Part of the knowledge we have in the restored gospel is that Jesus Christ will return to the earth again. We don't know exactly when He will come again, but ancient and modern prophets have revealed some signs that can let us know the time is near. Many of these have been fulfilled. Some are still ahead of us. As frightening as some of these signs can be, we can be comforted in knowing that the calamities foretold will be followed by the blessings of the Millenium - 1000 years of peace.
We can compare the Second Coming and the Millenium to childbirth. We have 9 months of preparation, with varying amounts of discomfort. Right before we give birth there is tremendous pain and suffering. But once that baby is born, all pain is forgotten in the joy of having a new child.
To help us through these tough times, we have been counseled by our prophet to prepare ourselves both spiritually and physically. To help us prepare physically, we have been counseled specifically to:
1) Build up a 3 month supply of food we regularly eat
2) Have water stored
3) Build up a financial reserve
4) Have a years supply of more basic foods
We have many resources that can help us prepare spiritually: prayer, scripture study, Family Home Evening, the words of our spiritual leaders, and our temple covenants, among others.
The time to procrastinate our personal and family is past. As a Relief Society we have a plan to systematically help each and every family get prepared. Please watch for the group buys, FHE lessons, and other ideas that we will have available every month. There is power in obedience.
The Vaccarono family in Rome, Italy put it this way:
"The feeling of peace and the desire to be faithful to the commandment given by the Lord through the modern prophet helps us feel the Holy Spirit, to not be afraid, and to see that the signs of the time for the Second Coming of the Lord is a blessing and not something to fear. We rejoice in it. ...it gives us the motivation to be faithful and endure to the end and to be saved and obtain eternal life."
Spotlight for July
MILLIE DIAZ
Millie was born in Italy, but moved to Venezuela when she was a month old. She grew up in Valencia, Venezuela. She graduated from high school in Valencia. Millie met her husband in Salt Lake City, at an LDS Latin Dance. They were married in October 2003. They have been blessed with three beautiful little girls. Annie, Michelle and Mackenzie. They have lived in Provo, Spanish Fork and now Salem since the have been married. She loves being a stay at home mom. Her greatest joys are her darling little girls. Millie was baptized in 1998, in Valencia, Venezuela. He favorite scripture is Alma 28. Millie says,” she is very shy when she doesn’t know people, and doesn’t talk much, but when she gets to know someone, nobody can stop me talking!” We are so happy to have the Diaz family in our ward. They live at 125 N. 100 E.
Cooking tips and other tricks
To slice meat into thin strips, as for Chinese dishes -
partially freeze and it will slice easily.
A roast with the bone in will cook faster than a boneless roast -
the bone carries the heat to the inside of the roast quicker.
For a juicer hamburger add cold water to the beef before grilling
(1/2 cup to 1 pound of meat).
To keep cauliflower white while cooking -
add a little milk to the water.
partially freeze and it will slice easily.
A roast with the bone in will cook faster than a boneless roast -
the bone carries the heat to the inside of the roast quicker.
For a juicer hamburger add cold water to the beef before grilling
(1/2 cup to 1 pound of meat).
To keep cauliflower white while cooking -
add a little milk to the water.