tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70026260897400324522024-02-06T20:49:27.766-08:00Northborough Ward Relief Societyrebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06195728501927408787noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002626089740032452.post-89364469259768118382010-06-27T17:19:00.000-07:002010-07-12T20:04:30.368-07:00Cooking with Bator<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Our last Relief Society gathering was at Bator's home, in her beautiful kitchen, where she proceeded to teach us all how to make 4 amazing Thai dishes. We had so much fun cooking together!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Click <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/edit?id=1DIaRqhBtgoivvYd7wds5_O1nwr92IW2XJszhh24SYww&hl=en#">HERE</a> for the recipes for Bator's pad thai, spring rolls, peanut sauce on spaghetti (sorry, I need to find the ingredients list! Check back later for the recipe), and laab.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Spring Rolls....</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's Kelly modeling the package for the spring roll pastry shell. Bator knows of a good oriental market in Worcester that carries these and several of the special ingredients for her dishes. Contact her if you'd like her to pick up something (or if you'd like to shop with her).</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpV3fvwRKpaLKI-S9QIyIdtY_c8Kx37u2Lg6c2NX39C_-TDWGBOyAGl6UQxvFRNXHT-l1M6OqFTpszcVvOnwpAwskqalSxm8olbq8mNwcRKdese5RKoMjuOCBv5L0E0Ldcmxa9Fj_dKdbQ/s1600/cooking+with+bator+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpV3fvwRKpaLKI-S9QIyIdtY_c8Kx37u2Lg6c2NX39C_-TDWGBOyAGl6UQxvFRNXHT-l1M6OqFTpszcVvOnwpAwskqalSxm8olbq8mNwcRKdese5RKoMjuOCBv5L0E0Ldcmxa9Fj_dKdbQ/s400/cooking+with+bator+1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487635544066438738" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Bator is a pro...just place filling in one corner, fold like a burrito,</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn74QK3iYBda9kyf3N6meMybmclNr7wvBbaIbYMHQHPE4a6PalJxIEsYHOk3odB-dFkxssM2N8V0nItH7LQuNDnke1pZrgsbpXoysan02K9ISr0QF9BejWGJMQEeUs8dRKeeuSwmDoIFlw/s1600/cooking+with+bator+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn74QK3iYBda9kyf3N6meMybmclNr7wvBbaIbYMHQHPE4a6PalJxIEsYHOk3odB-dFkxssM2N8V0nItH7LQuNDnke1pZrgsbpXoysan02K9ISr0QF9BejWGJMQEeUs8dRKeeuSwmDoIFlw/s400/cooking+with+bator+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487635534853492498" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">...and roll away from you. Add a dab of a flour/water mixture to seal the end of the spring roll.</div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Kw76broV_YAOshJOR1mwYD6Z3rB8nxa4MchEGfzOo-g2oc4RsHZdWn8pzFXcd8KASn7h1iImnafpQFG3ZvdoGg7q513-hLa5Zk6NnPvD-1knO_8JpjHRHVbGSQWx9-fYmo6hZwGTvvT8/s1600/cooking+with+bator.jpg"></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Kw76broV_YAOshJOR1mwYD6Z3rB8nxa4MchEGfzOo-g2oc4RsHZdWn8pzFXcd8KASn7h1iImnafpQFG3ZvdoGg7q513-hLa5Zk6NnPvD-1knO_8JpjHRHVbGSQWx9-fYmo6hZwGTvvT8/s1600/cooking+with+bator.jpg"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Kw76broV_YAOshJOR1mwYD6Z3rB8nxa4MchEGfzOo-g2oc4RsHZdWn8pzFXcd8KASn7h1iImnafpQFG3ZvdoGg7q513-hLa5Zk6NnPvD-1knO_8JpjHRHVbGSQWx9-fYmo6hZwGTvvT8/s400/cooking+with+bator.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487635743780737122" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Now it's our turn.....</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4aVgt4PLtRdM0FJtOXu7gXzIcHNeBBDNQ2Dj8hxEYLnXy_JTzCm0qhUKmXiyk1xJaCMSMhEAF3F4bdKhSab2scaYo8cKnrhnLSas8Vgkz0FvrhOzJmoTKiMpD9EgKuLmi8IwWKmY-2h68/s1600/cooking+with+bator+3.jpg"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4aVgt4PLtRdM0FJtOXu7gXzIcHNeBBDNQ2Dj8hxEYLnXy_JTzCm0qhUKmXiyk1xJaCMSMhEAF3F4bdKhSab2scaYo8cKnrhnLSas8Vgkz0FvrhOzJmoTKiMpD9EgKuLmi8IwWKmY-2h68/s1600/cooking+with+bator+3.jpg"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4aVgt4PLtRdM0FJtOXu7gXzIcHNeBBDNQ2Dj8hxEYLnXy_JTzCm0qhUKmXiyk1xJaCMSMhEAF3F4bdKhSab2scaYo8cKnrhnLSas8Vgkz0FvrhOzJmoTKiMpD9EgKuLmi8IwWKmY-2h68/s400/cooking+with+bator+3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487635530738640658" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Here's our hard work, ready to be fried in hot oil...</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aUdMYuoPalcpQZFYwEK4dl4HBi4tfSYLJD-sXn8O-O7-xRjl_Zu6XcnUPvGgt1AIVhqY6G4Vj2eX_RrnzGYrGQaHZEqRDMzniMMXDnZ-LTG4Bd_AVJEZL6qMrXgNPJY58n2JnVPCp1tC/s1600/cooking+with+bator+4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aUdMYuoPalcpQZFYwEK4dl4HBi4tfSYLJD-sXn8O-O7-xRjl_Zu6XcnUPvGgt1AIVhqY6G4Vj2eX_RrnzGYrGQaHZEqRDMzniMMXDnZ-LTG4Bd_AVJEZL6qMrXgNPJY58n2JnVPCp1tC/s400/cooking+with+bator+4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487635519560915778" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The noodles for pad thai...</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBUrffWdCe9H4tN5-QRlFeIgWSVjI9h22-Vmko2taB3XsDyyH9BbBc-FTAwz-M5jn1fIRDxZPm8maSfTiUgi1KyXlLimNs3j2xj-55prK4DDoLu-twXQp5zdzu2v6I5VIno7pC_NtTBtbb/s1600/cooking+with+bator+5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBUrffWdCe9H4tN5-QRlFeIgWSVjI9h22-Vmko2taB3XsDyyH9BbBc-FTAwz-M5jn1fIRDxZPm8maSfTiUgi1KyXlLimNs3j2xj-55prK4DDoLu-twXQp5zdzu2v6I5VIno7pC_NtTBtbb/s400/cooking+with+bator+5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487635512213749490" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Peanut Sauce to serve over spaghetti...</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1aTBaxh2EuzUN_2n8qEOI2vXAkP0_7vFmNJHpylaNfSXGtzT8r6i_fV8p6fodYnyOBCtTz3KYPdDY8udT96GKUVfi8GL7LTYiTj4Bng5idqdo9H9v8dSgzHZ2a_QARHDzhtMUjDEBIp79/s1600/cooking+wtih+bator+11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1aTBaxh2EuzUN_2n8qEOI2vXAkP0_7vFmNJHpylaNfSXGtzT8r6i_fV8p6fodYnyOBCtTz3KYPdDY8udT96GKUVfi8GL7LTYiTj4Bng5idqdo9H9v8dSgzHZ2a_QARHDzhtMUjDEBIp79/s400/cooking+wtih+bator+11.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487633273086885746" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We need to have Sheryl give a beauty class..... we all know she's beautiful from the inside out.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSbD6-ykG1cXKaQLdbrf6HoP1e0KhuCyhpQ5P_5HOR9mTxawXgCXtlxk_kyqe8YKtrwsFLzibRyYE_Q_SmURzRjHdkapA6ccIcJsqDAkY2bqTx06hV50VnleBLRSov3Bzh7lE36mO7cdM/s1600/cooking+with+bator+10.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSbD6-ykG1cXKaQLdbrf6HoP1e0KhuCyhpQ5P_5HOR9mTxawXgCXtlxk_kyqe8YKtrwsFLzibRyYE_Q_SmURzRjHdkapA6ccIcJsqDAkY2bqTx06hV50VnleBLRSov3Bzh7lE36mO7cdM/s400/cooking+with+bator+10.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487633272216166018" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">One of our newest RS sisters, Hailey....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIr9WY07h7GPL5wlnEAUHU-hCnO9lPMRV7zXtt8Q9XRfbbxyqy0KsiqdC__TLY1bUTcSRuuLCQBaZmkex6oHhF9gY1VsvsLqJzgXia3Xc4RuoCi8WYsFOnZ0EKyF5SI3xTndRiknd_Dvn2/s1600/cooking+with+bator+9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIr9WY07h7GPL5wlnEAUHU-hCnO9lPMRV7zXtt8Q9XRfbbxyqy0KsiqdC__TLY1bUTcSRuuLCQBaZmkex6oHhF9gY1VsvsLqJzgXia3Xc4RuoCi8WYsFOnZ0EKyF5SI3xTndRiknd_Dvn2/s400/cooking+with+bator+9.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487633263398401522" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This one makes me smile....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv31iODBAwPkf7Cr_fLlWWTrTyH-E__HjwLpgfYAegJZ9uV9DdbGnf66oRJaYH8wlRhk0rCtvf0sJUt5VahvbTzDwLiN5X4gAs6U7Lokk6myI1fWe5FrL82V-j5fGBWPQst33ZeprbpmVd/s1600/cooking+with+bator+7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv31iODBAwPkf7Cr_fLlWWTrTyH-E__HjwLpgfYAegJZ9uV9DdbGnf66oRJaYH8wlRhk0rCtvf0sJUt5VahvbTzDwLiN5X4gAs6U7Lokk6myI1fWe5FrL82V-j5fGBWPQst33ZeprbpmVd/s400/cooking+with+bator+7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487633252816112018" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Amy's smashing peanuts to top the pad thai and peanut sauce/spaghetti dishes....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHa2QGY69lK9N_ErgHFmeqhh9cZQCn0iODDAKKlu7VcIPkyKPEJzzxznbMMjmsFnVHPhjeZolDsiSwA5XZwUD5jC6uyUvqT4bliT_CaoSNeZdjvBhl46QcQhqkMlko_JHtud33zLlX15g/s1600/cooking+with+bator+6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHa2QGY69lK9N_ErgHFmeqhh9cZQCn0iODDAKKlu7VcIPkyKPEJzzxznbMMjmsFnVHPhjeZolDsiSwA5XZwUD5jC6uyUvqT4bliT_CaoSNeZdjvBhl46QcQhqkMlko_JHtud33zLlX15g/s400/cooking+with+bator+6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487633245237745378" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknPwKdYQ3ovrsSfS6PN1NoRwP9N5EsBHo0Dv6wMEs_F_-y9M8OzdH6W0BGzb-_N_iPu66T81Hu7P49_LG86FqVzKcVa7xa9o64FWTJv3C4sS354Y0q4nNaVI8qCBaHseHejZOBTWKji1B/s1600/cooking+wtih+bator+12.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknPwKdYQ3ovrsSfS6PN1NoRwP9N5EsBHo0Dv6wMEs_F_-y9M8OzdH6W0BGzb-_N_iPu66T81Hu7P49_LG86FqVzKcVa7xa9o64FWTJv3C4sS354Y0q4nNaVI8qCBaHseHejZOBTWKji1B/s400/cooking+wtih+bator+12.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487614642310571346" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0RngIggKevYDTyEOC9wXW1CTi3WeWUpJvEhfc5OM6ITc2METwQF37szplIuMBocaR_YuQlRQIunLXrsQjsZKr75V-XxN7FslKZkM1g1GWeUi9XvT_gpy4mBxfbT30qR2BWpJw_jl2ujr_/s1600/cooking+with+bator+13.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0RngIggKevYDTyEOC9wXW1CTi3WeWUpJvEhfc5OM6ITc2METwQF37szplIuMBocaR_YuQlRQIunLXrsQjsZKr75V-XxN7FslKZkM1g1GWeUi9XvT_gpy4mBxfbT30qR2BWpJw_jl2ujr_/s400/cooking+with+bator+13.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487614636901041378" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Bator and her amazing pad thai...</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFw7kWAHGtIPrftrlys8JZr1SbymNFrzEhW4x4wfljn4-ZtWAtDiHEq7FJhZNiolQHQSlYg37uOb_qexVIEcZxV35f1lMuT5mZNzASenw6uv_0y0gZfJABpKNTelMrtQY_O1mtAcnYyl4/s1600/cooking+with+bator+14.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFw7kWAHGtIPrftrlys8JZr1SbymNFrzEhW4x4wfljn4-ZtWAtDiHEq7FJhZNiolQHQSlYg37uOb_qexVIEcZxV35f1lMuT5mZNzASenw6uv_0y0gZfJABpKNTelMrtQY_O1mtAcnYyl4/s400/cooking+with+bator+14.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487614631839507106" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Kelly's hand is all right, but Bator's oven mit...not so much.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJm_0GeGQkGCnYBzcb-jIH9vlZ7KKndBa65wyPyJQwblE3r1dg1f6qOnTG0W6vhBMxB6PD6iaF2sfPmBKYfwdd-a4Z8alEZkY5Xm9SBpFlRgfuM9Hc_nzlcNGx9cvENV3HpOntrd0qu9X/s1600/cooking+with+bator+15.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJm_0GeGQkGCnYBzcb-jIH9vlZ7KKndBa65wyPyJQwblE3r1dg1f6qOnTG0W6vhBMxB6PD6iaF2sfPmBKYfwdd-a4Z8alEZkY5Xm9SBpFlRgfuM9Hc_nzlcNGx9cvENV3HpOntrd0qu9X/s400/cooking+with+bator+15.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487614622581282754" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Bator's organized spice cupboard....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkeXLW8DXsxOeGmOQxom63DkW195UjY2QWhv2o1P9PzrwSMQhjCA5EeZ-6a21zTNdCOR3VzHamEfQe04K9ouOpm4R4O7zv4gVZiM2qUnToB3W1_n0zSvmohscd1E_WuwlZzvRAtSCmHUns/s1600/cooking+with+bator+16.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkeXLW8DXsxOeGmOQxom63DkW195UjY2QWhv2o1P9PzrwSMQhjCA5EeZ-6a21zTNdCOR3VzHamEfQe04K9ouOpm4R4O7zv4gVZiM2qUnToB3W1_n0zSvmohscd1E_WuwlZzvRAtSCmHUns/s400/cooking+with+bator+16.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487614614939097730" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you, Bator for the delicious cooking class.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's a blessing to have you in our Relief Society!</div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">With Love,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Your NW RS sisters</div>rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06195728501927408787noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002626089740032452.post-75058112549586021422010-05-10T07:47:00.000-07:002010-05-27T04:17:03.236-07:00Visiting Teaching Conference- "Called to Serve"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We had a wonderful Visiting Teaching conference yesterday during Sunday School and Relief Society. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Thank yo</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">u</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> to the priesthood for covering all of the teaching that took place in the other auxiliaries so all of the RS members of our ward could attend the conference. I don't think we had an empty chair!</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">As the sisters entered the room, they were giving <a href="http://www.sugardoodle.net/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2259%3Amissionary-name-tags&catid=1974&Itemid=200001">a personalized missionary tag</a>. We had a map of the "mission boundaries" (ward boundaries) and push pins dotting the homes of each of the sisters in our ward. We decorated around a harvest theme (D&C 4:4) with fruits, vegetables, loaves of bread, etc. The take home gift of 2 oz. of homemade raspberry jam and a mini loaf of bread were on display too. Sheryl and Kayla made each loaf of bread and made and filled each jam jar...both were delicious!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrhOI2li0ZBySviXdUFwWyFyukwJys0Qhc6I46vdIwXHLGcA57ZQGmSDrPs-xp_CmC2RumLKGrP0U6ks-7BMRPWgbrlK-dATw0DfRbvknd79i8VUpVTq5CGlt8lJoLQeEcjuiob1yN1DuU/s1600/P1050472.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrhOI2li0ZBySviXdUFwWyFyukwJys0Qhc6I46vdIwXHLGcA57ZQGmSDrPs-xp_CmC2RumLKGrP0U6ks-7BMRPWgbrlK-dATw0DfRbvknd79i8VUpVTq5CGlt8lJoLQeEcjuiob1yN1DuU/s400/P1050472.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472427868107046978" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9bR_4D2xNjNHXgXpC28flURsDN_N5KBzI8AvHF7ODpmifXxoBJUsM7RPtuRlAtf6dkxN7B__i-5zyDEmaDwt7ZOOsYGudnfQhthk0n4zESEOcoFYGJngWsPBsxqk0bWd1nXFXLIuBX7k/s1600/P1050471.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 275px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9bR_4D2xNjNHXgXpC28flURsDN_N5KBzI8AvHF7ODpmifXxoBJUsM7RPtuRlAtf6dkxN7B__i-5zyDEmaDwt7ZOOsYGudnfQhthk0n4zESEOcoFYGJngWsPBsxqk0bWd1nXFXLIuBX7k/s400/P1050471.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472427859512796386" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKHrst7ycFo5pn7rfuF6cFVuQLAYPGq-GJu0Dbwe10_rlLPEtur6axsYVE6kOdWMjeRNU_8ZgqIrwZrzGUejWdvaLG1Q1Si7UVFuMcWhxW-o1Zp2sNYKgnEGG1-ToAxyHxtIO7oT-x90E/s1600/P1050470.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 244px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKHrst7ycFo5pn7rfuF6cFVuQLAYPGq-GJu0Dbwe10_rlLPEtur6axsYVE6kOdWMjeRNU_8ZgqIrwZrzGUejWdvaLG1Q1Si7UVFuMcWhxW-o1Zp2sNYKgnEGG1-ToAxyHxtIO7oT-x90E/s400/P1050470.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472427855031824642" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivw9AQ3X2SmDPP9yuDDkuenO5kLRKyfqvB8pHDyO9GvOqmvFiZWYPk7jeqZ8ib5YwcnztoHQxK4l4ey872gKIB-sw7Q2j4JSC3ttIvHp757zeE1581ObflMF_Y7WKzeZG58Y-lDTDmTjiK/s1600/P1050469.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivw9AQ3X2SmDPP9yuDDkuenO5kLRKyfqvB8pHDyO9GvOqmvFiZWYPk7jeqZ8ib5YwcnztoHQxK4l4ey872gKIB-sw7Q2j4JSC3ttIvHp757zeE1581ObflMF_Y7WKzeZG58Y-lDTDmTjiK/s400/P1050469.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472427845222191778" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyV62D9bOQF6NNj2Zlg7eDaQnbVE4Biqa651tAcgDCI9WwoldKwYLv6pO0U0sMZKGHfrYjQo7yR3ldKe66IG6QYxir2_GWGMgv020tf1oP3APFRDM71P72bPfMzBGJHKlSg0jBj9N7T1Ka/s1600/P1050468.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyV62D9bOQF6NNj2Zlg7eDaQnbVE4Biqa651tAcgDCI9WwoldKwYLv6pO0U0sMZKGHfrYjQo7yR3ldKe66IG6QYxir2_GWGMgv020tf1oP3APFRDM71P72bPfMzBGJHKlSg0jBj9N7T1Ka/s400/P1050468.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472427837983968066" /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Our RS Pres., Sheryl opened with a list of things her husband said he learned on his mission. She reassured us that through Visiting Teaching, all of these lessons (the power of testimony, gospel knowledge, fasting, loving those you serve, etc.) can be a part of our souls as well.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We stood together and recited </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/dc/4">D&C 4</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. Returned missionaries (RM) will recall memorizing D&C 4 and reciting this from MTC days and regularly throughout the mission. It felt GOOD to do this in RS!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We heard from our newest sister RM (of 2 weeks!), Kelly. She took the <a href="http://www.lds.org/pa/display/0,17884,8776-1,00.html">"responsibilities of Visiting Teachers"</a> near the bottom the RS VTing page at lds.org and taught us how VTing is much like missionary service.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">“Missionary work is but [visiting] teaching to those who are not now members of the Church, and [visiting] teaching is nothing more or less than missionary work to Church members.” -Harold B. Lee</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div>Kelly referred to <a href="http://www.lds.org/library/display/0,4945,8057-1-4424-1,00.html">"Preach My Gospel,"</a> the section on "charity" in particular which teaches us that striving to serve with charity enables us to feel the love that Heavenly Father has for those we serve. She reminded us of Paul's teachings of charity found in 1 Cor. 13, and highlighted verse 12.... "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." Kelly taught that we do not know our sisters as perfectly as our Heavenly Father does, therefore we should seek to understand, to discern, and follow the Spirit when we are on the Lord's errand of watchcare.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Kelly shared how while serving her mission in UT, she saw firsthand how <i>important</i> faithful visiting teachers were in helping sisters come back to church.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">We are blessed to have Kelly back in our Relief Society!<br /><br />Bishop B. spoke about why we report visiting teaching each month.<br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Kayla played a beautiful piano solo. Thank you, Kayla for sharing your talent with us!<br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">I spoke on Pres. Eyrings talk, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a href="http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=d10bee9ba42fe010VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=f318118dd536c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD">"Rise to Your Call"</a> and related that to VTing. On my mission we were given a handbook, rules, and discussions. I found success and didn't have a problem with any of these things, but found that my mission meant so much more than "following the handbook." We need to understand a few crucial things in order find success in our call to serve as visiting teachers....<b>1. You are called of God.</b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><br /></b><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34186119@N02/4595789626/" title="RS-VTing-Eyring-quote by mudderto5, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1216/4595789626_a70170e694_o.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="RS-VTing-Eyring-quote" /></a></center><br /><b>2. You are promised that the Lord will guide you by revelation.</b> Answers will come to your prayers of faith on behalf of the sisters you visit teach. President Eyring taught, "To know [the Lord's] will you must be committed to do it. The words "Thy will be done," written in the heart, are the window to revelation. Pondering the scriptures will lead you to ask the right questions in prayer. The answers come by the Holy Spirit.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /><b>3</b><b>. Just as God called you and will guide you, He will magnify you.