down main street. I was devastated, because I was the only girl my age in the new 2nd ward. It all worked out, they just put me with the girls a year older.
I was in the last 9th grade graduating class from Salem. (It's exciting to have a Jr. High School coming to Salem again soon! Who would have thought a High School!! It's wonderful!) I graduated from Spanish Fork High School.
My husbands family moved to Salem when he was a Jr. in High School. Oh my goodness, were those cute "Black boys the talk of the town." I was to young though. ( I never let Jim forget! One day after church he ask me how old I was, and when I told him, he told me, "Oh your to young") We did start dating when I was 16.
After High School I went to Snow College and Jim went into the Marines. Thankfully after two years we got back together and were married in the Manti Temple April 29, 1966.
We moved to Sunnyvale Calif. where Jim worked for Hewlett/Packard. Our first daughters Patti and Cindie were born there, then we moved to San Jose where our son John was born. We moved back to Utah for a short time and our son Jeffrey(deceased) was born. Shirl Hanks was our wonderful bishop at this time. Then we moved to Santa Rosa Calif where our daughter Allison was born. When she was a year old we moved back to Salem, for good this time, and bought our home we still live in.
I started a Pre School at this time. Salem had never heard of anything like this, when we went to get a business license, they said they needed to talk to some other cities about us, so the next month they said, "go ahead" when they talked to other places they said, Oh, they'll just go away. So I had a wonderful time teaching pre school for over 25 years. As we can see they never went away.
Five years after Allison was born we were blessed with another son Bradley.
Today we have 17 beautiful grandchildren. 9 Boys and 8 Girls.
I love to travel, Jim & I have been to Czech,(where our oldest son served his mission) Hungary, Austria and Germany. Also, Japan it was wonderful, but I love the USA!
I work at the temple on Thurs. and love it! Jim and I will be starting a service mission at the MTC shortly which I know will be an exciting adventure.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
Expanding Frosting: If you must buy a container of cake frosting from the store, whip it with your mixer for a few minutes. You can double it in size. You get to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount. You also eat less sugar and calories per serving.
Reheating refrigerated bread: To warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in a microwave with a cup of water. The increased moisture will keep the food moist and help it reheat faster.
Reheating refrigerated bread: To warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in a microwave with a cup of water. The increased moisture will keep the food moist and help it reheat faster.
December Presidency Message
During this time of year, we seem to be bombarded with good things to do – shopping for the perfect gift, baking for neighbors, making candy, decorating our homes, going to parties, and following our family traditions. Unfortunately, all of these good things we try to do often lead us to forget the most important part of the Christmas season – Christ. Elder Dallin Oaks gave us this counsel for our daily lives. It is especially relevant at this time of year. He said, “We should begin by recognizing the reality that just because something is good is not a sufficient reason for doing it. The number of good things we can do far exceeds the time available to accomplish them. Some things are better than good, and these are the things that should command priority attention in our lives“ (Ensign, November 2007, 104-8).
Many of us are like Martha in the New Testament. We are busy working and preparing for the “big event”, while the simple, but often most important, moments pass us by. When Martha complained to Jesus that her sister Mary, who was sitting listening to him talk, was leaving her alone to work, Jesus commended Martha for her work – it was good. But, he went on to say that Mary had chosen the better part. It is important to recognize at this time of year that many things are good, but some things are best. We should take a moment to evaluate what we are going to do this season and think of what we would really like to have happen. Do we want to celebrate with perfect decorations, wear ourselves out fulfilling every tradition and attending every party only to discover on Christmas day that we have forgotten the best thing – celebrating the birth of our Savior and strengthening our testimonies of His divine mission?
One sister described how she had begun to practice the principle of selective neglect at Christmastime by not planning to do everything every year. A tradition in her family was to make gingerbread houses. However, one year, after all of the pieces were baked and all the candy and icing ready, she and her family decided to eat it right then - laughing and talking and enjoying the moment. She said, “Surely the Savior would be more pleased with our family laughing and working together and eating its lopsided cookie pieces than He ever would by a prize-winning gingerbread house.” I am sure that was a memory no one in her family would ever forget. Her advice is this: “Christmas must not be a dreaded obligation to be waded through somehow; it is an opportunity to remember and celebrate the birth of our Savior by following his example of love” (Ensign, December 1980, 49).
President Monson said, “As we lift our eyes heaven ward ant then remember to look outward into the lives of others, as we remember that it is more blessed to give than to receive, we, during this Christmas season, will come to see a bright, particular star that will guide us to our precious opportunity. “ As we think of our Savior and try to love as He would love and serve as He would serve, I know we will be lead to find our “precious opportunities”. Then, our testimonies of Him, of His divine mission and of His love for all of us will be strengthened. I pray that during this wonderful time of year, each of us will choose the best things and provide for ourselves and our families the opportunity to enjoy and treasure the special moments this season can bring.
Many of us are like Martha in the New Testament. We are busy working and preparing for the “big event”, while the simple, but often most important, moments pass us by. When Martha complained to Jesus that her sister Mary, who was sitting listening to him talk, was leaving her alone to work, Jesus commended Martha for her work – it was good. But, he went on to say that Mary had chosen the better part. It is important to recognize at this time of year that many things are good, but some things are best. We should take a moment to evaluate what we are going to do this season and think of what we would really like to have happen. Do we want to celebrate with perfect decorations, wear ourselves out fulfilling every tradition and attending every party only to discover on Christmas day that we have forgotten the best thing – celebrating the birth of our Savior and strengthening our testimonies of His divine mission?
One sister described how she had begun to practice the principle of selective neglect at Christmastime by not planning to do everything every year. A tradition in her family was to make gingerbread houses. However, one year, after all of the pieces were baked and all the candy and icing ready, she and her family decided to eat it right then - laughing and talking and enjoying the moment. She said, “Surely the Savior would be more pleased with our family laughing and working together and eating its lopsided cookie pieces than He ever would by a prize-winning gingerbread house.” I am sure that was a memory no one in her family would ever forget. Her advice is this: “Christmas must not be a dreaded obligation to be waded through somehow; it is an opportunity to remember and celebrate the birth of our Savior by following his example of love” (Ensign, December 1980, 49).
President Monson said, “As we lift our eyes heaven ward ant then remember to look outward into the lives of others, as we remember that it is more blessed to give than to receive, we, during this Christmas season, will come to see a bright, particular star that will guide us to our precious opportunity. “ As we think of our Savior and try to love as He would love and serve as He would serve, I know we will be lead to find our “precious opportunities”. Then, our testimonies of Him, of His divine mission and of His love for all of us will be strengthened. I pray that during this wonderful time of year, each of us will choose the best things and provide for ourselves and our families the opportunity to enjoy and treasure the special moments this season can bring.
December Spotlight Linda Beddoes
Where were you born? I was born in Springville, Ut
Where did you grow up? I lived all my life in Springville until I married at age 21 then moved clear to Spanish Fork which was 6 miles south.
What high school did you graduated from? Springville
Any education beyond high school? I graduated from Cosmetology School and worked as a hair dresser for several years after I married Joe.
Where did you meet your husband? I was dating my husbands’ cousin and he introduced us and we were married 6 months later.
How long have you been married? In March we will have been married 42 years.
How many children do you have? We have three daughters.
What are their names? Michelle(Shelly) Smith , Salem. Robbin Averett, Kamas Ut. And Jamie Beddoes, Salem.
Any grandchildren? How many? Any exciting things you would like to share? We have a total of eight grandchildren, 6 girls and 2 boys. Because of not having the opportunity to raise boys, I have really enjoyed the two grandsons. They have been so good to share their lives with me.
Where have you lived during your married life? Our first 37 years of marriage were in Spanish Fork. We bought a very small, very old house and Joe proceeded to remodel it. He was still at it 4 years ago when we moved to Salem. This is where Joe was born and raised. He has always wanted to move back to Salem. We all feel like this is home.
Do you work? Where? I have worked all my married life but, the last 20 years were at Brigham Young University as the office manager in the Accounts Payable Dept. I just retired last April and it has been a big adjustment to stay home all day and start over again to be a full time wife. I think that I am learning.
Your favorite hobbies? I don’t really have any hobbies but I love to sit at the Baseball Park and watch the grandkids play ball. It doesn’t get any better than that.
Your greatest joys? My husband, my three daughters and my grandchildren. I thank my Heavenly Father for the opportunity to share in their lives.
Fun experiences or travel you could tell us about? I have a special group of 8 lady friends that I spend a lot of time with. We have been together for about 37 years. We have raised our children together and our husbands together. I think it is the cheapest therapy I can find. We have done a lot of traveling both inside the United States and out. Every once and a while we break down and take the husbands with us and we have had some wonderful experiences.
Are you a convert to the church? Do you have a favorite scripture? No I’m not a convert and I am not sure I have one favorite scripture.
November Presidency Message
Time… seconds, minutes, hours, days, months, and years ….. Time ticks on. It’s the thing that life is made of. Most of the time there is never enough of it! Yet sometimes we wish it away. Once it is gone, we can never get it back.
Have you ever thought about what fills your time? How you use it? President Ochtdorf posed this question. What are the non-essential things that clutter your days and steal your time?
As Latter-day Saint Women, we have many, many, responsibilities that fill our time and it seems like we never feel we have enough time to do everything that our hearts and our minds want to.
We recognize the many demands for your time and after taking that into consideration along with your commitments and responsibilities, we have discussed and prayed as a presidency, along with the Bishop as to the direction our ward should go with the changes that President Beck presented at the General RS Meeting.
Because we are a worldwide church, there are vast differences in each ward. Each ward has its own unique set of characteristics which can be compared to the DNA that identifies each of us as unique. Therefore the Lord has left it to each Bishop and RS Presidency to seek inspiration and direction for their ward, as to how often these meetings should be held. These meetings will no longer be called Enrichment but simply what they are, for example “Service Opportunity”. As we have prayed, we have felt directed to hold 4 meetings on a ward level with the stake adding 2 others. A total of 6 for 2010. Our focus will be to strengthen each other in Faith, Family, Service, Provident Living and Self Reliance. We have planned these meetings for January, March, June, and November. We hope this will give you more time to be with your families and serve the Lord. In an effort to involve more sisters and their individual talents and strengths, we will no longer have an Enrichment Leader or committee, but will be calling upon you to share your knowledge, skills and talents, as coordinators and participants for these meetings to help strengthen us in these areas and increase sisterhood and unity.
We feel a need to have more service opportunities available throughout the year. These are great places to invite our non-member and less active friends. We know that when we serve others we feel true joy and that our own problems seem lighter. “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” President Monson said this, “I believe the Savior is telling us that unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives.” “ Service is a great antidote to grief and despair.” Gordon B Hinckley “Man’s greatest happiness comes from losing himself for the good of others.” David O McKay
We look forward to these RS Meetings and hope you will plan to attend, for we know that we are strengthened when we meet together as sisters.
What a blessing it has been to meet with most of you in our VT interviews last week. As we discussed the rewards and challenges of Visiting Teaching, the most common challenge for most of you was Time. Finding the Time for Visiting Teaching. Most of you agreed that you know it is important and always feel good after you got it done.
Our dear prophet said: “I am confident it is the intention of each member to serve and help those in need. How many times has your heart been touched as you have witnessed the need of another? How often have you intended to be the one to help? And yet how often has day to day living interfered and you’ve left it for others to help? We become so caught up in the busyness of our lives. Were we to step back, and take a good look at what we’re doing, we may find that we’ve spent too much time taking care of the things which do not really matter much, while neglecting those more important causes.” Because Visiting Teaching can do so much good, the adversary does not want it to happen, so he works hard to put things and busyness in our way to distract us from the Lord’s work.
President Beck teaches, “A sister in this Church has no other responsibility outside of her family that has the potential to do as much good as does Visiting Teaching. Visiting Teaching is one duty we have in the Church where we are certain to have the help of the Lord if we ask for it.” Sisters, when you feel overwhelmed with too much to do, go to your knees and ask for His help! “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matt. 6:33
When we make time and effort to do the Lord’s work, He will assist us in getting it done. Just as the loaves and the fishes were multiplied, I believe the Lord can also multiply our time. Give us more time? Is it possible for the Lord to help me take care of the laundry, the homework, the fussy baby, to help me do my Visiting Teaching & church work? Yes, it is true, He can help. “Trust in the Lord with all thy heart and lean not to thine own understanding.“ The Lord will be with you and send angels to help you. DC84:88
When the Savior was on the earth, he was a very busy man, he had a lot of work to do!! When the multitudes gathered and wanted blessings, he could have pronounced a blessing on the whole multitude and been done-- but rather He made the time to individually bless each one. The same is true with VT. President Beck states,” If our responsibility were primarily about reporting that every sister in the ward received the VT message, it would be much more efficient to read it aloud in sacrament meeting& be done. Because we follow the example and teachings of the Savior Jesus Christ, we value the sacred assignment of Visiting Teaching, to individually love, know, serve, understand, teach, and minister in His behalf. Ideally every sister should watch over and strengthen at least one other sister in her ward. It is our blessing to pray for another sister and receive inspiration as to how the Lord would have us care for her. Visiting Teaching becomes the Lord’s work when our hearts focus on People. It is more a way of life than a task, it is never finished. “
I testify that when you give your time and heart to this work, the Lord will help you accomplish it. If you do not yet have a testimony of Visiting Teaching, please pray for experiences to give you that testimony. This responsibility will strengthen your homes and families as you become partners with the Lord. Thank you for your dedication to this divinely inspired work. It helps us keep track of each sister in our ward and her needs and challenges. The Bishop and I couldn’t do it without you. Thank you for being the eyes and the ears and hands. You are the angels in the lives of the sisters of this ward that help bear them up. You have ministered to those in need as the Savior would. We thank you for your work. There is still much to be done. We are surrounded by those in need of our encouragement, friendship, kindness, comfort and the gospel of Jesus Christ. May we use our time wisely when it comes to efforts in doing the Lord’s work. Make Visiting Teaching one of the more important things to be done. Begin early in the month, give them your time and your heart and you will feel the joy and peace that follow service. I testify that He lives and loves each of us individually and feel privileged to be a part of this great work.
Have you ever thought about what fills your time? How you use it? President Ochtdorf posed this question. What are the non-essential things that clutter your days and steal your time?
As Latter-day Saint Women, we have many, many, responsibilities that fill our time and it seems like we never feel we have enough time to do everything that our hearts and our minds want to.
We recognize the many demands for your time and after taking that into consideration along with your commitments and responsibilities, we have discussed and prayed as a presidency, along with the Bishop as to the direction our ward should go with the changes that President Beck presented at the General RS Meeting.
Because we are a worldwide church, there are vast differences in each ward. Each ward has its own unique set of characteristics which can be compared to the DNA that identifies each of us as unique. Therefore the Lord has left it to each Bishop and RS Presidency to seek inspiration and direction for their ward, as to how often these meetings should be held. These meetings will no longer be called Enrichment but simply what they are, for example “Service Opportunity”. As we have prayed, we have felt directed to hold 4 meetings on a ward level with the stake adding 2 others. A total of 6 for 2010. Our focus will be to strengthen each other in Faith, Family, Service, Provident Living and Self Reliance. We have planned these meetings for January, March, June, and November. We hope this will give you more time to be with your families and serve the Lord. In an effort to involve more sisters and their individual talents and strengths, we will no longer have an Enrichment Leader or committee, but will be calling upon you to share your knowledge, skills and talents, as coordinators and participants for these meetings to help strengthen us in these areas and increase sisterhood and unity.
We feel a need to have more service opportunities available throughout the year. These are great places to invite our non-member and less active friends. We know that when we serve others we feel true joy and that our own problems seem lighter. “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” President Monson said this, “I believe the Savior is telling us that unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives.” “ Service is a great antidote to grief and despair.” Gordon B Hinckley “Man’s greatest happiness comes from losing himself for the good of others.” David O McKay
We look forward to these RS Meetings and hope you will plan to attend, for we know that we are strengthened when we meet together as sisters.
What a blessing it has been to meet with most of you in our VT interviews last week. As we discussed the rewards and challenges of Visiting Teaching, the most common challenge for most of you was Time. Finding the Time for Visiting Teaching. Most of you agreed that you know it is important and always feel good after you got it done.
Our dear prophet said: “I am confident it is the intention of each member to serve and help those in need. How many times has your heart been touched as you have witnessed the need of another? How often have you intended to be the one to help? And yet how often has day to day living interfered and you’ve left it for others to help? We become so caught up in the busyness of our lives. Were we to step back, and take a good look at what we’re doing, we may find that we’ve spent too much time taking care of the things which do not really matter much, while neglecting those more important causes.” Because Visiting Teaching can do so much good, the adversary does not want it to happen, so he works hard to put things and busyness in our way to distract us from the Lord’s work.
President Beck teaches, “A sister in this Church has no other responsibility outside of her family that has the potential to do as much good as does Visiting Teaching. Visiting Teaching is one duty we have in the Church where we are certain to have the help of the Lord if we ask for it.” Sisters, when you feel overwhelmed with too much to do, go to your knees and ask for His help! “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matt. 6:33
When we make time and effort to do the Lord’s work, He will assist us in getting it done. Just as the loaves and the fishes were multiplied, I believe the Lord can also multiply our time. Give us more time? Is it possible for the Lord to help me take care of the laundry, the homework, the fussy baby, to help me do my Visiting Teaching & church work? Yes, it is true, He can help. “Trust in the Lord with all thy heart and lean not to thine own understanding.“ The Lord will be with you and send angels to help you. DC84:88
When the Savior was on the earth, he was a very busy man, he had a lot of work to do!! When the multitudes gathered and wanted blessings, he could have pronounced a blessing on the whole multitude and been done-- but rather He made the time to individually bless each one. The same is true with VT. President Beck states,” If our responsibility were primarily about reporting that every sister in the ward received the VT message, it would be much more efficient to read it aloud in sacrament meeting& be done. Because we follow the example and teachings of the Savior Jesus Christ, we value the sacred assignment of Visiting Teaching, to individually love, know, serve, understand, teach, and minister in His behalf. Ideally every sister should watch over and strengthen at least one other sister in her ward. It is our blessing to pray for another sister and receive inspiration as to how the Lord would have us care for her. Visiting Teaching becomes the Lord’s work when our hearts focus on People. It is more a way of life than a task, it is never finished. “
I testify that when you give your time and heart to this work, the Lord will help you accomplish it. If you do not yet have a testimony of Visiting Teaching, please pray for experiences to give you that testimony. This responsibility will strengthen your homes and families as you become partners with the Lord. Thank you for your dedication to this divinely inspired work. It helps us keep track of each sister in our ward and her needs and challenges. The Bishop and I couldn’t do it without you. Thank you for being the eyes and the ears and hands. You are the angels in the lives of the sisters of this ward that help bear them up. You have ministered to those in need as the Savior would. We thank you for your work. There is still much to be done. We are surrounded by those in need of our encouragement, friendship, kindness, comfort and the gospel of Jesus Christ. May we use our time wisely when it comes to efforts in doing the Lord’s work. Make Visiting Teaching one of the more important things to be done. Begin early in the month, give them your time and your heart and you will feel the joy and peace that follow service. I testify that He lives and loves each of us individually and feel privileged to be a part of this great work.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
Cheese: Store your opened chunks of cheese in aluminum foil. Stays fresh longer, doesn't mold!
Garlic: Add garlic immediately to a recipe if you want a light taste of garlic and at the end of the recipe if you want a stronger taste of garlic.
Garlic: Add garlic immediately to a recipe if you want a light taste of garlic and at the end of the recipe if you want a stronger taste of garlic.
Chantel Ficklin
I was born in Salt Lake City, UT. I was born a red head.
I've lived in Salem my whole life.