</b> The adversary will try to bring you down and thwart your efforts with <i>doubt</i> ("I doubt this sister cares about the letters I send her each month because I never hear from her.", <i>insecurity</i> (I don't understand what this sister is going through. Sister So-and-so would be a much better VTer for her than me!), <i>feeling overwhelmed</i>, and <i>feeling inadequate</i>. President Eyring taught, "You are inadequate to answer a call to represent God with only your own powers. But you have access to more than your natural capacities, and you are not alone." As sisters in Relief Society we should seek for ways to express and show support for one another...<br />"Good luck on your job interview. You'll do great! I'll be praying for you."<br />"I don't know exactly how you feel, but I'm here for you and I care."<br />"I feel so blessed to be your visiting teacher."<br />"I feel the Spirit in your home."<br />"Our Relief Society is better because of you."<br /><br /><b>4. Your service as a visiting teacher will have eternal consequences...for you and for the sisters you visit.</b> Just as we offer gratitude for those who've impacted our life for good, our sisters and their ancestors and descendants who chose eternal life because of something you said or did will be eternally grateful for your kindness. Our every effort to offer watchcare to our sisters truly matters.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/euAMSRNKgxs&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/euAMSRNKgxs&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'courier new', serif;font-size:large;">“[Visiting Teaching] is one responsibility that is certain to increase our faith and personal righteousness and strengthen our own homes and families as we become partners with the Lord. 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.” -Sis. Beck</span></div><br />We closed with prayer and had lemon, lime, and citrus bars, and fruit salad for refreshment as we all visited until our kids came in with hungry tummies wanting to head home:) What a blessing it is to be a part of our ward Relief Society! May we each express that love, in no uncertain terms to the sisters we visit teach, so that each of our dear sisters will find herself clearly inside our circle of sisterhood.<br /><br />With Love,<br />Sheryl, Jan, Rebecca, & Kayla</span></span></div>rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06195728501927408787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002626089740032452.post-285631191063956082010-05-02T07:53:00.000-07:002010-05-02T09:13:28.110-07:00Notes from the Stake Relief Society Conference<ul><li>Sis. Dushku referred to The Woman's Exponent, a periodical written by pioneer Relief Society sisters. She spoke of the RS conferences recorded there and what a privilege it is to carry on that tradition. I felt like I struck gold when I found The Woman's Exponent on BYU's online library. Click <a href="http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/WomansExp&CISOPTR=963&REC=1">HERE</a> to take a look....enjoy!</li></ul><ul><li>Renew your faith everyday. -Sis. Hutchins</li></ul><ul><li>Take off your magnifying glasses when interacting with sisters in Relief Society. Be slow to judge or take offense, but quick to befriend and uplift. - Sis. Hutchins.</li></ul><ul><li>"We must cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one another and gain instruction that we may all sit down in heaven together." -Lucy Mack Smith</li></ul><ul><li>In the Family History workshop: "Family history work has the power to do something <i>for</i> the dead It has an equal power to do something <i>to</i> the living. Family history work of Church members has a refining, spiritualizing, tempering influence on those who are engaged in it..." - Boyd K. Packer</li></ul><div><ul><li>"Having Faith amidst Modern Day Trials," by Marielle Joseph. She taught a beautiful lesson beginning with many scriptural accounts of faith. She then shared several inspiring stories of faith regarding the recent earthquake in Haiti. Marielle's mother, who is not a member of the church, is in Haiti and her life was spared because she followed the words of a child, "Do not go to choir practice. You will die if you go." The earthquake happened as the choir was practicing. The church collapsed and no one survived. Marielle shared that in parts of Haiti 90% of the area was destroyed, yet now one of our churches fell, and we were able to offer shelter right away. None of the members went without food from the beginning. Stephanie Granger from the Westford ward went to Haiti as an interpreter for a medical team 6 weeks following the earthquake. She attended church and found the members in white shirts, ties, well groomed and happy to be there. She said that the members spoke of faith, of heeding the prophet's counsel to have food storage. They do all they can to attend the temple in the Dominican Republic. There is a collective desire to be right with the Lord; to be prepared to see his face, knowing that could be at any moment.</li></ul><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you to our stake Relief Society leaders for putting together a wonderful women's conference. Lunch was delicious and kindly served by the high priests.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It was a great blessing to attend.</div></div>rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06195728501927408787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002626089740032452.post-40966305158501097962010-04-12T05:54:00.000-07:002010-04-12T06:20:11.529-07:00The Holy Ghost- lesson by Lorainne<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmblDCO4DOUMyPJc0WGa0Bvy82K7qsyds1wjeQj8GkPoHj5k-HXiChF_jJHLUFtZXmxzfmDhVQxod2zjMJ44dJq-RavdD73CQlD_vw5tbvfzP5yrMb0IofgOymHQlJ7sfVnU3UM5SIXBAD/s1600/ArtBook__004_004__AdamAndEveKneelingAtAnAlter____.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 146px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmblDCO4DOUMyPJc0WGa0Bvy82K7qsyds1wjeQj8GkPoHj5k-HXiChF_jJHLUFtZXmxzfmDhVQxod2zjMJ44dJq-RavdD73CQlD_vw5tbvfzP5yrMb0IofgOymHQlJ7sfVnU3UM5SIXBAD/s200/ArtBook__004_004__AdamAndEveKneelingAtAnAlter____.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459239948823928226" /></a><div>A loving Heavenly Father sent the Holy Ghost to comfort, help, and guide Adam and Eve and all of his spirit children following the Fall.</div><div><br /></div><div>Adam and Eve called upon Heavenly Father in prayer. The Lord sent the Holy Ghost to testify of the Father and of the Son and to teach Adam and Eve the gospel. (See Moses 5: 4-9)</div><div><br /></div><div>Through the power of the Holy Ghost, Adam "began to prophesy concerning all the families of the earth, saying: Blessed be the name of God, for because of my transgression my eyes are opened, and in this life I shall have joy, and again in the flesh I shall see God" (Moses 5:10). Because of the witness of the Holy Ghost to Eve, she said, "Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient" (Moses 5:11).</div><div><ul><li>How is our need for guidance from the Holy Ghost similar to that of Adam and Eve?</li></ul><div>The mission of the Holy Ghost is to bear witness of the Father and the Son and of the truth of all things.</div><div><ul><li>Think about times when the Holy Ghost has helped you grow in your testimony. Take time to record your testimony.</li></ul><div>"...Make every decision you contemplate pass this test: What does it do to me? What does it do for me? And let your code of conduct emphasize not ‘What will others think?’ but rather ‘What will I think of myself?’ Be influenced by that still, small voice. Remember that one with authority placed his hands on your head at the time of your confirmation and said, ‘Receive the Holy Ghost.’ Open your hearts, even your very souls, to the sound of that special voice that testifies of truth.” -Thomas S. Monson</div><div><br /></div><div>"The inspiring influence of the Holy Spirit can be overcome or masked by strong emotions, such as anger, hate, passion, fear, or pride. When such influences are present, it is like trying to savor the delicate flavor of a grape while eating a jalapeño pepper. Both flavors are present, but one completely overpowers the other. In like manner, strong emotions overcome the delicate promptings of the Holy Spirit." - Richard G. Scott</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06195728501927408787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002626089740032452.post-87136270370388974722010-03-24T18:40:00.000-07:002010-03-24T19:33:22.564-07:00Time to CELEBRATE...168 years of Relief Society! 168 years of visiting teaching, compassionate service, sisterhood, motherhood, WOMANHOOD, teaching moments, testimonies, listening, caring, temple worship, workshops-- family history, photography, organization, travel, baking, decorating, literature, history, gardening, sewing, beauty, journaling, etc....<div>This past year our ward Relief Society has come together for scores of needs, classes, and opportunities to serve. Therefore, we felt it was appropriate to celebrate the Relief Society's birthday by <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">CELEBRATING</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC66CC;"> each of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">YOU</span></span> sisters. To those who were not able to attend, we love you, missed you, and truly appreciate all that you bring to our Relief Society!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a little recap of our fun birthday celebration:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34186119@N02/4461445264/" title="RS-bday-tables by mudderto5, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4461445264_a4181823ef_o.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="RS-bday-tables" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34186119@N02/4460666537/" title="RS-bday-menu by mudderto5, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4460666537_8998565fc1_o.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="RS-bday-menu" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Click <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/corn-and-crab-chowder-recipe/index.html">HERE</a></span> for the corn and crab chowder recipe</div><div style="text-align: center;">Click <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><a href="http://www.tuscanrecipes.com/recipes/olive-garden-zuppa-toscana.html">HERE</a></span> for the Zuppa Toscana recipe</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">--------------------</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On our display table, we collected birthday celebration supplies such as cake mixes, frosting, candles, birthday cards, cake pans, cupcake supplies, etc. We donated the supplies to our local women's shelter and they replied with a gracious Thank You note. They were grateful to have replenishment for their birthday celebrations which they have regularly. They are grateful for the continued support of our Relief Society.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34186119@N02/4460666235/" title="RS-bday-display-table by mudderto5, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2678/4460666235_3332fae840_o.jpg" width="500" height="450" alt="RS-bday-display-table" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Kayla came up with a memorable surprise game for our amazing Relief Society president, Sheryl. {Sheryl's birthday was the day after our party.} Kayla had a goofy picture of Sheryl blown up, and then photocopied the mouth & we played pin the lips on Sheryl. Here we are with our silly poses in support of silly Sheryl. Really, she has a huge heart and fills her days with love and service. We are so lucky to serve with you, Sheryl! SO lucky. We love you!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34186119@N02/4461445180/" title="RS-bday-group by mudderto5, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4461445180_8d526e4e7a_o.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="RS-bday-group" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34186119@N02/4461534062/" title="RS-bday-Sheryl's-game by mudderto5, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/4461534062_8379b87f19_o.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="RS-bday-Sheryl's-game" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">***We also played a nail polish relay race & had a Birthday Yankee Swap. Everyone went home with a "birthday" gift and fond memories of a FUN Relief Society celebration.***</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34186119@N02/4461444656/" title="RS-bday-party-favor by mudderto5, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4461444656_c0063f356b_o.jpg" width="500" height="390" alt="RS-bday-party-favor" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Kayla used a flower scrapbook punch to make this bouquet of <a href="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3867623&cp=3256875">travel size scented hand sanitizer</a>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy 168th Birthday to the Relief Society. Best wishes in the year ahead!</div>rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06195728501927408787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002626089740032452.post-72609479210090706542010-03-04T08:37:00.000-08:002010-03-05T02:10:58.911-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34186119@N02/4406915618/" title="RS-VTing-quote by mudderto5, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4406915618_d6b4fee934.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="RS-VTing-quote" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Bradley Hand ITC TT';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sisters,</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Bradley Hand ITC TT';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Thank you</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">for all of the small and large acts of love you offer each day.</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Bradley Hand ITC TT';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Our Relief Society is better because of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">YOU</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Bradley Hand ITC TT';"><b>.</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Bradley Hand ITC TT', serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Post Edit: Click</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><a href="http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=11adea00a8bf6210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">HERE</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">to read a beautiful illustration of how following seemingly simple inspiration can lead to blessing a life in a deeply meaningful way.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06195728501927408787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002626089740032452.post-30332502608240905162010-01-14T22:36:00.000-08:002010-01-22T08:37:22.003-08:00Simplify<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4QU3Zul8nKs6n3W76oRLOMsV036Xw_7vd5mNeZ2lIYujxPwkXf2rt9YPgg8YGqs2yBjLOVcl2jRwTFxlYqA5AQRP5bg9tfL9bV08YdUjWhytio4IaIjVtCvtrHZNm4DHat7FCkjhlBWV/s1600-h/blog-button.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4QU3Zul8nKs6n3W76oRLOMsV036Xw_7vd5mNeZ2lIYujxPwkXf2rt9YPgg8YGqs2yBjLOVcl2jRwTFxlYqA5AQRP5bg9tfL9bV08YdUjWhytio4IaIjVtCvtrHZNm4DHat7FCkjhlBWV/s320/blog-button.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429604149369332338" /></a>We had a timely 1st Relief Society meeting of the new year. Christine Vick, co-founder of the website, Store & Style, came and spoke to us about simplifying and organizing our lives. If you came to hear tips on organizing your closet, you definitely left with a whole lot more. Here are my notes (feel free to add to them in the comments)....<div><br /></div><div>Christine asked us to list a few places in our home that are cluttered, that we'd like to organize. She offered the following tools to help us get started....</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Trash bags. Christine uses a black trash bag in a lidded aluminum garbage can in the garage to toss unused items. If they aren't missed after 6 months (or so) then they are donated or tossed.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. Markers. Label piles you're making as you declutter: Donate. Toss. Wash. etc.... whatever works for you.</div><div><br /></div><div>3. Tags or Stickers. This may sound radical, but think about this.... Attach the tag or sticker to everything you own (or as near to that ideal as possible). As you use or wear an item, remove the sticker. After a few months assess what items in your home still have stickers and seriously consider whether you need it or whether it can be tossed or donated.</div><div><br /></div><div>ORGANIZATIONAL TIPS:</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Start with a workable space such as your purse, your refrigerator, your junk drawer, etc. Being able to quickly clean and organize a small space will motivate you to move on to bigger and more difficult areas in your home.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. Dedicate a little bit of time each and every day to organizing. Just like grooming, cooking, cleaning, make this a part of your day, even if for just 15 minutes. Those minutes will add up over the course of a week and month. You'll see progress before you know it.</div><div><br /></div><div>3. De-clutter for 15 minutes each day.</div><div><br /></div><div>4. When deciding whether to keep or toss an item, as yourself: Is it beautiful? Do I love it? Is it useful? Do I use it regularly? Some thoughts to be mindful of that can keep us from de-cluttering: I paid a lot of money for this. I might use it someday. [Aunt Edna] gave this to me.</div><div><br /></div><div>5. Places to donate: <a href="http://www.wheatcommunity.net/">WHEAT</a> Community Services in Clinton and <a href="http://www.abbyshouse.org/">Abby's House</a> in Worcester.</div><div><br /></div><div>Christine offered the reminder that when it comes down to it, none of the things in our lives really matter; we can't take them with us when we pass on from this life. What will matter most is our relationship with the Lord and our relationships with others. When you close your eyes and take a moment to envision your perfect day in your home, what is it like? What is your home like? What is your relationship with your family like? When you open your eyes, ask yourself if the way that you choose to spend your time aligns with the day you envisioned.</div><div><br /></div><div>To get a quick idea of how you spend your time, keep a "TIME" journal for a day or two. Write down everything you do in your day. You may be surprised to find a few minutes here or there that can be reallocated to fit more with your goals and life you envision.</div><div><br /></div><div>What keeps us from de-cluttering this aspect of our lives? Christine suggested the following stumbling blocks....perfectionism, unreasonable expectations, insufficient time allocated to a task. To overcome these roadblocks we need to set realistic goals and be realistic about allocating time we need to succeed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Suggested reading:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=9469230bac7f0210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD">"Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually"</a> - Elder Robert D. Hales</div><div><a href="http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=12d72bce258f5110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD">"Good, Better, Best"</a> - Elder Dallin H. Oaks</div><div><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/search?search=luke+10%3A+38-42&do=Search">Luke 10: 38-42</a></div><div><br /></div><div>When we <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">simplify</span> our lives and schedules to where we are nurturing the things we value most, we will be able to hear and follow the promptings of the Spirit which is our never-failing guide.