I graduated from Spanish Fork High in 2007
I'm not working at the moment because I am going on a Mission.
I have been called to serve in the Dominican Republic Santo Domingo West Mission. And report to the Provo MTC on Nov. 4th, 2009.
I attended school for 2 semesters at UVU.
I have a lot of Hobbies or things I like to do. Theater is my first love, dancing, singing, acting. Next is reading. I also enjoy choreography. It’s fun because I can hear a song and a dance will come in my head along with it. I like to scuba dive when I can. I also enjoy writing stories, and being spontaneous. I am very laid back and enjoy meeting new people. I also love Music. People say I have the most random music collection they've ever seen.
My greatest joy so far in my life has been my family and friends. They are amazing!
I have been blessed with great opportunity's to travel quite a lot. Out of all the places I've been Lake Powell is my all time favorite place to be.
Something I think is funny about me is that my family jokes that I was born in the wrong time period. I love old fashion things; from Classic cars, to vintage dresses, to black and white movies. I Love the 1800's, 1920's, 1950's and 1980's!
I'm really excited to serve a mission and can't wait to be out there! I hope I can share the gospel to touch people’s lives. I have a firm testimony of the church. It is so TRUE! I have a lot of favorite scriptures, but I'll give you one that keeps me positive. Its 1 Samuel 16:7. This reminds me that the Lord knows what’s in my heart. And even though I was made smaller than the average person I can be big in so many different ways.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
Measuring cups: Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill with hot water. Dump out the hot water, but don't dry cup. Next, add your ingredient, such as peanut butter, and watch how easily it comes right out.
Goodbye Fruit Flies: To get rid of pesky fruit flies, take a small glass fill it 1/2" with apple cider vinegar and 2 drops of dish washing liquid, mix well. Flies are drawn to the cup and gone forever.
Goodbye Fruit Flies: To get rid of pesky fruit flies, take a small glass fill it 1/2" with apple cider vinegar and 2 drops of dish washing liquid, mix well. Flies are drawn to the cup and gone forever.
October Presidency Message
After almost 40 years of wandering in the desert, the ancient Israelites under Moses were, at last, very close to the promised land. They still had in front of them, however, several kingdoms to pass through (or conquer). After a particularly victorious battle, they asked permission for the king of Edom to let them pass through his land. He refused, which meant they would have to travel quite a bit out of the way to get to where they needed to be. They became discouraged. And then the fiery serpents came. They were very poisonous and killed whomever they bit. The people cried out to Moses to save them and the Lord gave Moses an answer. He was to create a brass serpent and put it on a pole. When people were bitten all they had to do was look up to the serpent and they would be healed. (Numbers 21:4-9)
Jesus Christ and the Book of Mormon prophets shed a bit more light on this story. We learn that the brass serpent was a representation of Jesus Christ who would be lifted up on the cross (John 3:14). We also learn that although many were healed by looking at the serpent, many died. They refused to look because of the simpleness of the way (Alma 33:19-22).
There is an illness that is becoming rampant among us today. We all may be inflicted with it at one time or another. For some it passes, while for some it becomes fatal. That illness is despair, discouragement, and depression.
Like ancient Israel in the wilderness. we have experiences during our mortal lives that test us. In fact, we are living in that prophesied age when "men's hearts shall fail them" (D&C 45:26). Clear back in 1987, President Ezra Taft Benson gave a talk entitled "Do Not Despair", where he wrote, "As the showdown between good and evil approaches with its accompanying trials and tribulations, Satan is increasingly striving to overcome the Saints with despair, discouragement, despondency, and depression." If that was true then, it seems even more true now.And yet, with all the great troubles of our time, the promises are greater. Pres. Benson in that same address says, "We as Latter-Day Saints should be the most optimistic and the least pessimistic." Why? Because we know that good always overcomes evil. We know that the Lord is on our side. We know that as we make and keep our covenants we are promised power from on high. We have the promise that as we look to the Savior we will live.
LOOK AND LIVE
In the life and words of the Savior we see over and over again the word "come". "Come and see." "Come, follow me." In the Beatitudes the Savior speaks to the poor in spirit. "Blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (3 Nephi 12:3)
COME UNTO ME
The essence of the gospel can be summed up in these phrases. The solution to ALL of our problems can be summed up in these phrases.Elder Holland, in his April, 2006, conference address, said, "My desire is for all of us - not just those who are poor in spirit, but all of us - to have more straighforward personal experiences with the Savior's example. Sometimes we seek heaven too obliquely, focusing on programs or history or the experience of others. Those are important but not as important as personal experience, true discipleship, and the strength that comes from experiencing firsthand the majesty of His touch. Are you battling a demon of addiction? Is your marriage in trouble or your child in danger? Are you searching for self-esteem? Do you - or someone you love - face disease or depression or death? Whatever steps you may need to take to resolve these concerns, come first to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Trust in heaven's promises."
What does this mean? To me it means that when we are facing trials and despair we FIRST turn to prayer. We FIRST ask Heavenly Father for help. I know that often we don't feel like talking to Him. We often feel distant from Him. We often feel like we are being punished by Him. But we pray anyway. Just that simple leap of faith is often enought to feel His presence again. We humble ourselves enough to ask for His help and guidance - and listen when He answers. Because sometimes His advice is to repent. And sometimes it is to forgive.
We also remember our covenants. Sisters, too often we take the sacrament for granted. We are concerned that so many sisiters are not attending Sacrament Meeting. We can find great spiritual strengh in partaking weekly of the Sacrament. We can find great direction from the Holy Spirit as we attend our meetings, often in least expected times and places.We can also find great strength in the temple. If you haven't made those temple covenants yet, or if you haven't attended in a while, please do so. When we attend the temple and partake of the sacrament we are charging our spiritual batteries. When we don't we can drain down and lose energy.We need to fill our lives with light from the right sources.
I would encourage you to read Pres. Benson's talk and Elder Holland's talk for inspiration on where that light should come from in your life. We may need to examine the friends we keep, or the amount of service we give. We may need to examine our health habits, or live the law of the fast in a better way. The Spirit will whisper the solutions as we turn to our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.We live in an age where we will be overtaken and die spiritually if we don't tap into Heavenly Father's light and power. We don't have to die. All we have to do is LOOK AND LIVE and COME UNTO ME. It is that easy. We have a choice.I testify that, as it says in Helaman 5:12 "Remember, remember, it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."
Jesus Christ and the Book of Mormon prophets shed a bit more light on this story. We learn that the brass serpent was a representation of Jesus Christ who would be lifted up on the cross (John 3:14). We also learn that although many were healed by looking at the serpent, many died. They refused to look because of the simpleness of the way (Alma 33:19-22).
There is an illness that is becoming rampant among us today. We all may be inflicted with it at one time or another. For some it passes, while for some it becomes fatal. That illness is despair, discouragement, and depression.
Like ancient Israel in the wilderness. we have experiences during our mortal lives that test us. In fact, we are living in that prophesied age when "men's hearts shall fail them" (D&C 45:26). Clear back in 1987, President Ezra Taft Benson gave a talk entitled "Do Not Despair", where he wrote, "As the showdown between good and evil approaches with its accompanying trials and tribulations, Satan is increasingly striving to overcome the Saints with despair, discouragement, despondency, and depression." If that was true then, it seems even more true now.And yet, with all the great troubles of our time, the promises are greater. Pres. Benson in that same address says, "We as Latter-Day Saints should be the most optimistic and the least pessimistic." Why? Because we know that good always overcomes evil. We know that the Lord is on our side. We know that as we make and keep our covenants we are promised power from on high. We have the promise that as we look to the Savior we will live.
LOOK AND LIVE
In the life and words of the Savior we see over and over again the word "come". "Come and see." "Come, follow me." In the Beatitudes the Savior speaks to the poor in spirit. "Blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (3 Nephi 12:3)
COME UNTO ME
The essence of the gospel can be summed up in these phrases. The solution to ALL of our problems can be summed up in these phrases.Elder Holland, in his April, 2006, conference address, said, "My desire is for all of us - not just those who are poor in spirit, but all of us - to have more straighforward personal experiences with the Savior's example. Sometimes we seek heaven too obliquely, focusing on programs or history or the experience of others. Those are important but not as important as personal experience, true discipleship, and the strength that comes from experiencing firsthand the majesty of His touch. Are you battling a demon of addiction? Is your marriage in trouble or your child in danger? Are you searching for self-esteem? Do you - or someone you love - face disease or depression or death? Whatever steps you may need to take to resolve these concerns, come first to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Trust in heaven's promises."
What does this mean? To me it means that when we are facing trials and despair we FIRST turn to prayer. We FIRST ask Heavenly Father for help. I know that often we don't feel like talking to Him. We often feel distant from Him. We often feel like we are being punished by Him. But we pray anyway. Just that simple leap of faith is often enought to feel His presence again. We humble ourselves enough to ask for His help and guidance - and listen when He answers. Because sometimes His advice is to repent. And sometimes it is to forgive.
We also remember our covenants. Sisters, too often we take the sacrament for granted. We are concerned that so many sisiters are not attending Sacrament Meeting. We can find great spiritual strengh in partaking weekly of the Sacrament. We can find great direction from the Holy Spirit as we attend our meetings, often in least expected times and places.We can also find great strength in the temple. If you haven't made those temple covenants yet, or if you haven't attended in a while, please do so. When we attend the temple and partake of the sacrament we are charging our spiritual batteries. When we don't we can drain down and lose energy.We need to fill our lives with light from the right sources.
I would encourage you to read Pres. Benson's talk and Elder Holland's talk for inspiration on where that light should come from in your life. We may need to examine the friends we keep, or the amount of service we give. We may need to examine our health habits, or live the law of the fast in a better way. The Spirit will whisper the solutions as we turn to our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.We live in an age where we will be overtaken and die spiritually if we don't tap into Heavenly Father's light and power. We don't have to die. All we have to do is LOOK AND LIVE and COME UNTO ME. It is that easy. We have a choice.I testify that, as it says in Helaman 5:12 "Remember, remember, it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."
Home Made Bread
We want to give Donna a huge thank you for the fun and yummy bread class!
Donna Schwartz-Bread Recipe (with bread mixer)
combine and heat the following in a saucepan until shortening is melted:
2c. milk
3T. sugar
3T. salt
5T. shortening
Mix in a large bowl:
4c. cold milk with the saucepan mixture in bread mixer.
In a separate bowl measure about 13c. of white flour with 3T. of Saf-Instant Yeast mixed in.
Add flour mixture a little at a time to the liquid in mixer. Mix in bread mixer for about 10 minutes on #2 speed. After this is done, put about 1 T. liquid shortening on top of dough.
Cover and let raise 1 1/2 hours. Punch down and let raise 1 hour more. Punch down and put dough on a floured surface. cut dough into 6 loaf pieces. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes.
Make loaves and put in bread pans that have melted shortening in them.
Cover and raise 1hr.
bake 10 minutes at 400 degrees and then lower heat to 325 and bake for 30 minutes more.
Remove bread from loaves and brush with butter and let cool.
Bread recipe (old fashioned way without mixer)
Follow the same recipe above accept put it in a large bowl instead of mixer and knead at least 10 minutes by hand.
Donna Schwartz-Bread Recipe (with bread mixer)
combine and heat the following in a saucepan until shortening is melted:
2c. milk
3T. sugar
3T. salt
5T. shortening
Mix in a large bowl:
4c. cold milk with the saucepan mixture in bread mixer.
In a separate bowl measure about 13c. of white flour with 3T. of Saf-Instant Yeast mixed in.
Add flour mixture a little at a time to the liquid in mixer. Mix in bread mixer for about 10 minutes on #2 speed. After this is done, put about 1 T. liquid shortening on top of dough.
Cover and let raise 1 1/2 hours. Punch down and let raise 1 hour more. Punch down and put dough on a floured surface. cut dough into 6 loaf pieces. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes.
Make loaves and put in bread pans that have melted shortening in them.
Cover and raise 1hr.
bake 10 minutes at 400 degrees and then lower heat to 325 and bake for 30 minutes more.
Remove bread from loaves and brush with butter and let cool.
Bread recipe (old fashioned way without mixer)
Follow the same recipe above accept put it in a large bowl instead of mixer and knead at least 10 minutes by hand.
HALLOWEEN
Salem 2nd ward Trunk or Treat
Saturday, October 31 at 5 pm.
Meet at the church parking lot
Decorate your trunks and bring your treats
See you there!
Saturday, October 31 at 5 pm.
Meet at the church parking lot
Decorate your trunks and bring your treats
See you there!
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Rita and Bishop MacCabe, they are proud grandparents of a cute black haired baby boy! Born 10/10/09 at 8:22 p.m. His name is Caleb Thomas and he weighed 7lbs 7oz, 19" long.
Preventing H1N1
Add to this Vitamin D3 and lots of sunshine.Be careful with the Vitamin C.It's better to eat it in natural foods.
Dr. Vinay Goyal is an MBBS, DRM, DNB (Intensivist and Thyroid specialist)
having clinical experience of over 20 years. He has worked in institutions like Hinduja Hospital, Bombay Hospital, Saifee Hospital, Tata Memorial etc. Presently, he is heading our Nuclear Medicine Department and Thyroid clinic at Riddhivinayak Cardiac and Critical Centre, Malad (W). The following message given by him, makes a lot of sense and is important for all of you to know
The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a
global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible not coming into
contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not
so much of a problem as proliferation is.
While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1
infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms
and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not
fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced
(instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):
1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any
part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).
3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't
trust salt). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/
nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple
gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has
the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected
one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful
preventative method.
4. Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with
warm salt water. Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti
(very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but blowing the nose
hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in
warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.
5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C
(Amla and other citrus fruits). If you have to supplement with Vitamin
C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
6. Drink as much of warm liquids as you can. Drinking warm liquids
has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They
wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where
they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.
Dr. Vinay Goyal is an MBBS, DRM, DNB (Intensivist and Thyroid specialist)
having clinical experience of over 20 years. He has worked in institutions like Hinduja Hospital, Bombay Hospital, Saifee Hospital, Tata Memorial etc. Presently, he is heading our Nuclear Medicine Department and Thyroid clinic at Riddhivinayak Cardiac and Critical Centre, Malad (W). The following message given by him, makes a lot of sense and is important for all of you to know
The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a
global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible not coming into
contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not
so much of a problem as proliferation is.
While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1
infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms
and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not
fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced
(instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):
1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any
part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).
3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't
trust salt). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/
nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple
gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has
the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected
one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful
preventative method.
4. Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with
warm salt water. Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti
(very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but blowing the nose
hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in
warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.
5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C
(Amla and other citrus fruits). If you have to supplement with Vitamin
C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
6. Drink as much of warm liquids as you can. Drinking warm liquids
has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They
wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where
they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.
Just for fun!
I am a little slow when it comes to technology but I discovered last month that you can download the Ensign, New Era, and Friend magazine along with the scriptures and many other LDS materials from iTunes for FREE.
This has been so fun. I listen to it in the car whenever I am out and about. I have listened to all of the August and September Ensign and New Era. I have not read both in their entirety for quite some time. The spirit has been with me more since I have started doing this. My mind has been uplifted and I have noticed that I have reflected on the stories and talks often throughout the month.
I am sure that many of you already knew about this, but for those of us who are slower with technology I thought I would share the good news.
This has been so fun. I listen to it in the car whenever I am out and about. I have listened to all of the August and September Ensign and New Era. I have not read both in their entirety for quite some time. The spirit has been with me more since I have started doing this. My mind has been uplifted and I have noticed that I have reflected on the stories and talks often throughout the month.
I am sure that many of you already knew about this, but for those of us who are slower with technology I thought I would share the good news.
Yummy Stir-Fry ready in 30 minutes or less
2 T cornstarch
2 T sugar
6 T soy sauce
1/4 c. apple juice
1 lb. boneless round steak, cut into thin strips
3 c broccoli florets
2 medium carrots thinly sliced
1 pkg (6oz) frozen pea pods, thawed
2 T chopped onion
2 T vegetable oil, divided
1 can (8oz) sliced water chestnuts, undrained
Hot cooked rice and cashews
In a bowl, combine cornstarch, sugar, soy sauce and apple juice until smooth. Add beef and toss to coat; set aside. In a large skillet, stir-fry broccoli, carrots, pea pods and onion in 1 T oil for 1 minute. Stir in water chestnuts. Cover and simmer for 4 minutes; remove and keep warm. In the same skillet, stir-fry beef in remaining oil until meat reaches desired doneness. Return vegetables to pan; toss. Sprinkle with cashews and serve over rice. ( makes 4 servings)
tip: sometimes you can find a stir-fry veggie mix at the grocery store with all these ingredients already in them. This will speed up the process.
2 T sugar
6 T soy sauce
1/4 c. apple juice
1 lb. boneless round steak, cut into thin strips
3 c broccoli florets
2 medium carrots thinly sliced
1 pkg (6oz) frozen pea pods, thawed
2 T chopped onion
2 T vegetable oil, divided
1 can (8oz) sliced water chestnuts, undrained
Hot cooked rice and cashews
In a bowl, combine cornstarch, sugar, soy sauce and apple juice until smooth. Add beef and toss to coat; set aside. In a large skillet, stir-fry broccoli, carrots, pea pods and onion in 1 T oil for 1 minute. Stir in water chestnuts. Cover and simmer for 4 minutes; remove and keep warm. In the same skillet, stir-fry beef in remaining oil until meat reaches desired doneness. Return vegetables to pan; toss. Sprinkle with cashews and serve over rice. ( makes 4 servings)
tip: sometimes you can find a stir-fry veggie mix at the grocery store with all these ingredients already in them. This will speed up the process.
October Spotlight
This month the spot light is Jamie Quesenberry
I was born in Poughkeepsie, New York. But, other than a couple years split between there and Utah when I was a baby, the rest of my childhood was spent in San Diego, California. My parents are Kaye and Glen Hunsaker. They both grew up here in Utah, so I have many relatives around here. In fact, the only vacation we used to take when I was younger was the annual trip through the desert - in a station wagon without seat belts nor air conditioning - to Utah to visit our relatives. We would usually leave at night so my dad could drive through the night and avoid the heat. Mom would pack sandwiches and apples so we could avoid having to stop in (gasp!) Las Vegas.I was shy as a child and teenager and did well in school. I went to BYU on a scholarship and majored in Civil Engineering, despite hating Math. My dream was to become an architect, but since BYU didn't offer that major, I chose Engineering as a close substitute. After my first year of college, my dad (who was the Stake President) set me up on a blind date with my future husband. It took me a while to pronounce his last name! We were inseparable until he left on his mission 3 months later. When he returned from his mission, he was so mean to me that I decided there was nothing to stop me from going on a mission myself! A week before I left, Steve proposed to me. But I ignored him and left anyway for the Argentina Buenos Aires South mission. We were engaged a week after I got back.After my mission and marriage I finished up college at the same time as Steve. We moved to Lawrence, Kansas, where Steve attended Law School and I worked in Kansas City. I worked until after we had our first child, then cried so much every time I dropped her off at the babysitter that I decided to quit. I have been, pretty much, a stay at home mom ever since.After law school, we moved to Seattle, Washington. We lived there for a few years, then decided to leave big city life for the small island town of Friday Harbor, Washington. We call this our hippie period. We lived in a double wide mobile home with a huge garden, a wood stove for heat, and chickens. We had 4 of our children in Washington State. We moved to Salem in 1997. We lived in the house the Emmichs own for about 7 years. We decided to move the year we had 6 kids, 3 foster children, an exchange student, my brother living part time with us, and I found out I was pregnant again. That house only has 1 shower! So we remodeled the house we live in now.We now have 8 children, 2 son-in-laws, 1 grandson, 2 cats, 4 chickens, and 2 bunnies. Maybe our hippie period isn't over yet!!I enjoy reading, walking, gardening, traveling, and, weirdly enough, math. Also, weird is the fact that I love meeting and talking with people, something that would have made me die of anxiety when I was young.