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you, Christine for a wonderful presentation; lots of food for thought & action!</div><div><br /></div><div>If you'd like to add anything, please leave a comment by clicking on "sisterly notes" below...</div><div><br /></div>rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06195728501927408787noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002626089740032452.post-7600342364530441122010-01-09T17:29:00.000-08:002010-01-09T17:57:44.538-08:00Compassionate Service (& a goal for 2010)Last Sunday church was canceled due to the poor quality of the snowy/icy roads. Kayla was supposed to teach Relief Society, and sent out a note with the following thoughts and challenge:<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><div>The Visiting Teaching message for December was on Nurturing through Compassionate Service. My testimony is that this message is true. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">"...In the end, the number of prayers we say may contribute to our happiness, but the number of prayers we answer may be of even greater importance. ...Let us be an instrument in the hands of the Lord to answer those prayers."</span></div><div> </div><div>Sisters, may we keep the spirit of Christmas with us throughout the year of 2010, and throughout our lives. I would encourage you all to make a goal to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">read the Ensign each month, cover to cover</span>. I know that as you do so, you will be blessed and your testimonies will be strengthened.</div><div> </div><div>Thank you all for your diligence. Let's continue to strive to recognize the divine inspiration of Visiting Teaching.</div><div><br /></div><div>Love, Kayla</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Click </span><a href="http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=6f6147a27a2b5210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=ccb1d48fa58db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">HERE</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> to read the January Ensign online. Have you started reading the January Ensign yet? If so, what article(s) did you enjoy? Here are a few that I've read and enjoyed so far:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=328f47a27a2b5210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">The New Gospel Principles Manual</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=ca4f47a27a2b5210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">How We Learned about Happiness</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> (short and very sweet)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=303f47a27a2b5210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Coming to My Ancestors' Aid</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=81be47a27a2b5210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Hold on a Little Longer</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> (includes a helpful personal assessment)</span></div></span></div>rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06195728501927408787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002626089740032452.post-48198603706319432492009-12-17T05:48:00.000-08:002009-12-17T05:49:55.283-08:00From the General Relief Society Presidency....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; "><table width="610" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="featurestext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-decoration: none; "><tbody><tr><td width="30" bgcolor="#efeedc"><img src="http://www.lds.org/pa/rs/home/sample_files/spacer.gif" width="30" height="1" /></td><td bgcolor="#efeedc"><img src="http://www.lds.org/pa/rs/images/RS_BabyJesus_ftr.jpg" alt="The Nativity" height="141" border="0" align="right" style="border-top-color: rgb(208, 208, 195); border-right-color: rgb(208, 208, 195); border-bottom-color: rgb(208, 208, 195); border-left-color: rgb(208, 208, 195); border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-width: 2px; border-right-width: 2px; border-bottom-width: 2px; border-left-width: 2px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 10px; " /><div class="newTitleLinks" style="color: rgb(65, 107, 158); font-size: large; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; ">A Call to Action This Christmastime</div><p style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-decoration: none; margin-top: 0px; ">As you reflect on the birth of our Savior this Christmas season, join us in remembering Him by serving someone on His behalf (see Matthew 25:40). We invite you to accept an invitation to do one of the following or something of your choice and share your experience with us (<a href="mailto:reliefsociety@ldschurch.org" class="moreLinks" style="color: rgb(65, 107, 158); ">reliefsociety@ldschurch.org</a>.):</p><ul id="list2" style="list-style-image: url(http://www.lds.org/pa/images/666699bullet2.gif); "><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: small; text-decoration: none; ">Visit someone in need.</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: small; text-decoration: none; ">Act on your generous thoughts.</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: small; text-decoration: none; ">Do temple work.</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: small; text-decoration: none; ">Register and search for a family name in the new FamilySearch.</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></span>rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06195728501927408787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002626089740032452.post-16282534161269429392009-12-07T15:19:00.000-08:002010-03-05T02:05:44.433-08:00GratitudeI've been nursing a cold that has given me a horse voice, and although I really wanted to teach my lesson on Sunday, I'm so thankful for Lisle for stepping in for me on a day's notice. I enjoyed finding the information and content of the lesson. A comment by Robert Emmons, the professor whose study I referred to in the lesson, has stood out in my mind. He said, "Far from being a warm, fuzzy sentiment, gratitude is morally and intellectually demanding. It requires contemplation, reflection and discipline. It can be hard and painful work." Why? ...something to think about as you read through the lesson.<div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">GRATITUDE</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHXBpXmsrayNT8E147DnbhgAAAFELEBJwDMn4iix59XYItw8f2EjO4XPxJMpYWw4W3eqvNfKn1ccAZfzdWll-HfCwAJTeNjHwcjVhLQsg3oocMP_zxIz9NvVmw5Hx6MroAZ19du8H6hX9/s1600-h/ArtBook__046_046__TheTenLepers____-1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHXBpXmsrayNT8E147DnbhgAAAFELEBJwDMn4iix59XYItw8f2EjO4XPxJMpYWw4W3eqvNfKn1ccAZfzdWll-HfCwAJTeNjHwcjVhLQsg3oocMP_zxIz9NvVmw5Hx6MroAZ19du8H6hX9/s200/ArtBook__046_046__TheTenLepers____-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412646455319273602" /></a>President Monson taught, “Through divine intervention, those who were lepers were spared from a cruel, lingering death and given a new lease on life. The expressed gratitude by one merited the Master’s blessing, the ingratitude shown by the nine, His disappointment.</div><div>Like the leprosy of yesteryear are the plagues of today. They linger; they debilitate; they destroy... We know them as selfishness, greed, indulgence, cruelty, and crime, to identify but a few. [Consumed] with their poison, we tend to criticize, to complain, to blame, and, slowly but surely, to abandon the positives and adopt the negatives of life.</div><div><br /></div><div><ul><li>Think about the "plagues of today" President Monson mentioned. Maybe you can think of a few more.</li><li>How do the plagues of today effect you? What do you do to lift your spirit and make yourself feel better?</li></ul><div><div>“Gratitude is literally one of the few things that can measurably change people's lives [for the better]." - Dr. Robert Emmons</div><div><br /></div><div>The following are the results of a “gratitude study” by Dr. Robert Emmons at UC Davis.</div><div> </div><div>Experiment: More than a hundred adults were all asked to keep a journal, and were randomly assigned to 3 different groups. Group A had to write about things they felt grateful about. Group B about things they found annoying, irritating. Group C about things that had had a major impact on them. 2 out of the 3 different experiments were relatively intense and short term (keeping a daily journal for 2-3 weeks), while one required a weekly entry during 10 weeks.</div><div><br /></div><div>Those who kept gratitude journals on a weekly basis <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">exercised more regularly, reported fewer physical symptoms, felt better about their lives as a whole, and were more optimistic about the upcoming week</span> compared to those who recorded hassles or neutral life events.</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>Participants who kept gratitude lists were <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">more likely to have made progress toward important personal goals</span> (academic, interpersonal and health-based) over a two-month period compared to subjects in the other experimental conditions.</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>A daily gratitude exercise resulted in <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">increased positive alertness, enthusiasm, determination, attentiveness and energy</span> compared to a focus on hassles or a downward social comparison (ways in which participants thought they were better off than others). </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>In a sample of adults with neuromuscular disease, a 21-day gratitude intervention resulted in <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">increased high energy positive moods, a greater sense of feeling connected to others, more optimistic ratings of one’s life, and better sleep duration and sleep quality</span>, relative to a control group.</div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Children who practice grateful thinking have more positive attitudes toward school and their families. (Froh, Sefick, & Emmons, 2008)</span></div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>Well-Being: Grateful people report <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">higher levels of positive emotions, life satisfaction, vitality, optimism and lower levels of depression and stress</span>. The disposition toward gratitude enhances pleasant feeling states more than it diminishes unpleasant emotions without denying or ignoring the negative aspects of life.</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>Socially: People with a strong disposition toward gratitude <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">have the capacity to be understanding and to take the perspective of others. They are rated as more generous and more helpful</span> by people in their social networks.</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>Spirituality: Those who regularly attend religious services and engage in religious activities such as prayer reading religious material are more likely to be grateful. Grateful people are more likely to acknowledge a belief in the interconnectedness of all life and a commitment to and responsibility to others (McCullough et. al., 2002). <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">Gratitude does not require religious faith, but faith enhances the ability to be grateful</span>.</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>Materialism: Grateful individuals place less importance on material goods; they are <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">less likely to judge their own and others success in terms of possessions accumulated; they are less envious of others; and are more likely to share their possessions with others</span> relative to less grateful persons. </div><div><br /></div><div>A conscious focus on gratitude may also remind you of unassuming pluses that get lost in the ups and downs of a busy life. "The most important blessings are the ones that are most consistent," such as family, health and home, says Philip Watkins, an Eastern Washington University psychologist. "And those are the ones we take for granted." <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">Grateful reflection helps you pick out and savor the good in life, even if the good isn't flashy. Gratitude helps bring to focus, highlights, and underscores what you DO have, and frivolous wants are seen for what they really are- fun and lovely, but absolutely optional.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>SUMMORIZE: "The benefits from counting blessings are tangible, emotionally and physically," he said. "People are 25 percent happier and more energetic if they keep gratitude journals, have 20 percent less envy and resentment, sleep 10 percent longer each night and wake up 15 percent more refreshed, exercise 33 percent more and show a 10 percent drop in blood pressure compared to persons who are not keeping these journals."</div><div><br /></div><div>Gratitude is literally one of the few things that can measurably change people's lives," -Dr Emmons</div><div><br /></div><div>Gratitude unlocks the fulness of life. It turns what we have into enough and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. -Melody Beattie</div><div><br /></div><div>Besides thanking those who bless our lives, as members of the church, we know to Whom we give thanks...</div><div><br /></div><div>Alma chapter 34 is the heartfelt sermon given by the great missionary, Amulek. He and Alma are preaching to poor among the Zoramites who have been humiliated and cast out of the synagogues because of their poverty. As Amulek teaches them he doesn’t waste much time getting to the heart of the matter...</div><div>“And we have beheld that the great question which is in your minds is whether the word be in the Son of God, or whether there shall be no Christ.” Amulek, a fairly new convert himself, bears fervent testimony of Christ, and in conclusion he offers one of my favorite invitations found in scripture....</div><div><br /></div><div>“Live in thanksgiving daily for the many mercies and blessings which He doth bestow upon you.” -Alma 34:38</div><div><br /></div><div>We can be thankful for our blessings, but when we acknowledge the source of all goodness not just in our daily prayers, but in our hearts throughout each day, we live in thanksgiving and are filled with the Spirit. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thankfulness helps you see that you're an object of love and care. When we show gratitude for our Savior we acknowledge that He loves us and blesses us individually. We are worthy of His love.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><ul><li>How did the Savior “live in Gratitude daily”?</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div>He expressed gratitude to His Heavenly Father in prayer when performing miracles (see John 11:41)</div><div>He expressed thanks for earthly things such as food (see Matthew 15:36)</div><div>He gave credit to Heavenly Father for giving us all things (see Matthew 11:27).</div><div>Through obedience to all He was commanded to do. </div><div><br /></div><div>Professor Emmons said, "Far from being a warm, fuzzy sentiment, gratitude is morally and intellectually demanding," he says. "It requires contemplation, reflection and discipline. It can be hard and painful work." In the gospel light, Jesus showed that gratitude is more than a sentiment, rather gratitude is a VERB. We too can show this kind of gratitude to our Heavenly Father and “live in thanksgiving daily.”</div><div><br /></div><div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px">WAYS TO DEVELOP AND EXERCISE GRATITUDE</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">some of these are fun for kids</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <ul> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Keep a running gratitude list</span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Keep a daily journal recording at least one way the Lord has blessed your life.</span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Create a gratitude paper chain that counts down to a holiday or birthday.</span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Take a conscious look at the beauty of the earth & recognize the Creator.</span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Say a prayer of gratitude; asking for nothing, but simply expressing thanks.</span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Study “gratitude” as it is taught in the scriptures.</span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Make a gratitude collage.</span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Spend time with grateful people.</span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Be cautious about being critical---seek understanding and don’t waste energy on negativity.</span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">List gratitude ABC style: A- apples, B- brother, Jim, C- church, etc.</span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Don’t gossip or listen to gossips.</span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Write a gratitude letter to your children.</span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Write a letter of gratitude to someone who has blessed your life in some way, but whom you haven’t thanked (enough).</span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Celebrate other people.</span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Sing and/or listen to hymns or songs of gratitude</span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Collect gratitude stories.</span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Establish a Gratitude Book at Thanksgiving.</span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Play Gratitude ”I Spy.”</span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Contemplate your divine worth; you are worthy of the Lord’s love & blessings.</span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Find gratitude in every situation.</span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Simplify your schedule, possessions and relationships. It’s harder to be grateful if you are overwhelmed in any one of these areas.</span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Don’t deny yourself the basics – sleep, healthy food, exercise, solitude, etc.</span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Practice CONTENTMENT by practicing delayed gratification & honestly identifying needs vs. wants.</span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Simplify possessions- Be content with fewer, but good quality clothes.</span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Say “thank you” OFTEN.</span></li> </ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">May each of us carry the gratitude we focused on during the Thanksgiving holiday throughout our Christmas celebrations. And beyond that, as Amulek taught, may we “Live in Thanksgiving daily for the many mercies and blessings He doth bestow upon you.”