I was born in Poughkeepsie, New York. But, other than a couple years split between there and Utah when I was a baby, the rest of my childhood was spent in San Diego, California. My parents are Kaye and Glen Hunsaker. They both grew up here in Utah, so I have many relatives around here. In fact, the only vacation we used to take when I was younger was the annual trip through the desert - in a station wagon without seat belts nor air conditioning - to Utah to visit our relatives. We would usually leave at night so my dad could drive through the night and avoid the heat. Mom would pack sandwiches and apples so we could avoid having to stop in (gasp!) Las Vegas.I was shy as a child and teenager and did well in school. I went to BYU on a scholarship and majored in Civil Engineering, despite hating Math. My dream was to become an architect, but since BYU didn't offer that major, I chose Engineering as a close substitute. After my first year of college, my dad (who was the Stake President) set me up on a blind date with my future husband. It took me a while to pronounce his last name! We were inseparable until he left on his mission 3 months later. When he returned from his mission, he was so mean to me that I decided there was nothing to stop me from going on a mission myself! A week before I left, Steve proposed to me. But I ignored him and left anyway for the Argentina Buenos Aires South mission. We were engaged a week after I got back.After my mission and marriage I finished up college at the same time as Steve. We moved to Lawrence, Kansas, where Steve attended Law School and I worked in Kansas City. I worked until after we had our first child, then cried so much every time I dropped her off at the babysitter that I decided to quit. I have been, pretty much, a stay at home mom ever since.After law school, we moved to Seattle, Washington. We lived there for a few years, then decided to leave big city life for the small island town of Friday Harbor, Washington. We call this our hippie period. We lived in a double wide mobile home with a huge garden, a wood stove for heat, and chickens. We had 4 of our children in Washington State. We moved to Salem in 1997. We lived in the house the Emmichs own for about 7 years. We decided to move the year we had 6 kids, 3 foster children, an exchange student, my brother living part time with us, and I found out I was pregnant again. That house only has 1 shower! So we remodeled the house we live in now.We now have 8 children, 2 son-in-laws, 1 grandson, 2 cats, 4 chickens, and 2 bunnies. Maybe our hippie period isn't over yet!!I enjoy reading, walking, gardening, traveling, and, weirdly enough, math. Also, weird is the fact that I love meeting and talking with people, something that would have made me die of anxiety when I was young.
August Presidency Message
I have come to the conclusion that we will probably never comprehend how much our Heavenly Father loves us. As I study the scriptures and learn more of the atonement, I realize more and more of the great love God has for us. “For God so loved the world, (us) that He sent His only begotten Son. Romans 8:16,17,32,38,39. Do you feel the reality of what it means to be a literal spirit daughter of heavenly parents who love you? Do you know who you truly are?
Our Heavenly Father feels it so important that we learn and know this truth, that the Nursery Manuel at 18 mths begins with “I am a child of God” these young children are taught this in all their primary years. YM and YW are taught it through all their years. YW repeat each week in the YW Theme, “We are daughters of our Heavenly Father who loves us and we love Him. The Proclamation to the world states, “All Human beings male and female are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and as such, each has a divine nature and destiny.” The RS theme begins, We are beloved spirit daughters of God, and our lives have meaning, purpose, and direction. Do you think our Father has a message for us? He doesn’t want us to forget that we are His children.
As Latter-day Saint women we have more than the average demands in life. We generally have more children, more responsibilities, more directions to be pulled. We serve, show compassion, are self reliant and thrifty, we strive for perfection and we belong to the greatest organization for women on earth who’s motto is.. “Charity Never Faileth” Yet many times we fail to love and have charity for ourselves. So why are so hard on ourselves? -- When things don’t go as planned in life, we become discouraged and Satan sits waiting to jump in with his #1 strategy to destroy women. We begin to compare ourselves to other women, feeling inferior, sinking in to despair and discouragement and darkness sets in. When we choose to participate, Satan begins to win for he knows if he can destroy the woman, he destroys the family, He hates families because he doesn’t have one and never will! Satan uses the forces of evil to convince us that we are beyond help or forgiveness, he sends messages of doubt, despair, and fear. He desires misery for us.
-When we truly know and believe we are God’s daughters, we will have the power to resist Satan. As I have pondered this topic the thought came---- To what sources of light are we as women turning to for self approval???? We will never find self worth when we turn to the world‘s lights for approval and happiness. We will find peace and everlasting happiness when we turn to the Savior’s Light for approval.
Satan is the Destroyer. The lights he uses are beautiful and alluring, un-true and temporary, eventually leading to darkness, despair, and destruction. Jesus Christ is the Savior. His light gives truth, illuminating love, peace and everlasting happiness. Jesus Christ is the source of all light. He is the Master of all light. He is the Light of the World and because loves us he has given his light, the light of truth that gives direction to everyone. It is the means by which the Lord invites and entices all men and women to improve. His light is everlasting. DC 88:7-13,67,68 DC 50:24. Do you see how generous the Father is? He gives us the Light of Christ that guides us to more light. Do you think he desires you to be lifted, enlightened and loved? To have all that he has? Do you know he loves you? My sisters, I hope you can feel His great love for you. God is our Father and desires us to return to Him and have all that He has.
“Like a gentle smile embraces empty souls in lonely places, We should be more gentle with ourselves. We’ve been hurt by others often, we’ve forgiven and forgotten, We should be as gentle with ourselves. Life can be hard but we need not be so hard on ourselves, if we will see like the Shepherd leads his flock with gentle commands, with his gentle voice that only hearts understand. One thing we can know for certain, He has borne the awful burdens so we can be more gentle on ourselves. One thing that I know for certain: He will bear my every burden, so I can be gentle with myself.” Michael McLean
August Spotlight
Our Spotlight for August is Elaine Hoagland
Elaine was born and raised in Lovell, Wyo. She is the seventh of eight children. She is planning a trip to Lovell this month to visit her 95 year old mother.
Elaine graduated from Lovell High School, then went to BYU where she received her BSN-Nursing degree and has been a nurse for 35 years, first working at UVRMC (Utah Valley) them Mountain View Hospital where she is now. She loves nursing but is enjoying being in management now.
She met her husband Jerry at a dance while at BYU. She says he is a very determined man and he chased her until she said YES. He said 'she was to be married to him'. She turned him down a few times but is so gratefull he never gave up! They are very happy and have a wonderful time together. (Actually the reason she kept putting him off is she wanted her degree so badly.) They have been married for 35 years and have lived in Springville, Payson, and Salem.
They have five children, Kristie, Lisa, Jacob, Julie, and Jennifer and fifteen grandchildren which she adores and loves to pieces. (She and Jerry are great examples! She brings grandchildren to church with her each week. It's so special to watch her little grandson bear his testimony on most Fast Sundays).
Elaines hobbies are yard work, sewing or tieing quilts, sports and watching grandkids.
Her greatest joys are her family, her husband and eating good food.
Her greatest joys are her family, her husband and eating good food.
She and her husband had a marvelous vacation recently traveling to Australia for three weeks where they visited Jerry's Uncle and Aunt who live there. She loved the sights, culture and animals but her favorite was the people and listening to them talk. They had so much fun fishing, staying at a beach house and seeing all the sights.
Elaine is our Librarian in the ward. We are thankful and greatful to have her in our ward. She has a strong testimony of the gospel and is a wonderful neighbor and friend. She lives at 595 S. Towers Dr.
Good News Moment
A huge Thank you to Heidi Hanks for organizing the summer program for Moms and their children!
Thank you Pat Rappleye for teaching the preparedness mini class!
If you have any good news moments, we would love to hear them
Thank you Pat Rappleye for teaching the preparedness mini class!
If you have any good news moments, we would love to hear them
Taco Salad
from Charleen Vest
1 pound ground beef
1/2 onion - chopped
1 envelope taco seasoning
1 can kidney beans - drained
1 whole head lettuce - tear into large bowl
2 or 3 tomatoes - diced
1 can sliced olives - drained
1 cup cheddar cheese - grated
1 bag Doritoes - crush in hand just slightlyas you put them in the bowl. Leave in large pieces
1 8oz bottle Russian dressing
brown onion and ground beef, drain if needed & add pkg taco seasoning, do not add water,and set aside. In large bowl, (I use my yellow tupperware bowl) tear whole head lettuce,then add all other ingredients to lettuce. Add ground beef mixture, pour whole bottle of dressing over all & mix well with large spoon.(Its the whole meal at our house, nothing else is needed)
p.s. (If you have any leftovers, it tastes good warmed just a bit in the microwave)
1 pound ground beef
1/2 onion - chopped
1 envelope taco seasoning
1 can kidney beans - drained
1 whole head lettuce - tear into large bowl
2 or 3 tomatoes - diced
1 can sliced olives - drained
1 cup cheddar cheese - grated
1 bag Doritoes - crush in hand just slightlyas you put them in the bowl. Leave in large pieces
1 8oz bottle Russian dressing
brown onion and ground beef, drain if needed & add pkg taco seasoning, do not add water,and set aside. In large bowl, (I use my yellow tupperware bowl) tear whole head lettuce,then add all other ingredients to lettuce. Add ground beef mixture, pour whole bottle of dressing over all & mix well with large spoon.(Its the whole meal at our house, nothing else is needed)
p.s. (If you have any leftovers, it tastes good warmed just a bit in the microwave)
Seven Layered Salad
from Rita MacCabe
1 head lettuce, torn
½ chopped green pepper
½ c green peas
sliced purple onion
Layer in order in lg bowl.
Mix together:
2 c mayo 2 Tbsp sugar
1 c parm. cheese ½ tsp salt
2 Tbsp seasoning salt dash pepper
Spread over lettuce layers.