</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: -webkit-xxx-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Post edit: The March 2010 issue of the Ensign has a wonderful article on Gratitude that compliments this lesson very well. Click </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=18adea00a8bf6210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=f318118dd536c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD">HERE</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> to read the article.</span></span></div></div></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div>rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06195728501927408787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002626089740032452.post-21822296312711112302009-12-04T10:27:00.000-08:002009-12-08T09:50:31.495-08:00Christmas Wreathmaking PartyWe had a lovely wreathmaking party last night. We were delighted that quite a few women brought friends. Allison's friend attended last years' program as well and mentioned afterward how nice it was to "meet new friends" and she wanted to know the date of next years' wreathmaking party so she could put it on her calendar.<div>Charlene's neighbor brought wreath accents to donate and a woman from the Marlborough Ward RS brought fresh holly clippings for all to use. Women made wreaths for those who couldn't attend, but had signed up for wreaths. There was a great spirit of kindness, creativity, and sisterhood. We had a ball. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uhKU3xIED_KLErxTX8FT7-f0DjgwVPvE0qBqd3Pa0vKn6hTPcDDAH05jDVRwbbcJ4M-yR7i8lMJv-NtovIOg-EFrit1Vvq-dJyMFvIS2lVbN3b8DfA9TABbLwqeghaKuZ93hoTAJ4VIW/s1600-h/wreathmaking+party+12-03-09+006.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uhKU3xIED_KLErxTX8FT7-f0DjgwVPvE0qBqd3Pa0vKn6hTPcDDAH05jDVRwbbcJ4M-yR7i8lMJv-NtovIOg-EFrit1Vvq-dJyMFvIS2lVbN3b8DfA9TABbLwqeghaKuZ93hoTAJ4VIW/s400/wreathmaking+party+12-03-09+006.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412923644866848498" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje223lhG69UgNH0AF8WQZJnn9R4xFEwV68JszHAbZw__uLNkxFUJ19tNcy4rk5ER8fLzR9oA5Xbawyma3IOZRaBrb2o27gHD6jrZ_o4kefpkRk9jzHCf3h0UADcWC550cTGT6lXxqXVsSw/s1600-h/wreathmaking+party+12-03-09+004.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje223lhG69UgNH0AF8WQZJnn9R4xFEwV68JszHAbZw__uLNkxFUJ19tNcy4rk5ER8fLzR9oA5Xbawyma3IOZRaBrb2o27gHD6jrZ_o4kefpkRk9jzHCf3h0UADcWC550cTGT6lXxqXVsSw/s400/wreathmaking+party+12-03-09+004.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412923633101605634" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2tXg8l7G4iAaP8A6SutmWP9da55KzXxMUYo1Bp7zFrZSjF3Z-nwCBzfYQ9TImgXRSXyXtaMguOSfKwLR5zEqRzK5JEx8-Qy3DGg3JFMBwLjzBWsY_BmgmKFJ0EAA8z5Mri6-JmLFe_a7/s1600-h/wreathmaking+party+12-03-09+002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2tXg8l7G4iAaP8A6SutmWP9da55KzXxMUYo1Bp7zFrZSjF3Z-nwCBzfYQ9TImgXRSXyXtaMguOSfKwLR5zEqRzK5JEx8-Qy3DGg3JFMBwLjzBWsY_BmgmKFJ0EAA8z5Mri6-JmLFe_a7/s400/wreathmaking+party+12-03-09+002.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412923628405724914" /></a><div>We sincerely missed those of you who were not able to make it for whatever reason. You were in our thoughts. I promised one sister who had to leave early that I would post the program on our Relief Society blog. Hopefully as you read this you can feel a part of our Wreath making party. (Please forgive my weakness in formatting....)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">Wreathmaking Party Program</span></div><div><br /></div><div><ul><li>Dora M. read: It is a good thing to observe Christmas day. The mere marking of times and seasons, when men agree to stop work and make merry together, is a wise and wholesome custom. It helps one to feel the supremacy of the common life over the individual life. It reminds a man to set his own little watch, now and then, by the great clock of humanity which runs on sun time. </li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div>But there is a better thing than the observance of Christmas day, and that is, keeping Christmas. </div><div><br /></div><div>Are you willing to forget what you have done for other people, and to remember what other people have done for you; to ignore what the world owes you, and to think what you owe the world; to put your rights in the background, and your duties in the middle distance, and your chances to do a little more than your duty in the foreground; to see that your fellow-men are just as real as you are, and try to look behind their faces to their hearts, hungry for joy; to own that probably the only good reason for your existence is not what you are going to get out of life, but what you are going to give to life; to close your book of complaints against the management of the universe, and look around you for a place where you can sow a few seeds of happiness--are you willing to do these things even for a day? Then you can keep Christmas. </div><div><br /></div><div>Are you willing to stoop down and consider the needs and the desires of little children; to remember the weakness and loneliness of people who are growing old; to stop asking how much your friends love you, and ask yourself whether you love them enough; to bear in mind the things that other people have to bear on their hearts; to try to understand what those who live in the same house with you really want, without waiting for them to tell you; to trim your lamp so that it will give more light and less smoke, and to carry it in front so that your shadow will fall behind you; to make a grave for your ugly thoughts, and a garden for your kindly feelings, with the gate open--are you willing to do these things even for a day? Then you can keep Christmas. </div><div><br /></div><div>Are you willing to believe that love is the strongest thing in the world--stronger than hate, stronger than evil, stronger than death--and that the blessed life which began in Bethlehem nineteen hundred years ago is the image and brightness of the Eternal Love? Then you can keep Christmas. </div><div><br /></div><div>And if you keep it for a day, why not always? - Henry Van Dyke</div><div><br /></div><div><ul><li>Macy Robison sang a great solo of "We Need a Little Christmas." She made us all smile! </li></ul></div><div><ul><li>Click <a href="http://www.christmasmagazine.com/en/spirit/story07.asp"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">HERE</span></a> for the Christmas Story that Santa read from the pulpit.</li></ul></div><div><ul><li>There was a beautiful rendition of "Born to Wear a Crown" by four women in the Marlborough Ward Relief Society.</li></ul><ul><li>Max read: The real business of Christmas is to courageously reconcile differences; to heal wounds of the heart; to honestly, fully forgive and forget; to love our enemies after the manner of the Savior on the cross; to generously help those who are truly in need; to think less about what we can buy and more about what we can give that will be most meaningful; to lift up the hands that hang down and strengthen the feeble knees and carry each other's burdens in full purpose of comfort and solution. It is remembering that the birth of Jesus introduced mercy, repentance, hope, and love into the world, and that our part is to find ways to implement these virtues into daily living. It is quietly doing what needs to be done, in the name of Jesus Christ, without looking for credit or praise. </li></ul><div>Perhaps we can make Christmas the starting point of more Christ-like behavior all year; we can strive to be more kind and patient, more helpful and forgiving. If we can do it for a season, why not for a whole year and then even for a lifetime! - Henry Van Dyke</div><div><br /></div><div><ul><li>Kayla N. read: The Savior is our great exemplar. At the Christmas season we contemplate anew who He is and what generosity He extended to us by coming into the world to be our Savior.</li></ul></div><div>As the Son of God, born to Mary, He had the power to resist all temptation to sin. He lived a perfect life so that He could be the infinite sacrifice, the unblemished Lamb promised from the foundation of the world.</div><div><br /></div><div>He gave us that gift at a price we cannot fathom. It was a gift He did not need for Himself; He was without the need for forgiveness. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Christmas season gives us encouragement to remember Him and His infinite generosity. Remembering His generosity will help us feel and respond to the inspiration that there is someone who needs our help, and it will let us see the hand of God reaching to us when He sends someone to succor us, as He so often does. There is joy in giving and in receiving the generosity that God inspires, especially at Christmas. - Henry B. Eyring, December 2009 Ensign</div><div><br /></div><div>If we can feel this divine joy for a season, why not for a whole year and then even for a lifetime!</div></div></div>rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06195728501927408787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002626089740032452.post-47161975684160219572009-11-23T08:01:00.000-08:002009-11-23T08:47:01.703-08:00Interfaith Thanksgiving ServiceDear Sisters,<div><br /></div><div>I just wanted to share with you a report of the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service (from my perspective). If you attended and want to add anything, please comment below. </div><div><br /></div><div>The service was lovely. There was a spirit of unity in gratitude and for a good cause....coming together for the Northborough food pantry. Neal Robison has been representing our ward for years on the local interfaith council, and one minister I spoke with, Judith Wright from First Parish Unitarian Church, expressed their love for Neal. He has represented our ward and faith well. Clergy from around our area spoke and we sang hymns together. It was wonderful to see so many families from our ward attend. I think we brought all of the children in attendance:)</div><div><br /></div><div>After the service there was a mingle/refreshments downstairs. This is where I met Judith Wright as well as an intern clergy for a local parish (her name slips my mind). I told Judith how kind it was for the interfaith council to change the time from 4pm to 4:30 to accommodate our congregation. This led to an explanation of what we do at church for 3 hours. Judith asked if she could come visit and I welcomed her.</div><div><br /></div><div>I tracked down the woman who coordinated the food for the mingle and thanked her. I told her that since we have quite a few from our congregation interested in attending this annual gathering, we'd love to contribute next time. This led to a conversation of interfaith hot dinners served each Wednesday evening and the possible opportunity for members of our ward to participate on some level.</div><div><br /></div><div>This morning as I shared this experience with my sister, she said, "Look what gratitude has done." Gratitude brings love into a conversation; it creates a bridge from one unique soul to another. Gratitude is a sturdy building block for collective service for the common good.</div><div><br /></div><div>I couldn't help but think that because of Neal's efforts, we had the opportunity to participate yesterday and represent our faith. All of these years of fellowship will make coming together in the future, whether for a cause or in time of need, that much easier and effective.</div><div><br /></div><div>With gratitude,</div><div><br /></div><div>Rebecca Menzie</div><div><br /></div>rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06195728501927408787noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002626089740032452.post-9534948422265922682009-11-19T07:47:00.000-08:002009-11-19T07:58:46.834-08:0072 Hour food Kits- our menu<span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><div style="">The following is the menu for the <a href="http://nwenrichment.blogspot.com/2009/11/72-hour-food-kits.html">72 Hour food kits</a> we assembled this month...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">.</span></div><div style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">Day 1</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div><div>Breakfast- granola bar & raisins</div><div>Lunch- Jerky & nuts</div><div>Dinner- Chef Boyardee meal</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">Day 2</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Breakfast- Trail Mix</div><div>Lunch- Mac & Cheese & sunflower seeds</div><div>Dinner- Chicken and Dumpling soup</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">Day 3</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Breakfast- Power bar</div><div>Lunch- nuts</div><div>Dinner- Tuna to Go & fruit cup</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">SNACKS</span></div><div><br /></div><div>candy</div><div>Snickers</div><div>Gum</div><div>candy bar</div><div><br /></div><div>For our assembly line there were small signs in front of each stack of items that read: "Take 1," for the jerky, nuts, and candy bars: "Take 2," and for the candy: "Take 22."</div><div><br /></div><div>There is a label on the outside of the mylar bag with the menu, as well as a sticker that reads, "Don't forget water!! FEMA recommends one gallon per person per day"</div>rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06195728501927408787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002626089740032452.post-43731533101461901092009-11-15T21:13:00.000-08:002009-11-15T22:14:09.776-08:00The Restoration- lesson notesSara gave a very nice lesson in Relief Society today. A couple of points I want to pass on to all of you sisters....<div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22vxzGq4s0qx2jIqq7M3CuFXIsjPUO5LPh-TgJAspDe3Pibo46D1-UQioWyP5e_fpRdbS33-zg22NI0FfA-IEao6b71pqkVrqx-mziQ2SF_XmF-GgLVsidN65Wb54zuJONpqRBL9-YYBT/s1600/Nauvoo+temple.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 173px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22vxzGq4s0qx2jIqq7M3CuFXIsjPUO5LPh-TgJAspDe3Pibo46D1-UQioWyP5e_fpRdbS33-zg22NI0FfA-IEao6b71pqkVrqx-mziQ2SF_XmF-GgLVsidN65Wb54zuJONpqRBL9-YYBT/s200/Nauvoo+temple.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404579458421190754" /></a>Every lesson of the restoration brings an opportunity to contemplate the blessings the gospel in its fullness brings to our lives. In class we discussed the blessing of the gift of the Holy Ghost to guide us as we teach, in our callings, and in our roles in life. The crowning event of the restoration was the restoration of the sealing power. Just as Joseph Smith felt great urgency in building temples for the progression of the Saints, so too have recent prophets admonished us as members to get a temple recommend, live worth of attending the temple, and attend. At great cost and sacrifice we have been blessed with temples dotting the earth, and our Boston temple within a close drive. We encourage each of you to attend the temple before Thanksgiving in the spirit of gratitude for the restoration of the sealing power and temple ordinances that bring strength, clarity, and light to our souls. We are indebted to our Saviour, to the prophet, Joseph Smith, and those who have sacrificed so much before us to bring a temple in our midst. Our gratitude is best expressed by attending the temple often.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9L8kVfebNuaz2Aa49hYy8l75gc9LgoRSo6rSnfVv2388WIGIUWHMdF6HfGkEvoNtfsNwVrQzcxx3ZuOlTZHMMstD0wrp55k7R7ZgtryCDjyEXkEpAx3zuR1weL3m-qJ6Po9rb6tOpwBk/s1600/boston_lds_mormon_temple1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9L8kVfebNuaz2Aa49hYy8l75gc9LgoRSo6rSnfVv2388WIGIUWHMdF6HfGkEvoNtfsNwVrQzcxx3ZuOlTZHMMstD0wrp55k7R7ZgtryCDjyEXkEpAx3zuR1weL3m-qJ6Po9rb6tOpwBk/s400/boston_lds_mormon_temple1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404580190747627170" /></a></div><div>Sara emphasized that we all have a part in the restoration! As the lesson stated, Jesus Christ himself is our co-worker in this great work of building up the Kingdom of God. We shouted for joy at the opportunity to follow our Saviour, Jesus Christ's Plan of Salvation, and now that we are here faced with choices and opportunities to actively participate in the restoration, we can feel strength and purpose because Christ is the author and "co-worker" in this great work. We are not alone. Sara shared that in all of the countless lessons she has taught in church, without fail the Spirit has taught her and guided her in her preparations. The same can be said of our roles in our families and as daughters of God. He will always be there to lead us in righteousness.</div><div><br /></div><div>“The heavenly Priesthood will unite with the earthly, to bring about those great purposes; and whilst we are thus united in the one common cause, to roll forth the kingdom of God, the heavenly Priesthood are not idle spectators, the Spirit of God will be showered down from above, and it will dwell in our midst. The blessings of the Most High will rest upon our tabernacles, and our name will be handed down to future ages; our children will rise up and call us blessed; and generations yet unborn will dwell with peculiar delight upon the scenes that we have passed through, the privations that we have endured, the untiring zeal that we have manifested, the all but insurmountable difficulties that we have overcome in laying the foundation of a work that brought about the glory and blessing which they will realize; a work that God and angels have contemplated with delight for generations past; that fired the souls of the ancient patriarchs and prophets; a work that is destined to bring about the destruction of the powers of darkness, the renovation of the earth, the glory of God, and the salvation of the human family.” -History of the Church, 4:609–10; punctuation modernized; paragraph divisions altered; from “The Temple,” an editorial published in Times and Seasons, May 2, 1842, p. 776; Joseph Smith was the editor of the periodical.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you, Sara, for your beautiful lesson; for your unique perspective, and how obviously thoughtful you are in your preparations. We are blessed to learn from you each month.</div><div><br /></div><div>Have a wonderful week, sisters!</div><div><br /></div><div>With much love,</div><div>Sheryl, Jan, Rebecca & Tammy</div>rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06195728501927408787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002626089740032452.post-73802985397899976482009-11-13T13:21:00.000-08:002009-11-13T15:03:19.511-08:0072 Hour food KitsWow, who knew what an efficient machine we have in our ward's Relief Society?! Sisters started arriving at Charlene's home around 7pm. We had a prayer, listened to Allison's quick run through, and we were off to the races. By 8:30 we had about 120 72 Hour food kits stuffed in mylar bags & sealed. Thank you to our Stake RS for the use of the mylar sealer machine. It worked like a charm.<div><br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:11px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34186119@N02/4101709520/" title="72 hour kits- sealing mylar bags by mudderto5, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2506/4101709520_2138d55c9e_o.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="72 hour kits- sealing mylar bags" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;font-size:11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Lucida Grande';"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34186119@N02/4100963017/" title="72 hour kits- amazing charlene by mudderto5, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2444/4100963017_a0f9ee9cf1_o.jpg" width="571" height="631" alt="72 hour kits- amazing charlene" /></a></span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Some women showed up just to help. When women finished their kits they quickly helped another sister with hers, and we had FUN in the process.