Top with:
4 boiled eggs, chopped
tomatoes, diced
1 pkg bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 c grated cheese
1 head lettuce, torn
½ chopped green pepper
½ c green peas
sliced purple onion
Layer in order in lg bowl.
Mix together:
2 c mayo 2 Tbsp sugar
1 c parm. cheese ½ tsp salt
2 Tbsp seasoning salt dash pepper
Spread over lettuce layers.
Top with:
4 boiled eggs, chopped
tomatoes, diced
1 pkg bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 c grated cheese
Fruit Cloud Jello
from Rita MacCabe
Dissolve one lg pkg strawberry jello in 2 c boiling water. Add:
1 md can crushed pineapple plus juice
2 mashed bananas
2 pkg unthawed frozen strawberries
Pour ½ of above mixture into 9x13 cake pan. Layer with one small carton of sour cream. Pour remaining mixture on top. Chill.
Dissolve one lg pkg strawberry jello in 2 c boiling water. Add:
1 md can crushed pineapple plus juice
2 mashed bananas
2 pkg unthawed frozen strawberries
Pour ½ of above mixture into 9x13 cake pan. Layer with one small carton of sour cream. Pour remaining mixture on top. Chill.
Pudding Salad
from Rita MacCabe
8 oz cool whip
8 oz cream cheese
3 c milk
2 bananas, sliced
1 can fruit cocktail, drained
small marshmallows (white if pudding is colored,
(colored if pudding is light)
2 sm or 1 lg pkg instant pudding (coconut cream, pistachio, banana, etc.)
Beat cream cheese with ½ c milk. Add pudding and remaining milk and beat well. Stir in cool whip. Stir in fruit and marshmallows. Chill and serve.
(Note: I don’t use bananas if I think there will be leftovers. They don’t save well.)
8 oz cool whip
8 oz cream cheese
3 c milk
2 bananas, sliced
1 can fruit cocktail, drained
small marshmallows (white if pudding is colored,
(colored if pudding is light)
2 sm or 1 lg pkg instant pudding (coconut cream, pistachio, banana, etc.)
Beat cream cheese with ½ c milk. Add pudding and remaining milk and beat well. Stir in cool whip. Stir in fruit and marshmallows. Chill and serve.
(Note: I don’t use bananas if I think there will be leftovers. They don’t save well.)
Broccoli/Cauliflower Salad
from Rita MacCabe
1 head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 stalks broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 red onion, chopped (little pieces)
1 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 c sunflower seeds
4 c mozerella cheese (white), grated
1 c Miracle Whip
1/2 c sugar
2 T vinegar (usually cidar vinegar)
Combine Miracle Whip, sugar, and vinegar, cover and let set in refrigerator for a couple of hours (or overnight). (over)Combine cauliflower, broccoli, chopped onion, crumbled bacon, and sunflower seeds. Just before serving, pour dressing over vegetables. Add cheese last. (Makes a huge salad--serves 12-15--so if you want, cut the recipe in half. Also, this is the recipe the way I received it. I don’t like that much dressing on it, so I use about half of the dressing recipe.)
1 head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 stalks broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 red onion, chopped (little pieces)
1 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 c sunflower seeds
4 c mozerella cheese (white), grated
1 c Miracle Whip
1/2 c sugar
2 T vinegar (usually cidar vinegar)
Combine Miracle Whip, sugar, and vinegar, cover and let set in refrigerator for a couple of hours (or overnight). (over)Combine cauliflower, broccoli, chopped onion, crumbled bacon, and sunflower seeds. Just before serving, pour dressing over vegetables. Add cheese last. (Makes a huge salad--serves 12-15--so if you want, cut the recipe in half. Also, this is the recipe the way I received it. I don’t like that much dressing on it, so I use about half of the dressing recipe.)
July Spotlight
KIMBERLY HOLMAN
Better known to all of us as sweet little "Kimi". She was born in Murray Utah at Cottonwood hospital. When she was very young her family moved to Logandale, Nevada near Las Vegas, This is where she mostly grew up.Kimi graduated from Moapa Valley High School in Nev. But went to three different High Schools, and ended up graduating from the one she started at. When she was a teenager her mother died of breast cancer, this was a very sad time in her life! Kimi is very active and supportive of fighting breast cancer and its awareness programs. This summer Kimi and her sister Karen (who she loves and adores so much, and is just one year older than her) are doing a "Century Bike Ride" together, with other woman, in the fight against Breast cancer.
Kimi graduated from BYU with a bachelors degree in Nursing. While working at LDS hospital in Salt Lake City she met her wonderful husband Kelly, who was also working there. They have been married 8 years. From Salt Lake they moved to Cedar City, then four years ago they moved to Salem. They love it here!! They have three beautiful children. Daphnie 7, Simon 6 (Irish twins) and Lucius 3. (having fun potty training!!)She is a Labor and Delivery Nurse at American Fork Hospital right now.
Kimi is also the secretary in the Young Womans program in our ward, she is so fun to work with and the girls all love her to death! Her favorite hobbies are cycling (actually she said it's all I have time for besides family, work and church right now) She is a very talented lady and fun to be with, we all enjoyed her teaching us some cool moves at Relief Society the other night at Donna Schwarts home. (sorry I forgot the name of it)
Kimi's greatest joys are her cute, cute babies!Some of her fun experiences are: She has been sky diving twice, has done a couple Triathlons, and had her first baby at home. Kimi loves the gospel and said she loves Abinidi!! We are so happy and thankful to have Kimi in our ward! She lives at 90 E 300 S, and enjoys looking out her window at Salem pond.
Chicken Roll Ups
By Donna Schwartz
4 Chicken Breasts (cooked/shredded with onion)
4 T melted butter
1/2 tsp salt
2 sticks celery, chopped
8 oz cream cheese
1/2 small onion, diced
Saute celery and onion in butter, then mix well with rest of filling.
Roll out 2 cans of crescent rools thin. Put 1/4 C of filling in rolls. Roll up and tuck in the ends.
Roll in melted butter and then roll in bread crumbs.
Bake at 350* for 20-25 minutes.
Sauce:
Combine 1 can of cream of chicken soup and 1 C chicken broth. Heat and pour over rolls.
4 Chicken Breasts (cooked/shredded with onion)
4 T melted butter
1/2 tsp salt
2 sticks celery, chopped
8 oz cream cheese
1/2 small onion, diced
Saute celery and onion in butter, then mix well with rest of filling.
Roll out 2 cans of crescent rools thin. Put 1/4 C of filling in rolls. Roll up and tuck in the ends.
Roll in melted butter and then roll in bread crumbs.
Bake at 350* for 20-25 minutes.
Sauce:
Combine 1 can of cream of chicken soup and 1 C chicken broth. Heat and pour over rolls.
Food For Thought
'I suppose every Mormon [man and] woman [have] measured [themselves] at one time or another against [their pioneer ancestors],' wrote Laurel Thatcher Ulrich. 'Am I as stalwart? As self-reliant? As devoted to the gospel? As willing to sacrifice?' Could I leave my wife and children without food or means to support themselves while I responded to a call to serve a mission abroad, or take these same innocent ones, dependent solely upon me for their survival, into hostile territory to set up housekeeping and provide a livelihood for them? Or, were I a woman, 'Could I crush my best china to add glitter to a temple, bid loving farewell to a missionary husband as I lay in a wagon bed with fever and chills, leave all that I possessed and walk across the plains to an arid wilderness?' (Ensign, June 1978, p. 54.)"Some may feel that their lives of relative ease and convenience lack the vigor and fortitude of those who survived the pioneer days, that they can never measure up to the toil, struggles, and challenges our pioneer ancestors faced and emerge the victor."Yet, 'Our challenges are just as important as those of the past. Our testing is as crucial; our contributions may be as great. . . ." 'An essential quality of the first pioneers was optimism, an ability to see new possibilities in a strange and unsettling environment. To beautify the desert, they needed faith in God, but they also needed faith in themselves and in their ability to help shape the world. The need for that faith has not diminished. . . ." 'A pioneer is not [necessarily] a woman who makes her own soap' or a man who grubs sagebrush from the land. Pioneers are those who take up their burdens and walk toward the future. With vision and with courage they make the desert blossom and they press on toward new frontiers. (Ibid., p. 55.)"
David B. Haight, "A Call to Serve," Ensign, Nov. 1988, 82–83
David B. Haight, "A Call to Serve," Ensign, Nov. 1988, 82–83
June Spotlight
Andrea Anaya
I was born in Columbia, Missouri. My family moved when I was about a year old to Mequon, Wisconsin where I lived until I was 5. I then moved to Las Vegas, Nevada and went to Kindergarten and 1st grade there before moving to Eagle River, Alaska when I was 7 years old. I graduated from Chugiak High School in Alaska. Just after graduation I traveled to Tokyo, Japan where we won two first place trophies at the Miss Drill Team International Competition. Good times. I met my husband when I was in junior high school. He grew up in Anchorage, Alaska, and had a class with my older sister. Although he didn't make too much of an impression on me then, lucky for me, he kept in touch with my sister and came to visit her in 1994, when I was going through a divorce. He got me hooked up on Compuserve and we emailed and talked on the phone for more than two years while I lived in Colorado and he lived in New Jersey. Then he moved to California and I moved to Utah. We didn't live in the same state until we were engaged! After two and a half years of dating, we married just six weeks after he was baptized. Believe me when I say that he was not a golden contact for the missionaries, seeing no reason whatsoever for religion in his life. However, after he proposed I got hugely cold feet at the prospect of marrying again, so I didn't answer him for a few months. (Terrible, I know). During that time, in an effort to explain the importance of the gospel in my life, I read him the following poem by Carol Lynn Pearson
I was born in Columbia, Missouri. My family moved when I was about a year old to Mequon, Wisconsin where I lived until I was 5. I then moved to Las Vegas, Nevada and went to Kindergarten and 1st grade there before moving to Eagle River, Alaska when I was 7 years old. I graduated from Chugiak High School in Alaska. Just after graduation I traveled to Tokyo, Japan where we won two first place trophies at the Miss Drill Team International Competition. Good times. I met my husband when I was in junior high school. He grew up in Anchorage, Alaska, and had a class with my older sister. Although he didn't make too much of an impression on me then, lucky for me, he kept in touch with my sister and came to visit her in 1994, when I was going through a divorce. He got me hooked up on Compuserve and we emailed and talked on the phone for more than two years while I lived in Colorado and he lived in New Jersey. Then he moved to California and I moved to Utah. We didn't live in the same state until we were engaged! After two and a half years of dating, we married just six weeks after he was baptized. Believe me when I say that he was not a golden contact for the missionaries, seeing no reason whatsoever for religion in his life. However, after he proposed I got hugely cold feet at the prospect of marrying again, so I didn't answer him for a few months. (Terrible, I know). During that time, in an effort to explain the importance of the gospel in my life, I read him the following poem by Carol Lynn Pearson
AT THE ALTAR
The thought of forever
teased my mind
like a mountain
through a thickly misted view.