<div><div><div>A huge <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">thank you</span></span> to Allison for purchasing {$10.50 per kit is remarkable!},</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:11px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34186119@N02/4100968271/" title="72 hour kits- FOOD! by mudderto5, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2569/4100968271_3b92ae3dcb_o.jpg" width="600" height="451" alt="72 hour kits- FOOD!" /></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div>to Charlene for hosting, to Kelly and Stacey for help with set up and accounting, to Sara for all of the emergency preparedness information, for those who contributed to our food storage "buffet," and for each and every one of you, sisters. You are angels on earth.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:11px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34186119@N02/4100950197/" title="72 hour kits- RS group by mudderto5, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2699/4100950197_31238928eb_o.jpg" width="600" height="389" alt="72 hour kits- RS group" /></a></span></div><div><br /><div>How nice it was to visit with Connie before her big move to Michigan! Connie, we will all miss you dearly.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our food storage buffet consisted of several dishes made exclusively using food storage ingredients. We all voted for our favorite dish, and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">the winner was Deb</span></span> with her apple pie using canned apple filling. Here's her blue ribbon recipe....</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Apples for Baking</span></span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>2-3 pounds of apples per quart</div><div>sugar</div><div>water</div><div><br /></div><div>Wash, core and peel apples. Slice 1/4" thick. Make an extra-light syrup or water (I use the syrup- 1 1/4 cups sugar, 5 1/2 cups water, yields 6 cups. Heat until the sugar is dissolved) Keep the syrup hot. Gently boil apples in syrup for 5 minutes. Pack hot apples into hot jars, leaving 1/2" headspace. Remove air bubbles. Adjust two piece caps. Process pints and quarts for 20 minutes in a boiling-water canner.</div><div>Note: You can use any variety eating apples. It is best to select a variety.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">Apple Pie from Canned Apples</span></span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>In a medium size bowl add two quarts of the Baking Apples; try to drain off all of the liquid except about 1/2 a cup. Add 2-3 Tablespoons of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg. If you have lemon you can add 1 Tablespoon. Mix up and pour it into your 9" pie plate that has been lined with pie crust. Top it with pie crust. Make 2-3 vent slits on the top crust. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on the top. Bake at 425 for 40-45 minutes. Let cool for 2-3 hours. Serves 8.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you brought a food storage dish to our RS meeting, or if you've got a favorite recipe using your food storage ingredients, please email me the recipe and I'll post it on our RS blog. For future reference, I will post the ingredients of our 72 hour kits here as well. Our plan is to encourage everyone to have a 72 hour kit October conference picnic and then we will repeat our 72 hour kit RS meeting each October.</div><div><br /></div><div>Questions? Feel free to drop me a note.... rebecca@menzie.org</div><div><br /></div><div>Peace to all,</div><div><br /></div><div>Rebecca</div></div></div></div></div></div>rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06195728501927408787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002626089740032452.post-56821769321471670242009-11-07T19:58:00.001-08:002009-11-07T20:15:37.686-08:00Journaling "prompts"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If you ever sit down to write "something" in your journal, but you find yourself struggling to figure out exactly what to write about, refer to this basic list of suggested questions that elicit information appropriate for your journal. This list was compiled by a wonderful couple in my family's ward....</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Robert and Carol Jean Coombs</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">UCLA School of Medicine</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">October, 1991</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Writing a Personal History</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A Priceless Legacy</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A personal history should not be a professional work of literature. It will be most valuable to those who later see it if it reflects you, your attitudes and memories. Remembering the disappointments and bad times highlights memories of the good times, successes and accomplishments. Use your own language and style. Get your ideas quickly on to tape and edit it later. The following suggestions may be helpful:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Your Family Tree</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Who are your grandparents and parents?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What are the dates and places of their birth, marriage, death?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">How did they earn their living?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What do you like to remember about them?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Your Youth</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">When and where you born?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What is your earliest memory?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Who are your brothers and sisters?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Where did you live?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What was your house like?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Where did you sleep?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What were you like as a child? As a teenager?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What did you do for fun?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What were your favorite toys and games?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What happened when you got into mischief?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Did you have pets?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">How did you spend your summers?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">How did you celebrate holidays?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Where did you go to school?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What do you remember best about school?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What were your family activities and traditions?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What did you like to do? Dislike to do?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What is a favorite memory?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Your Marriage</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">How did you meet your spouse?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What was he/she like then?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What was your courtship like?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">How did you become engaged?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What do you remember about your wedding?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Your Adult Life</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What occupations have you had?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What was the most challenging?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Where did you live?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What did you do for fun?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What were you good at?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What skills are you glad you developed?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Your Children</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Where and when were your children born?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Why did you name them what you did?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What were their endearing qualities?What are your hopes for the future?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What family activities and traditions did you have?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Your Civic, Religious and Social Affiliations</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What involvement did you have with your church? Your community? Your friends?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Where Have You Traveled?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">How Has the World Changed During Your Lifetime? What do you like best and least about those changes?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What inventions have changed the way you live?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What newsworthy people and events have impacted your life?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Your Attitudes and Feelings</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What is your attitude about money?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What are your religious beliefs?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What advice would you give to your grandchildren?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What would you most like to teach your grandchildren?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What are the most precious things in the world to you?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Reflections on Your Life</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What are the highlights of your life?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What was of the greatest influence?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">How would you like to be remembered?</span></span></div></div>rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06195728501927408787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002626089740032452.post-48437890556490624022009-11-02T07:43:00.000-08:002009-11-16T09:39:47.280-08:00Journaling- A record of your personal journeyDear Sisters,<div><br /></div><div>It was amazing and wonderful to have so many sisters in Relief Society on Sunday for our lesson on journal keeping. I would have loved another hour together to discuss and share. We all have stories, experiences, and life lessons that when shared are edifying and strengthen our sisterhood. I'm including a recap of the lesson, as well as a few things I wasn't able to share due to time....</div><div><br /></div><div>First of all, we talked about different systems of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">journaling</span>....</div><div><br /></div><div><ul><li>Blogs. These can be printed in book form- see me for more info</li></ul><ul><li>I shared a binder filled with emails between my family members. We all understood we were commenting for a family journal and my sister would start an email thread off by asking something like, "What are your memories about family vacations?" In the binder there's a tab called "Vacations" and our email notes on family vacations are printed out there. We also discussed holidays, pets, dinnertime, mom & dad, & rough housing. At the back of the binder there are a few letters my parents wrote to college kids and there are some pictures. Here's an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">excerpt</span> from a letter found at the back of the journal (I shared part of this in the lesson)....</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div>"You should have seen [Adam's] birthday cake (yes, he FINALLY had one). I made a Texas sheet cake, then filled tow huge balloons with confetti by putting the lip of the them over the wide-mouthed canning funnel and scooping in the confetti. then I blew the balloons up and tied a candle wick in the knot, and put the balloons round side down on the cake. We lit the wicks, sang, and waited in a kind of anticipation you've never seen before. Jim was even about to crawl under the table. We really didn't know what was going to happen. Then, BOOM! I mean really BOOM! Confetti went everywhere--even through the kitchen and the entry to the front door! We laughed our brains out. I'm still finding confetti a week later!"</div><div>NOTE: Including recipes and how-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">to's</span> is a great way to make it easy to pass things on to others.</div><div><br /></div><div><ul><li>Steno Pads--- Priscilla H's daughter Jenny shared, "When we were little mom kept steno pad notebooks by her bedside, and she would take turns <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">journaling</span> about each of us from her perspective. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimcxcIH99POqYeERRZoHHQYm81wthoDdlavJ_Z817qVz1KxIo_eX-Jm6uA2tXRO13bYX-rT9Ew02uyVP-aLMUnK3ceNCicKh5v0P5PvmqmdtVZMTDtar9JiuJc1g5w7H3DmWwMVKNuJtMA/s1600/P1050130.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimcxcIH99POqYeERRZoHHQYm81wthoDdlavJ_Z817qVz1KxIo_eX-Jm6uA2tXRO13bYX-rT9Ew02uyVP-aLMUnK3ceNCicKh5v0P5PvmqmdtVZMTDtar9JiuJc1g5w7H3DmWwMVKNuJtMA/s320/P1050130.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404756906262985378" /></a> They were consistent, but there are a treasure. Because of the little journal that my mom kept for me, about me, from a loving mother's perspective (she would mention that she was disappointed in me because of decisions I had made, or proud of me, etc. always keeping a gospel perspective) I have don the same thing for each of my children. I started them when they reached 2 years of age (past the major baby book phase) and have sporadically, but at least monthly or so, kept them up even until now. My oldest son's book is filled, but I continue to jot things down in margins. I know that the children have snuck away to a corner with their journal from time to time, and enjoy reading things about their childhood that they didn't know, didn't remember, etc. I love to journal quotes that the kids have said. I thing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">journaling</span> for self is valuable, but I also think a mother's touch on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">journaling</span> is worth so much."</li></ul></div><div>I passed around decorated steno pads & would love to give you one if you weren't there. Drop me a note if you didn't get one.... (rebecca@menzie.org).</div><div><ul><li>Dora shared how she started keeping her family Christmas letters as journal entries (Great idea!) and that turned into pulling other journal-type things, photos, notes, etc. together in a folder. She said it feels good to do something that can be called "a journal." There's no one system or look for a journal, and if you can find a process that works for you, go with it!!!</li></ul></div><div><ul><li>Jan shared that she considers her letters to her missionary son a journal. Absolutely! I shared a binder my dad put together of letters my parents wrote my grandparents while they were on their mission in Germany. From "Letters to Germany" I shared this note from my mom:</li></ul></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBERppqAiPtS4F5jdkCwmrNvQVsInpQlsUS8vHagrS2Lp1avwo1ostg7P73NDJV2h8IB69IqhxJ_MKQUfv8ouTuY8Cokn7XjL6HbK_feie9Tw-JLAo9CTjUSjBnatohDYYYbYPEWdvQrL9/s1600-h/scan0301.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 144px; height: 101px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBERppqAiPtS4F5jdkCwmrNvQVsInpQlsUS8vHagrS2Lp1avwo1ostg7P73NDJV2h8IB69IqhxJ_MKQUfv8ouTuY8Cokn7XjL6HbK_feie9Tw-JLAo9CTjUSjBnatohDYYYbYPEWdvQrL9/s320/scan0301.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399579520168151746" /></a>"Last week was a bad week. Nothing went right and I was cross with the children before each day was through. S&J are in the 'quarrel over anything and everything' stage, and I had such a hectic schedule for the week, and it was all too much. Finally, on Thursday I really gave them a good paddling and suggested to the three that they ask Heavenly Father to help them be kinder to one another and talk gently and that I'd do the same. I came downstairs and heard murmuring upstairs and thought they were probably saying their prayers. I felt like a heel. A I listened at the door I heart them making big plans to pack up and run away from home. 'No, we can't go there, it might get dark first,' and "shall we take suitcases?" After a while they came down, suitcases packed and announced they were all leaving. I said OK, I'd fix them a lunch to take, but that I didn't want them crossing any streets. So, they all trooped 2 doors up to Collette's and asked if they could live there. Well, they came back home before dark and are all settled and happy again."</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">What should we write about in our journals?</span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">2 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Nephi</span> 25:23 reads, "For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are save, after all we can do."</span></li></ul></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCct-hcJjAtZaCS5niGZUI1HfdW3Ywya7cO_eYxJ64XVNJvFc4n4S_71s5kDrMF8QhBQJbxXQPn_88NZpdLm7yE6VFn8C58Kk3YeQSYm63wE8H2NW9F90gg8NJIr3Rrdw4pKzkP29B0veY/s1600-h/ArtBook__036_036__JesusAndTheSamaritanWoman____.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCct-hcJjAtZaCS5niGZUI1HfdW3Ywya7cO_eYxJ64XVNJvFc4n4S_71s5kDrMF8QhBQJbxXQPn_88NZpdLm7yE6VFn8C58Kk3YeQSYm63wE8H2NW9F90gg8NJIr3Rrdw4pKzkP29B0veY/s320/ArtBook__036_036__JesusAndTheSamaritanWoman____.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399579530858737842" /></a>Share your testimony in your journal. Whether convert or "life member" we all should have a conversion story--prayers answered, how we know God lives, significant experiences visiting church history sites, knowing our prophet is called of God, experiences with the Holy Ghost as comforter, purifier, testifier of truth, etc. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I referred to Pres. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Eyring's</span> talk, <a href="http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=88562bce258f5110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD">"O Remember, Remember"</a> as an illustration of journal writing including testimony. Pres. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Eyring</span> said, "Before I would write, I would ponder this question: Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?" As I kept at it something began to happen. As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of us that I had not recognized in the busy moments of the day. I realized that trying to remember had allowed God to show me what He had done. More than gratitude began to grow in my heart. Testimony grew."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I shared a few journal entries from my mom's journal:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">"At 4am this morning I was feeding and rocking Ben, pondering over my feelings of frustration and self-defeat which had <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">been</span> so strong and heavy in me for the past few days when I had the distinct, peaceful message given to my mind and heart, 'Be of good cheer, for I the Lord God am with you.'"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Further on in the journal....