But today,the veil dissolved to show
Eternity is you.
He wrote it down and prayed for the first time in his life, an event for which I remain profoundly grateful. He is my best friend and my sweetheart and I love "dragging him through life." We'll have been married 13 years in November.
The Lord definitely built our family. Shirsten, our oldest, just turned 18, graduated from high school and is heading off to Emerson College in Boston in the fall. Yikes! She has been such a source of strength to me over the years, as she and I weathered the storms of divorce and single parenting and remarriage together. Gene and I have had a difficult time bringing our own children together in our home. Four in vitro fertilizations yielded two adoptions, Kailea Joy who is 9 in June and Kaelys Nabaahi Zhoon, 6, our beautiful little Navajo warrior, and finally (after nine years) our little Daniel Bitalio who is three. Without question, my children are my greatest joy, motherhood my greatest calling.
Do I work? Ha! I don't know how not to, and if the truth be told, I love to work. I started my own business in 1992, at the age of 22. I wrote a medical transcription home study course which I then put online in 1999. It has exceeded my expectations in every way. I have learned and grown so much through the process of owning and building a company. It's been a lot of fun. When I sold controlling interest in Career Step in February I had 110 employees and more than 15,000 students from all around the world. My problem is that I enjoy working so much, I've ventured off into another couple projects, MyExpertSolution and Design It Boutique. And I still help out at Career Step whenever they need me.
I love history. I love to read. I really love to read historical fiction (put the two together!). We puzzle. A lot. More than we should probably admit to. Just about any time you come to our home, there is a puzzle at some stage of completion or one table or another.
Going to Europe last fall with my family was absolutely magical. We stayed at a 400 year old manor house in the English countryside and then took a cruise throughout Scandanavia and Russia. Wonderfully magical.
We also spend time together in Alaska as a family. I get butterflies just thinking about it. The whales. The otters, eagles, and seals. The beauty and majesty of the surroundings.
I am 6th generation Mormon on three of four grandparent lines. I had a number of ancestors join the church in 1830 and emigrate with the Saints at every stage of church history. My family includes Pratts and Tanners, Passeys and Webbs. If you've ever been to Nauvoo and visited the Blacksmith Shop, that was my great-great-great grandfathers. He and his brother built a number of the wagons which brought the Saints to Salt Lake. I'm grateful for my membership in the church, and I'm grateful to my ancestors for passing it on to me. To be born in the gospel, in this dispensation, in this Country with the freedom we enjoy, seems like all the best that the world could ever offer. Especially having traveled in 3rd world countries. Shirsten and I spent last April in Ghana, where we visited an orphanage and helped to build a medical clinic. It was a life-altering experience, which I hope to pursue many more of in the future.
May Spotlight
Rita MacCabe
I came into the world the fifth of seven children in Logan, Utah, in the old hospital across from the temple. We moved to Vernal, Utah about six months later, and after three years there we moved to northern California, where I spent most of my youth. We first lived in Grass Valley, an old gold mining town, and then Red Bluff, a cow town on the Sacramento River, surrounded by orchards of peaches, plums, nuts, grapefruit and oranges.
After I graduated from high school, I came to BYU where I graduated with a degree in English/Teaching and eventually met Bret. We just celebrated our 23rd anniversary. We have six children: a married daughter, Stacy, who lives in Rexburg with her husband, Sam Robbins; a son, Cody, who is on a mission in Japan; Bryce, who will be a Senior this year; Devan, 15; Quinton, soon to be a Deacon; and Terese, 10. We will become grandparents this October.
We have lived many places during our married lives. We lived in Ketchikan, Alaska when we first got married. We lived in Juneau, Alaska (1995-1996) while Bret studied to get his Master’s. Then we moved to Idaho for six years (1999-2005) while Bret worked on his doctorate. We lived the first three years in Pocatello and the next three in Rexburg. We returned to Salem in 2005 for Bret to take a job with Provo School District as a Special Education Specialist/Technology Specialist. He travels throughout the district fixing computers, training teachers, and helping with the needs of the Special Education students/parents/teachers.
I currently serve as the secretary in the Primary in Salem 2nd Ward. My hobbies include reading, learning about other countries and cultures, gardening, playing the piano and organ, doing family history, hiking, and quilting. I enjoy bird watching and traveling to new places. My greatest joys are spending time with my family (especially Bret) and watching my children grow up in the gospel.
Mexican Pasta
by Tami Dietz
¾ lb. Spiral shaped, penne or bow-tie pasta
1/3 c. finely chopped onions
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp. oil
1 15-oz. can black beans, rinsed & drained
1 10-oz. can mild enchilada sauce
¼ c. sour cream
1 jalepeno, chopped (optional)
Grated cheese
2 green onions, sliced thin
Cook pasta according to package directions. In a saucepan, cook onion & garlic in oil till softened. Add black beans, enchilada sauce & jalepeno. Simmer gently until thickened (about 6 minutes). Remove from heat; add sour cream. Salt to taste. Add to drained pasta; serve & sprinkle cheese and green onions over top.
¾ lb. Spiral shaped, penne or bow-tie pasta
1/3 c. finely chopped onions
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp. oil
1 15-oz. can black beans, rinsed & drained
1 10-oz. can mild enchilada sauce
¼ c. sour cream
1 jalepeno, chopped (optional)
Grated cheese
2 green onions, sliced thin
Cook pasta according to package directions. In a saucepan, cook onion & garlic in oil till softened. Add black beans, enchilada sauce & jalepeno. Simmer gently until thickened (about 6 minutes). Remove from heat; add sour cream. Salt to taste. Add to drained pasta; serve & sprinkle cheese and green onions over top.
Strawberry Spinach Salad
by Tami Dietz
2 pkg (bunches) spinach
Quart of strawberries
Sugared almonds:
¾ c. slivered almonds
1/3 c. sugar
little water
Toast on stove (low) for about 15 minutes.
Dressing:
¼ c. vinegar
½ tsp salt
¾ c. sugar
½ c. oil
1/3 c. strawberry jam
2 tsp poppy seeds
Pour dressing over salad and mix. (This recipe makes a lot of dressing, so don't use it all. Pour a little and mix until you like the amount)
2 pkg (bunches) spinach
Quart of strawberries
Sugared almonds:
¾ c. slivered almonds
1/3 c. sugar
little water
Toast on stove (low) for about 15 minutes.
Dressing:
¼ c. vinegar
½ tsp salt
¾ c. sugar
½ c. oil
1/3 c. strawberry jam
2 tsp poppy seeds
Pour dressing over salad and mix. (This recipe makes a lot of dressing, so don't use it all. Pour a little and mix until you like the amount)
Coconut Curry Red Lentil Soup by Kim Holman
Makes 2 large or 4 small servings
If you like Indian food, this is awesome!!
1 small onion, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 small yam, cubed
1 small potato cubed
2 cups vegetable stock
1/2 cup dried red lentils
1 tbsp curry paste
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 14-oz can coconut milk
1/4 cup fresh cilantro
In a medium soup pot on medium heat, sauté the onions in oil until translucent. Add the garlic and celery and sauté for an additional 5 minutes. Add the yams, potatoes, stock, lentils, curry paste, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are cooked. Stir in the coconut milk with a hand blender or food processor, blend half or all of the soup until smooth (be careful when blending hot liquids). Return to pot, stir in the cilantro, and serve.
If you like Indian food, this is awesome!!
1 small onion, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 small yam, cubed
1 small potato cubed
2 cups vegetable stock
1/2 cup dried red lentils
1 tbsp curry paste
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 14-oz can coconut milk
1/4 cup fresh cilantro
In a medium soup pot on medium heat, sauté the onions in oil until translucent. Add the garlic and celery and sauté for an additional 5 minutes. Add the yams, potatoes, stock, lentils, curry paste, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are cooked. Stir in the coconut milk with a hand blender or food processor, blend half or all of the soup until smooth (be careful when blending hot liquids). Return to pot, stir in the cilantro, and serve.
March Spotlight
Annie Freeman
I was born in Las Vegas, NV where my mom and dad adopted me when I was 6 days old. I grew up in Reno, NV. I have one brother who was also adopted and is 4 years older than me. Between the ages of 5 and 13 my parents took our family backpacking each summer. These were our vacations, but they were also experiences that helped to teach me life skills. I have very fond memories of those backpacking trips.
I met Daniel in Reno when his family moved into our ward. We are high school sweethearts and will be married for 12 years this month. We have lived in many places from West Valley to Annabella and decided that we like it in the middle right here in Salem. We have lived in Salem for 7 years. We have 3 children; Maddy 11, Emily 8, Ben 6. I love being a mother. We are very blessed to have 3 healthy children. Dan and I would have liked to of had more but that was not possible due to the severe life threatening toxemia I experienced with each of my pregnancies.