</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">"Another rough Sunday. I have trouble with Sundays- they're more work than ever. Things have been creeping in on me for some time now. I keep finding myself wishing I were alone away somewhere for a long time. It's hard for me to actually face up to and admit to the fact that I'm only me & not Deanne, Jeanine, Christ <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Cottam</span>, Jeri Edwards, etc. It seems <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">all</span> I can do physically, mentally, spiritually, etc. is to take care of my family and home- just the routine chores & daily demands. Pres. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Munns</span> described it once as feeling like a rubber band, stretched to capacity, unable to stretch further without breaking; needing to ease up a bit before trudging on....(later that evening)...Read a couple of excellent articles in the August issue of the Ensign. One on dealing with <a href="http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=a41d615b01a6b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD">ambiguity</a> and the other on family planning. Just what I've been groping for. The Lord is so helpful to me. He <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">must</span> love me to keep working with me as He does."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">A scripture journal. When you read the scriptures, write lessons learned, how they apply to your life, and/or use what you have read as a prompt to record past experiences....a great way to record your journey in the light of the gospel.</span></li></ul></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Write about things that bind you with others..... <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnrfTzF-SE1V-nSuNUR4bpINFA9PrgtFwzHC0BP7EGV_HYxYBuuNREnjETp0xpNI9OQ2YJsmb6q1dsM1Wp5dgbZD8_swujRXQa6adc5bI5ZAoIgt88G717Clas-k6pk_9CdQ6ijHofTPK/s1600-h/IMG_3691.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 237px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnrfTzF-SE1V-nSuNUR4bpINFA9PrgtFwzHC0BP7EGV_HYxYBuuNREnjETp0xpNI9OQ2YJsmb6q1dsM1Wp5dgbZD8_swujRXQa6adc5bI5ZAoIgt88G717Clas-k6pk_9CdQ6ijHofTPK/s320/IMG_3691.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399579521738880530" /></a>Recently I learned that my grandmother, my mother's mother, who died when I was 1 year old, quilted. I didn't know we had that hobby in common. Like my grandmother, I don't have a lot of time for quilting (& I send the quilt tops I've sewn & "the quilt sandwich" away to be quilted), but looking at my grandma's quilting that my aunt just sent me, I marvel at and appreciate her craft. My aunt told me that when she and my mom would visit grandma, my mom would help my grandma work on quilt blocks. I never knew this! It's fun to find common interests, hobbies, and talents among family.</span></li></ul></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I shared a note from Charlene H's daughter, Trisha, who wrote how her mom taught her by example how to have an organized home. She wrote, "My parents moved about 19 times in 20 years, so mom got really good at keeping the essentials and organizing her life. Lists have always played a major part in her day-to-day activities and my sisters and I follow suite by making lists as well. My mom also gave us weekly and daily chores that not only taught us how to clean, but also gave her a well deserved break! One of my favorite and most important things that my mom taught me was to "clean as you go" when you're cooking or baking. I learned this lesson early on because I loved to help bake with my mom. Not only have these lessons helped me maintain my house, but they've enhance my life and career. I work in an environment where 50,000 little products need to be organized, clean, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">sellable</span>. Have basic organizational skills has effect me and my coworkers in a positive way. My mom is the type of person that you would call if you needed help <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">de</span>-cluttering a closet or packing boxes for a move. It doesn't hurt that she's funny and makes the whole process enjoyable." Trisha will no doubt pass on these skills and her children will know to thank grandma as well their mom!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Blessings of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Journaling</span></span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">From all of my reading for this lesson, it was very clear that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">journaling</span> is therapeutic for the writer. Author, Brad Wilcox wrote, "When my in-laws were moving to Colorado, a tragic moving van fire destroyed all their belongings, including photographs albums and journals. One well-meaning friend lamented, "All that work for nothing!" My wise mother-in-law responded: "The process we went through writing our journals can never be burned. Every hour we spent on those books helped to make us the people we have become." (See, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a href="http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=0dd684d4a0a0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD">"Why Write It,"</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"> by Brad Wilcox, Ensign, 9/99)</span></li></ul></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Sheryl talked about a day long ago when she was particularly angry, and sat down scribbling her frustrations on paper while her girls were at dance class. After venting on paper her anger was lifted from her mind. Sheryl also shared and excerpt from one of her old journals. Hearing her share a frustrating day in her young mothering life and hearing her laugh about it years later was an example of how <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">journaling</span> illustrates our progression. She noted that over the years, as her testimony has grown and she has progressed, her journal has become more spiritual. Sometimes reading how we got through a difficult time can illustrate to us that we have it within ourselves to overcome a present day trial.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">As I read through journals preparing my lesson, I found faith promoting experiences about temple service, family, marriage, dealing with depression, service- in general and through church callings, adult education, covenants, personal revelation, losing a baby to leukemia, death of a sibling, financial stresses, and on and on.... What a treasure to read of how the women in my life faithfully learned through tribulation and found ways to celebrate and enjoy their journey.</span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Sometimes children (or loved ones) misinterpret the responses of parents and harbor feelings of hurt or resentment throughout their lives. (See </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a href="http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=6361ef960417b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD">"Hidden Benefits of Keeping a History"</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"> by Gawaine & Gayle Wells, Ensign 7/1986) Journals can clarify relationships and leave a clear message of unconditional love. I closed with a letter from my mom that begins a journal she and my dad gave to me the Christmas before she passed away in 1992. I was on my mission at the time. This letter is a treasure because it leaves no room for doubt of my mom's love for me from my birth to the time she passed away. This is what I treasure most from her letter.....</span></li></ul></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">"Daddy & I wanted to give each of you this year something that you could always hold dear as a remembrance of our love for you, and something that would serve to buoy you up on those 'rainy days." So, here is our journal for you--"Special" because it begins with our thoughts and our testimonies, and faith-promoting experiences, and then you make it happen from there. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I shall never forget the feelings I had when I learned you were on your way to be a part of our family. W were really struggling through law school, I was baby-sitting to try and help make ends meet, and I just remember wearying the Lord continually with 'how are we going to manage?' Yet, always through my mind came that reminder that things of real worth seldom come packaged in convenience. I knew that the Lord would teach me and be there to help us.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">You were the cutest, sweetest petite little young lady. We felt from the beginning that you were so happy to be in our family, and our hearts rejoiced as we watched <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Sherrill</span> and Jim cuddle you and take such good care of you--even teaching you their codes of mischief!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">...Your testimony grew at a very early age. You loved reading the scriptures. Heavenly Father blessed you continually. You grew to care deeply about people and their feelings <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">and</span> concerns. you were always creative. "Doodling" at this or that, and coming up with some very nice pieces of art and poetry....</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">High school brought you some of your most important experiences and hardest lessons in your young life. I was so concerned, yet didn't know how to break through the cloud. You were so sad and hurt and angry, yet your clear, bright compassionate spirit always came through, and Dad & I knew the Lord knew this even better than we fumbling parents did. I have thanked the Lord countless times for bring <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">KD</span> (laurel advisor) into your life at that time. For giving you the opportunity to reach out beyond yourself and help others who were having difficult times at home. The hard part in doing this is always the risk of losing perspective and falling into the snares of persuasion of friends who are good people of the earth but not engaged anxiously in seeking the Lord's will and committing to do it.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Through your faith and courage, you repented, submitted yourself to Him, and have never looked back. What a beautiful example for me, Becky. The Lord used you to teach me, and you'll be my friend forever because of this bond.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I don't know what the Lord does have in store for me in these next several months, but this I do know, that he lives, that he loves each one of you, my children, and he in his perfect love and wisdom will <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">bless</span> us all. I may have to wait for you a while in Heaven, but I will always be your mother and never far from you. I will enjoy with you all those things mothers love to share with their daughters--choosing an eternal mate, bringing each of your own children into the world, enjoying their first words, their baptisms, graduations, and on and on and on. I'll be there by you.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I hope I will live a long time, but darling, if it is in the Lord's wisdom that it shouldn't be so, please don't any of you worry. I know where I'm going, I know the gospel is the truth and it is the greatest gift the Lord has given to us all. "Eternal" suddenly means much more to me than ever before.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I love your sharing your testimony. It is the joy of my life. Your work is the joy of my life. Your love of the Lord is the joy of my life. I love knowing that even I am a part of the Lord's atonement. I have made many mistakes, and the peace of repentance is truly the greatest miracle. I love you . Thank you for honoring me, as your mother, and for being my friend.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Love, Mom</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-----------------------------------</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Sisters, it's important to take care of relationships while we are living and breathing, but it also important and beneficial to express in the form of a letter or journal, our love for those we hold dear. This gift is bonding and one of peace and comfort beyond the days of our journey. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Our memories fade over time, so to have these expressions of love, testimony, and personal growth on paper is a priceless gift. Know that whatever you can offer in the way of a journal will be of great worth. For me, when I read my mom's journal I feel like I'm reading things she'd share with me today to help me through similar days. In a way I hear her voice as I read, and she teaches me in this beautiful way.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So, pick up a pen and paper and do a little journaling here and there. Follow the Spirit as you record your journey and you will have a beautiful, unique, inspiring story to tell....I promise!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Love, Rebecca</span></div>rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06195728501927408787noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002626089740032452.post-14291197448715928142009-10-26T05:03:00.000-07:002009-10-26T06:56:02.508-07:00The Way of the Disciple<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Deb M. taught a wonderful lesson in Relief Society based on the April 2009 talk by Elder Uchtdorf, </span></span><a href="http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=ddfa230bac7f0210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">"The Way of the Disciple."</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> The following are key points that we discussed that offer hope, encouragement, and perspective to us all....</span></span><div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">..."the world is not bashful in offering numerous new answers to every problem we face. People run from one new idea to the next, hoping to find something that will answer the burning questions of their souls. They attend seminars and buy books, CDs, and other products. They get caught up in the excitement of looking for something new. But inevitably, the flame of each new theory fades, only to be replaced by another “new and improved” solution that promises to do what the others before could not. It’s not that these worldly options don’t contain elements of truth—many of them do. Nevertheless, they all fall short of the lasting change we seek in our lives. After the excitement wears off, the hollowness remains as we look for the next new idea to unlock the secrets of happiness.</span></span></li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:verdana, serif;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpnAkYFSXJwALWNoAbyMva0YGOgDHG-wyO929yycSLcSPU2YZZ7nY69FC90QKsHfnQm2Lvr5boPO_1SznTfOl9LBEWWXLVlnb6X1DjNx0KGYSDc5ICXAcBgBWuEdox68rHYu7V41lblvk/s1600-h/img03171.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpnAkYFSXJwALWNoAbyMva0YGOgDHG-wyO929yycSLcSPU2YZZ7nY69FC90QKsHfnQm2Lvr5boPO_1SznTfOl9LBEWWXLVlnb6X1DjNx0KGYSDc5ICXAcBgBWuEdox68rHYu7V41lblvk/s320/img03171.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396898282039198578" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In contrast, the gospel of Jesus Christ has the answers to all of our problems. The gospel is not a secret. It is not complicated or hidden. It can unlock the door to true happiness. It is not someone’s theory or proposition. It does not come from man at all. It springs from the pure and everlasting waters of the Creator of the universe, who knows truths we cannot even begin to comprehend. And with that knowledge, He has given us the gospel—a divine gift, the ultimate formula for happiness and success.</span></span><br /><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">How do we become a disciple of Christ? Faith, repentance, baptism, the Gift of the Holy Ghost, making covenants, & service. The more we are filled with the Spirit of God, the more we extend ourselves to others. We become peacemakers in our homes and families, we help our fellowmen everywhere, and we reach out in merciful acts of kindness, forgiveness, grace, and long-suffering patience. These are the first steps along the true way of life and fulfillment. This is the peaceable way of the follower of Jesus Christ.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">The first step on the path of discipleship begins, luckily enough, in the exact place where we stand! We do not have to prequalify to take that first step. It doesn’t matter if we are rich or poor. There is no requirement to be educated, eloquent, or intellectual. We do not have to be perfect or well-spoken or even well-mannered.</span></span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Discipleship is a journey. We need the refining lessons of the journey to craft our character and purify our hearts. By patiently walking in the path of discipleship, we demonstrate to ourselves the measure of our faith and our willingness to accept God’s will rather than ours.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Discipleship is not a spectator sport. We cannot expect to experience the blessings of faith by standing inactive on the sidelines any more than we can experience the benefits of health by sitting on a sofa watching sporting events on television and giving advice to the athletes. And yet for some, “spectator discipleship” is a preferred if not a primary way of worshipping....we need to get off the sidelines and practice what we preach.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">There are some who believe that because they have made mistakes, they can no longer fully partake of the blessings of the gospel.... One of the great blessings of living the gospel is that it refines us and helps us learn from our mistakes. We “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God,” yet the Atonement of Jesus Christ has the power to make us whole when we repent.</span></span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">To those who feel inadequate because they have not been members of the Church all their lives, to those who feel that they can never make up for the time they have lost, I testify that the Lord needs your specific abilities, talents, and skills. The Church needs you; we need you. It is always the right time to walk in His way. It is never too late.</span></span></span></span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;font-size:small;">Thank you Deb for your preparation and dedication as one of our wonderful Relief Society teachers. We hope that each of you find strength in the words of Pres. Uchtdorf as he invites each of us to greater discipleship beginning right now, wherever we are in our lives.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;font-size:small;">Sheryl gave a beautiful talk in Sacrament Meeting about Relief Society and her words of commitment, participation, and service tie in with Presidet Uchtdorf's message of discipleship. May we find joy in our <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">sisterhood</span></span> as we reach out and support one another in our lives, <i>beginning with those we visit teach</i>. As Sheryl expressed, your many acts of service are truly appreciated. Each of you sisters are vital to the worth and strength of our collective Relief Society. Each of you bring talents, life experience, and strength unique to your life, and we are a better Relief Society because of you. May we each press forward from where we stand at this very moment, and see the great blessings (individually & as a sisterhood) of active participation in Relief Society.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;font-size:small;">Love,</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;font-size:small;">The RS Presidency</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;font-size:small;">Sheryl, Jan, Rebecca & Tammy</span></span></div></div></div>rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06195728501927408787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002626089740032452.post-75273219160571226022009-10-22T11:21:00.000-07:002009-11-11T11:25:52.076-08:00General Relief Society MeetingDid you miss the General Relief Society Meeting that was held earlier in October? You can watch an excerpt from Sister Julie Beck's talk where she explains the change from "Home, Family, and Personal Enrichment" to simply "Relief Society Meetings" by going to the following link...<div><a href="http://www.lds.org/pa/rs/home/rsvideo.html?xml=rsvideo_4644a.xml">http://www.lds.org/pa/rs/home/rsvideo.html?xml=rsvideo_4644a.xml</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is follow-up information offered by Sister Beck on the change from Enrichment to RS meetings.</div><div><a href="http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58071/Relief-Society-a-serious-work.html">http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58071/Relief-Society-a-serious-work.html</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Watch the entire General RS meeting here (under the large screen click on General Relief Society Meeting):</div><div><a href="http://www.lds.org/move/index.html?type=conference&event=Oct179&lang=english&articleid=037">http://www.lds.org/move/index.html?type=conference&event=Oct179&lang=english&articleid=037</a></div><div><br /></div><div>The text transcripts for General Conference can be found here:</div><div><a href="http://www.lds.org/broadcast/grsm/0,6220,285-1-41-1741,00.html">http://www.lds.org/broadcast/grsm/0,6220,285-1-41-1741,00.html</a></div><div><br /></div><div>You can also find a link to our most recent General Conference transcripts on the right sidebar or side of this blog under "Relief Society 411."</div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy,</div><div><br /></div><div>Rebecca</div>rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06195728501927408787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002626089740032452.post-4647500677678764152009-10-17T11:36:00.000-07:002009-10-22T12:50:14.057-07:00Abby's House<center><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;font-size:11px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34186119@N02/4019441837/" title="logo by mudderto5, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3487/4019441837_2227194750_o.jpg" width="185" height="125" alt="logo" /></a></span></center><div><br />This past month we've collected 2 vans full of clothing, household goods, and items to donate to Abby's House, a local women's shelter for homeless and/or battered women. Thank you for your generous, giving hearts and helping hands.<div><br /></div><div>Today we met at Abby's House for a brief tour. We learned ways that we can help in the future. There is always need for help in the kitchen, filing, and in Abby's Thrift Shop. The thrift shop has Halloween costumes for $5, some retro prom dresses, and more current items as well from Gap, LLBean, Polo, etc. Drop in to bargain hunt. All proceeds go to Abby's House. Women at Abby's House who are going through particularly difficult times are able to shop for free. Donations are always welcome and appreciated. Tax deduction forms for donations are available upon request. No appointment necessary to drop off donations, just double check that they are open. Their normal Thrift Shop hours are M-F 10-4 & Saturday 10-2. For more information, go to the Abby's House website at <a href="http://www.abbyshouse.org/">http://www.abbyshouse.org</a></div><div><br /></div><div>If you or your auxiliary would like to volunteer at Abby's House, please see Rebecca Menzie for a volunteer form. Volunteers are always welcome. As a Relief Society, we look forward to serving at Abby's House in the near future.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks again for your thoughtful donations!</div><div><br /></div><div>All best,</div><div><br /></div><div>Rebecca</div></div>rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06195728501927408787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002626089740032452.post-6755755322285880872009-10-09T17:07:00.000-07:002009-10-16T11:43:49.754-07:00Bridging the Past<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 15px; font-family:'courier new', serif;font-size:large;">"Learning the lessons of the past allows you to walk boldly in the light without running the risk of stumbling in the darkness." </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 15px; font-family:'courier new', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">- M. Russell Ballard</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new', serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">We had a nice Relief Society meeting at Sheryl's home a week ago Thursday evening <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(sorry for being slow with my notes!)</span>. Lori Lyn Price, a member of the Arlington Ward Relief Society, and freelance genealogy speaker, shared her findings on several Colonial women whose stories provide us with a better understanding of what life was like for them and women in general back then.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">We began with a True/False quiz! Allison and Lisle tied for high scores of 13... How you would have done?</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1. Newly married brides had equal say with their husbands about which business should be the family business.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2. A woman was expected to carry on the family business after her husband's death.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">3. Women were free to start their own business.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">4. A girl's attire was very similar to the clothing her mother wore.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">5. There was a distinct division of labor between men and women on farms.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">6. Colonial New Englanders married early - in their teens.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">7. Divorce was not recognized or legal in colonial New England.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8. Ownership of a woman's property was legally transferred to her husband upon marriage.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9. A husband was expected to consult with his wife when making decisions regarding finances and property.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">10. It was legal in colonial New England for a husband to hit his wife.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">11. Sex between a married woman and a man (single or married) was considered adultery and was a capital offense.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">12. Sex between an unmarried woman and a man (single or married) was considered adultery and was a capital offense.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">13. People immigrating to New England tended to arrive in family groups rather than as single men and women.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">14. There was a high rate of illiteracy among women.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">15. A woman's domain was the family dwelling and yard surrounding it.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">16. Single males outnumbered single females 4 to 1.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">17. Women bore about 8 children on average.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">18. Women were not allowed to speak publicly.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;">ANSWERS...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">1. F, 2. T, 3. F, 4. T, 5. F, 6. False (early 20's), 7. F, 8. T, 9. F, 10. F, 11. T, 12. F, 13. T, 14. F, 15. T, 16. T, 17. T, 18. T</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;font-size:small;">The answers to the quiz, and text that Lori Lynn referred to can be found in the following books, all of which are suggested reading on the topic of Colonial Women in New England.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;font-size:small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Good-Wives-Reality-Northern-1650-1750/dp/0679732578/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1255704214&sr=8-1">Good Wives</a>, by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;font-size:small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fissures-Rock-England-Seventeenth-Revisiting/dp/1584650850/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1255704241&sr=1-1">Fissures in the Rock</a>, by Richard Archer</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;font-size:small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Colonial-England-Greenwood-Through-History/dp/0313361118/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1255704275&sr=1-1">Daily Life in Colonial New England</a>, by Claudia Durst Johnson</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;font-size:small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/American-Jezebel-Uncommon-Hutchinson-Puritans/dp/0060750561/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1255704310&sr=1-1">American Jezebel</a>, by Eve La Plante</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;font-size:small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Muse-Revolution-Secret-Warren-Foundingof/dp/0807055166/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1255704341&sr=1-1">The Muse of the Revolution</a>, by Nancy Rubin Stuart</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Lori Lyn profiled 5 fascinating women from Colonial times. By clicking on each women's name, you can get their brief history offered at Wikipedia..</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">.</span> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Writer and poet,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_Bradstreet">Anne Bradstreet</a>. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Anne was the first woman in Colonial New England to have her work published.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Upon the Burning of our House, July 10, 1666</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And when I could no longer look,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I blest his grace that gave and took,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">That laid my goods now in the dust.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Yea, so it was, and so 'twas just.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It was his own; it was not mine.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Far be it that I should repine.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new', serif;"><br /></span></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;font-size:11px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34186119@N02/4017131058/" title="anne-bradstreet by mudderto5, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3529/4017131058_5bb9b5c300_o.jpg" width="200" height="215" alt="anne-bradstreet" /></a></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Slave & poet</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phyllis_Wheatley">Phyllis Wheatley</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">.</span> <span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Phyllis Wheatley was the first African American to publish a book.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:sans-serif, serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px;font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: normal; white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;font-size:11px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34186119@N02/4016357237/" title="phyllis Wheatley by mudderto5, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2749/4016357237_dc6d5a3d1e_m.jpg" width="168" height="240" alt="phyllis Wheatley" /></a></span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:sans-serif, serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px;font-size:13px;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;">"Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land,<br /><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Taught my benighted soul to understand<br /><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">That there's a God, that there's a Saviour too:<br /><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Once I redemption neither sought nor knew.<br /><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Some view our sable race with scornful eye,<br /><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">'Their colour is a diabolic dye.'<br /><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Remember, Christians, Negroes, black as Cain,<br /><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">May be refin'd, and join th' angelic train."</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">A statue of Phyllis Wheatley is located on Commonwealth Ave. in Boston.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Heroine,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hannah_Dustin">Hannah Duston</a>. <span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">After being kidnapped 6 days postpardum by a band of Indians who killed her newborn, Hannah escaped, along with her nurse and a young boy, by scalping the Indian captures in their sleep, and then following the Merrimack River south from Boscawen, New Hampshire back to her home in Haverhill, MA. She was rewarded for her bravery.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:11px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34186119@N02/4017138422/" title="StatueHannahDustin-01 by mudderto5, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2469/4017138422_141ee94b8d.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="StatueHannahDustin-01" /></a></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">statue located in Haverhill, MA</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">"The muse of the revolution,"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 15px; font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercy_Otis_Warren">Mercy Otis Warren</a>. <span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Mercy was America's first female playwright. She also was the first woman to create a Jeffersonian, or anti-Federalist, interpretation of the Revolution, titled, "The History of the Rise, Progress, and Termination of the American Revolution." She was the first woman to publish her writings with professional intent, rather than for family, friends, and/or personal hobby. She was a strong advocate for freedom of speech, freedom of press, trial by jury, and checks and balances of the executive and legislative branches of government; all of which would come to be part of our nation's Bill of Rights.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">She wrote, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Our situation is truly delicate & critical. On the one hand we are in need of a strong federal government founded on principles that will support the prosperity & union of the colonies. on the other we have struggled for liberty & made costly sacrifices at her shrine and there are still many among us who revere her name to much to relinquish (beyond a certain medium) the rights of man for the dignity of government."</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;font-size:11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 15px; font-family:verdana, serif;font-size:16px;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercy_Otis_Warren"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;font-size:11px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34186119@N02/4017496328/" title="Mercy by mudderto5, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2705/4017496328_9b27f52809_o.jpg" width="307" height="396" alt="Mercy" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Statue of Mercy Otis Warren at the Barnstable County Courthouse</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Midwife & theologian,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_hutchinson">Anne Hutchinson</a>. <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">In 1638 Anne was tried in civil court for "traducing the ministers," and in her own defense she stated,</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"...you have no power over my body, neither can you do me any harme, for I am in the hands of the eternall Jehovah my Saviour, I am at his appointment, the bounds of my habitation are cast in heaven, no further doe I esteeme of any mortal man than creatures in his hand, I feare none but the great Jehovah, which hath foretold me of these things, and I doe verily beleeve that he will deliver me out of our hands, therefore take heed how you proceed against me; for I know that for this you goe about to doe to me, God will ruine you and your posterity, and this whole state."</span></span></div><div><br /></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:11px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34186119@N02/4016361743/" title="436_Anne_Hutchinson by mudderto5, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2621/4016361743_ef758eaed5.jpg" width="321" height="500" alt="436_Anne_Hutchinson" /></a></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">statue located in front of the Boston State House</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">After discussing these colonial women, we noted a few points of common ground they all shared...these women were brave, well-educated (their fathers were very involved and supportive), and they were supported by their husbands. We discussed OUR common ground with these women. We noted the importance of partnership in marriage, and how important it is for our children to feel support and guidance in their goals from both parents.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I marvel at how far we have come as women- from having a limited, controlled voice, and a narrow role in life to today; where we can speak freely, vote, govern, compete, debate, and the list goes on...</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">True, our greatest, most influential work will be as a mother in our home, but the choices we have as to what we do with our lives has never been greater. Our choices for creative outlets have never been greater. Our opportunities have never been greater.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">My final thought ties in with the temple. As we go to the temple and notice that we in fact are serving a woman who lived in colonial New England, perhaps we can feel a greater bond after taking the time to learn what their environment and circumstances were like. We can honor them sister-to-sister by the significant act of taking their individual name through the temple and offering eternal, exalting choices.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Thank you, again to Lori Lynn for sharing your knowledge and thoughts with us pertaining to women in Colonial New England. It was an education!