Most of you know that Dan and I own Quiet Creek Construction. Daniel is a general contractor and I manage the office. We have built 3 of our own homes and have really enjoyed working on those projects together as a family. I am currently attending Provo College to become a Massage Therapist. I am so excited about this new skill I am developing. I look forward to helping others heal through massage. I don’t have much spare time these days, but when I do I love to hang out with my family. We love to play board games and watch movies. Dan and I enjoy shooting clay pigeons, improving our home and gardening together. I love basketball, scrapbooking, and having my friends come over for lunch. I also enjoy cooking and trying new and exciting dishes. I love to cook for others. Some of my favorite memories are sitting around the dinner table talking after a fabulous meal.
Lentil, Tomato, and Potato Stew by Kim Holman
Lentil, Tomato, and Potato Stew
Yield:6 main-dish servings
Great with crusty bread!!
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp dry sherry
1 yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups vegetable stock
1 cup dried lentils
2 bay leaves
1 tbsp dried basil
1 can (16oz) whole tomatoes, chopped with juice
1/2 cup minced fresh Italian parsley
1/2 tsp salt
several grinds black pepper
1 tbsp fresh-squeezed lemon juice
6 lemon wedges
In a large stockpot, heat the oil and sherry over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, stir to coat, and cook for several minutes, until the onion is translucent. Add the stock, lentils, bay leaves, and basil. Increase the heat to high, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-high and cook for 30 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, along with their liquid, and the potatoes. Continue to cook for about 15 minutes,until the potatoes and lentils are tender. Stir in the parsley, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Serve piping hot, with lemon wedges on the side.
Yield:6 main-dish servings
Great with crusty bread!!
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp dry sherry
1 yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups vegetable stock
1 cup dried lentils
2 bay leaves
1 tbsp dried basil
1 can (16oz) whole tomatoes, chopped with juice
1/2 cup minced fresh Italian parsley
1/2 tsp salt
several grinds black pepper
1 tbsp fresh-squeezed lemon juice
6 lemon wedges
In a large stockpot, heat the oil and sherry over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, stir to coat, and cook for several minutes, until the onion is translucent. Add the stock, lentils, bay leaves, and basil. Increase the heat to high, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-high and cook for 30 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, along with their liquid, and the potatoes. Continue to cook for about 15 minutes,until the potatoes and lentils are tender. Stir in the parsley, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Serve piping hot, with lemon wedges on the side.
February Presidency Message
The Holy Ghost is the greatest gift God has given us to go through this earthly experience.
The prophet Joseph Fielding Smith gives us a great description of the 3rd member of the Godhead. ”The Holy Ghost is a Personage of Spirit who is in the likeness of God the Father and His Son. His mission is to instruct and enlighten the minds of those who, through their faithfulness have obeyed the commandments of the Father and the Son. He bears witness of the truth, quickens the minds of those who have made covenants and reveals to them the mysteries of the kingdom of God. He is a special messenger from the Father and the Son and carries out their will."
The Holy Ghost brings us to our fullest potential.
“The gift of the Holy Ghost adapts itself to all these organs or attributes. It quickens all the intellectual faculties, it increases, enlarges, expands and purifies all the natural passions and affections; and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom, to their lawful use. It inspires ,develops, cultivates sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings and affections. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, gentleness and charity. It develops beauty of person, form and features. It tends to health, vigor, animation, and social feeling. It invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it is as it were, marrow to the bone, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears, and life to the whole being. In the presence of such a person one feels to enjoy the light of their countenance. Their very atmosphere diffuses a thrill, a warm glow of pure gladness and sympathy to the heart and nerves of others who have kindred feelings, or likeness of spirit.” The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles pg. 167
What must we do to qualify for and keep companionship of the Holy Ghost?
1- Have Faith, Repentance, Baptism by Immersion, Laying on of Hands for the gift of the Gift of the Holy Ghost.
2-Keep the commandments and live worthy.
3-Have a burning desire to have the gift.
4-Pray for that spirit to be with you, plead with God for it daily.
5-Ponder and Feast upon the words of Christ.
6-Discern the voice of the spirit. Be still and listen.
7-Act upon the Promptings.
As the challenges in the world around us increase, we must commit to do more to qualify for the companionship of the Holy Ghost. Casual prayer won’t be enough. Reading a few verses of the scriptures won’t be enough. Doing the minimum of what the Lord asks of us won’t be enough. Hoping that we will perhaps feel the influence of the Holy Ghost won’t be enough. We must set the bar higher. Only steady, ever-increasing effort will allow the Lord to take us higher.
The prophet Joseph Fielding Smith gives us a great description of the 3rd member of the Godhead. ”The Holy Ghost is a Personage of Spirit who is in the likeness of God the Father and His Son. His mission is to instruct and enlighten the minds of those who, through their faithfulness have obeyed the commandments of the Father and the Son. He bears witness of the truth, quickens the minds of those who have made covenants and reveals to them the mysteries of the kingdom of God. He is a special messenger from the Father and the Son and carries out their will."
The Holy Ghost brings us to our fullest potential.
“The gift of the Holy Ghost adapts itself to all these organs or attributes. It quickens all the intellectual faculties, it increases, enlarges, expands and purifies all the natural passions and affections; and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom, to their lawful use. It inspires ,develops, cultivates sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings and affections. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, gentleness and charity. It develops beauty of person, form and features. It tends to health, vigor, animation, and social feeling. It invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it is as it were, marrow to the bone, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears, and life to the whole being. In the presence of such a person one feels to enjoy the light of their countenance. Their very atmosphere diffuses a thrill, a warm glow of pure gladness and sympathy to the heart and nerves of others who have kindred feelings, or likeness of spirit.” The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles pg. 167
What must we do to qualify for and keep companionship of the Holy Ghost?
1- Have Faith, Repentance, Baptism by Immersion, Laying on of Hands for the gift of the Gift of the Holy Ghost.
2-Keep the commandments and live worthy.
3-Have a burning desire to have the gift.
4-Pray for that spirit to be with you, plead with God for it daily.
5-Ponder and Feast upon the words of Christ.
6-Discern the voice of the spirit. Be still and listen.
7-Act upon the Promptings.
As the challenges in the world around us increase, we must commit to do more to qualify for the companionship of the Holy Ghost. Casual prayer won’t be enough. Reading a few verses of the scriptures won’t be enough. Doing the minimum of what the Lord asks of us won’t be enough. Hoping that we will perhaps feel the influence of the Holy Ghost won’t be enough. We must set the bar higher. Only steady, ever-increasing effort will allow the Lord to take us higher.
February Spotlight
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(Click on picture to enlarge)
The three pictures are: Me as a cheerleader my junior year of highschool, celebrating Lynn’s 80th birthday on May 15, 2007, and our wedding day in the Salt Lake Temple on October 15, 1946.
We will have our 63rd Wedding Anniversary this fall so I can tell a Valentine love story here – and it has all happened is Salem, UT.
To spotlight myself I must include Lynn for he has been my life all these years.
After our marriage we were given four wonderful, bright, ambitious children. All who continue to bring joy and happiness to us. We love how they have chosen to live their lives and to raise our 20 grandchildren and our 20 (plus, plus) great grand children.
All of our children and Lynn even, went to BYU. They all graduated from the Y and even higher education. Lynn just got a year of the Y when his father so needed him to be a full time farmer. So…when our four were all in school I attended BYU in their nursing program. I worked in nursing for 25 years, retiring from IHC Hospital Clinic. My education in nursing has been used daily since.
Lynn and I served a 1 ½ year mission at the Orlando Temple. We loved it! We had spent some 5-6 years at the Provo Temple and loved that. Orlando Temple required for us to learn the ordinances in Spanish which was like a miracle, but it happened! We loved the people and the near 30 other missionaries there with us. They come to our home each year and we are surprised by others that come like our Mission President and his wife who come often from Georgia. Also dear friends from Florida. After coming back home we served one year at the MTC in the Interpretation Service. It was so beautiful working with and being around about 4,000 missionaries daily. I worked with the Asian missionaries and Lynn was with those from the European countries.
It was in 2000 that Lynn was thrown down with a bad heart problem and then Parkinsons disease followed. So for the last two plus years we are home 24/7 and loving every minute of it, that we can be here with each other.
When our children were away in college or away on missions Lynn and I had other children that came to live with us. Our Stake President some years before had asked for homes where children who had come from Nicaragua with their mothers, who couldn’t afford a place large enough to keep the whole family, could place a child. We took in a 16 year old boy who stayed with us for the school year. He never spoke a word of English but he loved being in America. A mother who had cancer and went through an operation that kept her down for weeks had three children ages 5, 7 and 9. They lived with us for about two months. They were not LDS and they loved family home evening each Monday. A lovely elderly lady whose only son lived so far away that she came to live with us. I met her at the ‘family extraction center’ (genealogy center). She lived with us until her death. A high school teacher came to us and asked, “Would you like another daughter?” A 16 year old in rehab at Payson Hospital. The state refused to let her live at home…we took her. She was into drugs and smoking. She told us she couldn’t even remember her sophomore year at school. She was a sweet heart. She quit her smoking when she entered our home and has been free from it since. She loved having Lynn for a father. She helped in the home. She studied hard. She graduated from high school and continued her education to become a forest ranger. The last visit from her she was happy and working hard. (It’s a long story.)
To sum it all up, when I was 15 years old I met this quiet, intelligent, dry witted, fun personality who was one foot taller that I and near 100 lbs heavier but Oh! So good looking that my younger years were filled with happiness. Lynn was active in the church and he honored his priesthood. I loved that about him. Yes! 63 years together soon but there were four years before even the marriage that were so enjoyed plus all the eternities to come!
We’ve traveled the world over thanks to our daughter who was with Delta Airlines. We traveled free and mostly first class if the seats were available otherwise…back to the back of the plane, but free!
Lynn wants for me to tell that I was a cheerleader in high school. Our skirts (no slacks or shorts) were below the knee—no dancing and no acting. We were just to lead the excited crowd in our different cheers. We were for sure “cheer” leaders and it was great to get the crowd cheering for our winning team. I loved it!