</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Lori Lynn has started a freelance business offering lectures on genealogy. Her website is </span><a href="http://bridgingthepast.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">http://bridgingthepast.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span></div>rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06195728501927408787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002626089740032452.post-46994828100791542112009-08-04T12:59:00.000-07:002009-08-06T19:23:03.702-07:00Eat your VEGGIES!It's bounty time in the garden....well sort of if we're talking about my garden. It's been a slow summer since we've had lots of rain, but little sunshine. The tomatoes are finally turning. Have you been enjoying garden fresh or farm fresh veggies?<div><br /></div><div>Here are some summer veggie recipes I've tried and can recommend....</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">Veggies & Feta</span> (inspired by Alyson Jenkins' <a href="http://thedoubtingdaikon.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/06/summer-veggies-with-feta.html">Summer Veggies & Feta recipe</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div>1 Tbls. olive oil</div><div>1 clove garlic, minced</div><div>1/2 onion, chopped</div><div>1 med. zuccini, chopped</div><div>1 med yellow summer squash, chopped</div><div>A handful of grape tomatoes, halved</div><div>About 4 large fresh basil leaves, chopped</div><div>salt & pepper</div><div>Feta</div><div><br /></div><div>Saute the onion and garlic in heated olive oil over medium-high heat. Add veggies & saute for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add tomatoes & basil. Heat through. Transfer to plate & sprinkle with feta or serve feta as a topping.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">Fresh Corn Salad (Kristiina Sorensen's recipe)</span></div><div>(adjust the amount of ingredients to your liking)</div><div>6 ears of corn, cut off the cob</div><div>1 large Roma tomato, diced</div><div>2 green onions, chopped (or chopped sweet onion)</div><div>1 can black beans (optional)</div><div>1 med. bell pepper, chopped</div><div>1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped</div><div><br /></div><div>Combine all of the above. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You may want to stop there and serve.</div><div>If you want a dressing, drizzle with a little olive oil & juice from 1/2 of 1 lime.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">Potato Salad with Dill</span> (from Sherene Ing, Arlington, MA)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><div>3 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled</div><div>Kosher salt and black pepper</div><div>2 stalks celery</div><div>1 cup mayonnaise</div><div>1 small red onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)</div><div>1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped</div><div>1 to 2 tablespoons vinegar</div><div>1/2 lemon juiced</div><div>1 tablespoon regular Dijon mustard</div><div><br /></div><div>Put the potatoes in a big pot with enough water to cover by 1-inch. Season with salt and bring the water to a boil. Cook just until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 25 minutes.</div><div>Drain the potatoes and return them to the uncovered pot off the heat. Let them sit until almost room temperature. (Cooling them in the warm pot will get rid of any excess water in the potatoes, and that's good.)</div><div>Meanwhile, cut the white parts off the ends of the celery stalks. Cut the stalks in half lengthwise, then across into 1/4-inch slices. Stir the celery, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and the remaining ingredients together in a serving bowl large enough to hold all the potatoes.</div><div>When they're cool, cut the potatoes into 1-inch pieces, add them to the bowl as you go. Stir gently until all the potatoes are coated with dressing. You can make the salad up to a couple of hours in advance. Keep covered at room temperature. Don't refrigerate or the potatoes will lose their rich, smooth texture.</div></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The following recipes can be found by clicking on the recipe title....</span></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/parmesan-roasted-asparagus-recipe/index.html">Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan</a> </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://thedoubtingdaikon.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/07/broiled-asparagus-with-balsamic-and-parmesan.html">Alyson's Broiled Asparagus with Balsamic and Parmesan</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/07/fried-zucchini-strings/">Fried Zucchini Strings</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://just1morebite.wordpress.com/2008/09/16/baked-sweet-potato-fries/">Baked Sweet Potato Fries</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/peas-and-prosciutto-recipe/index.html">Peas and Prosciutto</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Do you have a favorite veggie recipe? I'd love to add it to the list. Either add it through commenting below, or send it to me through email & I'll add it to this blog post. rebecca@menzie.org.</div><div>There's always the pick & eat way to eat your garden veggies:)</div><div><br /></div><div>Bon Appétit!</div><div><br /></div><div>Rebecca</div><div><br /></div>rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06195728501927408787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002626089740032452.post-34728974897211782332009-08-03T08:58:00.000-07:002009-08-03T09:49:52.282-07:00Temple MonthWhile we aren't gathering for an official enrichment meeting this month, we encourage each sister in our Relief Society to attend the temple this month. Ideally, try to stretch your service one stride beyond your usual plans. If you do not have a current recommend, we encourage you to take steps to renew your recommend right away, and/or make concerted effort to progress toward the temple. <div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34186119@N02/3784935825/" title="boston_lds_mormon_temple1 by mudderto5, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2650/3784935825_a7ec697889_o.jpg" width="399" height="600" alt="boston_lds_mormon_temple1" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">From a previous RS lesson which touched on temple service....</div><div><div><br /></div><div>Each temple is a house of learning. There we are taught in the Master’s way. His way differs from modes of others. His way is ancient and rich with symbolism. We can learn much by pondering the reality for which each symbol stands. Teachings of the temple are beautifully simple and simply beautiful. They are understood by the humble, yet they can excite the intellect of the brightest minds.</div><div>Spiritual preparation is enhanced by study. I like to recommend that members going to the temple for the first time read short explanatory paragraphs in the Bible Dictionary, listed under seven topics: “Anoint,” “Atonement,” “Christ,” “Covenant,” “Fall of Adam,” <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>“Sacrifices,” and “Temple.” Doing so will provide a firm foundation. -Russell M. Nelson</div><div><br /></div><div>Through temple service we can literally spiritually progress. Elder John A Widstoe said, “By giving myself in the spirit of true helpfulness to those that have gone before me, I develop within myself, within my heart and soul, an abounding love very near to that of God Himself. Then the selfishness of the world fades away.”</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">***************</div><div>Our lesson in Relief Society this Sunday will be about temple service. If you will be attending, take a moment the time to ponder <a href="http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=da135f74db46c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=b788b00367c45110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1&contentLocale=0"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">lesson #36</span></a> in Teachings of Presidents of the Church- Joseph Smith. Right away, I'm struck by the verb in the title of the lesson, "RECEIVING the Ordinances and Blessings of the Temple." If you go to the lesson link, <a href="http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=da135f74db46c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=b788b00367c45110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1&contentLocale=0"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">HERE</span></a> did you know you can click on "listen" at the top of the lesson, click on mp3, & you can <b>LISTEN</b> to the lesson while folding laundry, or whatever it is you're up to?! If you have a temple related question or temple experience you would like to share (anonymously is fine), but will not be able to attend, please send me an email... rebecca@menzie.org. I'll post notes from the lesson here.</div><div><br /></div><div>We hope that you are enjoying your summer, whether vacationing or "staycationing." We love you and hope to see you in Relief Society and in the temple this month.</div><div><br /></div><div>All best,</div><div>Sheryl, Jan, Rebecca, & Tammy</div></div>rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06195728501927408787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002626089740032452.post-25104407047587868402009-08-03T08:31:00.000-07:002009-08-03T08:54:21.340-07:00Photography 101, by Macy Robison<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMpOcP9qSS-patwwH6LcAD9QHyx_70Nn4whalzVvx787zjBnYCVlEG37KIresdQOlEDJ7SVdEM9tl30CMqibf_-4DPyZxBy1N0FvwpEousb9XpgBB543jJFoHvzqU1JjPvWulAbY7Wbw2/s1600-h/storeandstyle.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 358px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMpOcP9qSS-patwwH6LcAD9QHyx_70Nn4whalzVvx787zjBnYCVlEG37KIresdQOlEDJ7SVdEM9tl30CMqibf_-4DPyZxBy1N0FvwpEousb9XpgBB543jJFoHvzqU1JjPvWulAbY7Wbw2/s400/storeandstyle.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365763332071235634" /></a><br />Sisters,<div><br /><div>Need a refresher on <a href="http://www.macyrobisonblog.com/">Macy</a>'s previous photography classes or a crash course on how to take better pictures? Have you heard of the Rule of Thirds? See for yourself how different vantage points effect the outcome of a photograph. Do yourself and your camera a favor and click <a href="http://www.storeandstyle.com/special+feature/photography+101">HERE</a> to visit <a href="http://www.storeandstyle.com/index.php">Store & Style</a> & read Macy's feature article on Photography 101. Bookmark it for future reference!<br /><br /></div><div>While you're at it, browse <a href="http://www.storeandstyle.com/index.php">Store & Style</a>'s site. I think we need to invite our neighbor/Store & Style's co-founder, Christine Vick to our RS to give us a crash course on organization... what do you think? She's amazing!</div></div>rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06195728501927408787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002626089740032452.post-56532715407885688792009-07-10T05:30:00.000-07:002009-10-16T11:44:06.809-07:00A Conversation with Author, Julie Berry<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ay653ICRYP3VNZJq9q0a_4m7fSXdEM4-XF0ZIqjfR2wsRrRU05caN_aViVRPyeydnBQKlG2GjHH777Q0mjF1b8-x92KSEWTglkG0IgmwESdM1TXIergRK-IQxve34jHAFjaYbx38tOpT/s1600-h/amaranthenchantment.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ay653ICRYP3VNZJq9q0a_4m7fSXdEM4-XF0ZIqjfR2wsRrRU05caN_aViVRPyeydnBQKlG2GjHH777Q0mjF1b8-x92KSEWTglkG0IgmwESdM1TXIergRK-IQxve34jHAFjaYbx38tOpT/s400/amaranthenchantment.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356873263588655874" /></a>We had a wonderful evening of sisterhood last night visiting with Julie Berry, author of the delightful novel, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Amaranth-Enchantment-Julie-Berry/dp/1599903342/">The Amaranth Enchantment</a></span> (and many more books to come from what we learned). Julie was generous and candid as she shared with us her journey as a writer and how that fit in with her role as a mother and wife. She said that over and over again people would ask her why she wrote a book about a girl when she is a mother of 4 boys. Her reply is, "Because I AM A GIRL!" Motherhood doesn't require that all we do be for our children. Writing for Julie has been, and still is her creative outlet and part of who SHE is. Writing brings her joy in her personal journey.<div><br /></div><div>We asked about the writing process, and it was interesting to hear Julie reinforce in front of the Young Women in our group that she uses the mechanics taught in English from the elementary school level on up. Just as these young women have learned in school, the writing process for Julie is quite mechanical, and involves a lot of research. Illustrating Julie's research in <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">The Amaranth Enchantment</span>, Deb asked, "So, 'sure as Gibralter' wasn't a slip?" (pg. 162) Precisely.</div><div><br /></div><div>We had an interesting conversation about criticism. Julie noted that the 10 or so people in her "acknowledgements" in <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">The Amaranth Enchantment</span> were all people whom she loves and trusts, both important factors. We also talked about having your eye on your goal...if you want to publish a book, you have to be able to take intelligent, thoughtful criticism in order to polish your work. Julie noted that there are writers critique groups that are valuable if you are trying to improve a manuscript.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since the theme of enrichment was "Creative Outlets," and there is great potential when we as women support one another in our creative endeavors, I asked Julie what other women, in the church or beyond, did to support her writing efforts. Julie said that the women in her ward were a tremendous support. Her visiting teachers, both older women, would come visit and Julie would apologize for her house, etc. after a late night writing, and she would question aloud whether she was on the right path. {Haven't we all had days when we've second guessed ourselves and felt like we've fallen very short in one way or another?} Julie's wise and inspired VTers would invariably say, "Write your book!" They recognized Julie's need to write, and supported her whole heartedly. Sisters, when we visit teach do we preach our priorities and ideals, or are we genuinely supportive of our sisters' choice of creativity and personal development? Julie Berry found that the support from her Relief Society sisters was so great that when <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">The Amaranth Enchantment</span> was published, it felt like a group effort and a success that Julie shared with these women.</div><div><br /></div><div>On a personal note I want to share my favorite part of The Amaranth Enchantment, found in chapters 28 & 29. Lucinda, the protagonist, is taken by Beryl through time back to the garden in Lucinda's childhood home. The garden is blooming and beautiful. Sitting on a garden bench are Lucinda's parents, who have since deceased. Lucinda took in this treasured scene as it was an especially fond childhood memory of hers regarding her parents. As I read this, my mind traveled back to my childhood to sweet memories I have of my own parents. I vividly remember them coming home from the temple and appearing happier than when they left. I remember them kneeling for morning prayer, just the two of them at their bedside. I remember them spending some time in the car in the driveway after date night. They would talk and talk since that was the quietest place of privacy on our property. My mind moved forward to the present and I wondered what memories are Wayne & I offering our children? Are we showing them through our interaction and conversation how we value and love one another? I hope so. I think that Julie Berry and her husband are offering their boys a great example supporting your spouse in their personal development. Whether you are married or not, what memories are you offering your loved ones? Hard work? Persistence? Sacrifice? Faith? Continual education? It's something to think about.</div><div>Do you have a favorite part of The Amaranth Enchantment? Was there something meaningful that you took away from our gathering last night? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our creative interests and goals for achievement naturally will be varied, and that is what makes our sisterhood so beautiful. There is no one cookie cutter form of a Mormon woman or mother. Great joy is found as we take the time, whether we have 15 minutes or 8 hours in a day to invest in and develop our own unique creative interests, and support the women we associate with in their unique journey.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre; font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:10px;"><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/RhLlnq5yY7k&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/RhLlnq5yY7k&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Julie's journey is a beautiful illustration of President Uchtdorf's words, "Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment. We develop ourselves and others when we take unorganized matter into our hands and mold it into something of beauty- and I am <i>not</i> talking about the process of cleaning the rooms of your teenage children....What you create doesn't have to be perfect. So what if the eggs are greasy or the toast is burned? Don't let fear of failure discourage you....As you take the normal opportunities of your daily life and create something of beauty and helpfulness, you improve not only the world around you, but also the world within you...Improve, smile, cultivate, develop, beautify, and extend."</div><div><br /></div><div>Julie Berry continues to feed her creativity through reading and studying <a href="http://julieberrybooks.com/Julie_Berry_Favorite_Books.pdf">good literature</a>, as well as writing books to be published. She lingered with us after our discussion, signing books, and answering questions 1-on-1. That she is generous and kind with her time and talent is a blessing to each of us. May each of us continue to cultivate our minds & talents, and share what we learn and create.</div><div><br /></div><div>In regards to Julie Berry's journey, we were all <i>thrilled</i> to hear about her upcoming projects, including the Spelling B series (from Scholastic) & Splurch Academy for Disruptive Boys (through Penguin Books) & will spread the word once they are on the market (some as soon as this fall)!</div><div><br /></div><div>Julie gave us information on how to arrange visits to local schools, which she has done in the past and is more than happy to continue doing. For more information, go to her website, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><a href="http://julieberrybooks.com/">http://julieberrybooks.com/</a>.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>With love,</div><div>The RS Presidency</div><div>Sheryl, Jan, Rebecca, and Tammy</div><div><br /></div><div>PS. Deb M. was thoughtful enough to bring some edible amaranth from her garden! Did you taste it? It's kind of like micro-popcorn.</div><div><br /></div><div>PPS. Again, sincere thanks to all who came (including the young women who were there). We had a <i>wonderful</i> turnout. The interaction, learning, and love that was there is what enrichment is all about. Thank you. We hope to see each of you sisters at our next enrichment gathering in September! We love you.</div>rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06195728501927408787noreply@blogger.com0