Sunday, November 24, 2013

Windows of Heaven - teaching for our times lesson

Sis. Ashman taught our lesson today from the conference talk - Windows of Heavens

He mentions the small the significant blessings. 
What does that mean? What are the small yet significant things you have seen in your life? 

Elder Bednar says it's a simple plan that the Lords has for us. 
"Sometimes we may ask God for success, and He gives us physical and mental stamina. We might plead for prosperity, and we receive enlarged perspective and increased patience, or we petition for growth and are blessed with the gift of grace. He may bestow upon us conviction and confidence as we strive to achieve worthy goals. And when we plead for relief from physical, mental and spiritual difficulties, He may increase our resolve and resilience."

Monday, November 11, 2013

Lesson 22 snippets

Lesson 22 - Lorenzo Snow Manual
This lesson focused on making our heart and home a more heavenly place.
In this endeavor, everyday we should try

  • To be a little more faithful
  • To be a little better
  • To have more love and affection for our neighbors
  • To b e a friend to everyone, everywhere
  • To extend our charity and labor in the interest of all mankind
  • To be upright, just and merciful
  • To exercise the spirit of nobility and goodness in all our act and dealings
  • To cutlivate a spirit of charity
  • To be ready to do for others more than we would expect from them
  • To be ambitious to be great in the eyes of God
  • To love the Lord they God with all our hear, mght, mind and strength
  • To try to love mankind because they are our brethren
  • To pray for the spiit of philanthophy
This looks like an overwhelming list, just try one thing a day, a week, or a month...progress is what's important
 
A person never can enjoy heaven until he learns how to get it and ac upon it's princples - President Lorenzo Snow

Monday, October 14, 2013

Snippets from Sundays lesson

Sister Amy Pressler gave the lesson, "The Kingdom of God Moves Forward" -- lesson 20 from the Lorenzo

Snow manual. What a wonderful lesson to go along with the emphasis our leaders are directing our

focus to in Hastening the Work.
President Lorenzo Snow said: "This work is built on a sure foundation, being founded on the rock of

ages….No matter who are lost by the way and make shipwreck of their faith, the Church will go on. This

Church will stand, because it is upon a firm basis….it has come directly from the Lord."

We discussed that with so many things in life that are unpredictable -- it is comforting to know we have

a gospel that is unchanging.

After being taught by our leaders this past general conference, may we feel the same desire that

President Snow felt after the October 1898 conference when he said: "Let us decree in our hearts,

let us inwardly testify to the Lord, that we will be a better people, a more united people at our next

Conference than we are today. This should be the feeling and determination of every man and woman

present in this solemn assembly. I feel in my heart that I will try to be more devoted than I have been in

the past to the interests of the kingdom of God and the carrying out of His purposes."

Great council from this lesson:

It is time for us to humble ourselves before God and accomplish the work He has entrusted to us.

"It is the business of those who profess to be engaged in [God's] work to move on, to go forward….So

long as there remains a step forward to be taken, that step should be taken."

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Be of good Cheer - lesson summary

Sis. Murdock taught the lesson last week for the Teachings for our Times. Here's a few "nuggets" from it: 

- In the world you will have tribulation but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world. 

 - Difficult times may lie ahead but you can still have joy.

- Sometimes we concentrate to much on our trials. 

Here's a great video she shared as well. It really helps put things in perspective.

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Quote from Lesson 18

Sis. Laraway gave todays lesson from Chapter 18 of the manual - Church Leadership and Selfless Service. Such a fitting lesson the same day we get a new bishopric. 

We talked a little bit about characteristics that a good leader has and also the contrast between what a gospel leader and leader in the worlds eyes. 

A favorite quote from the lesson was this: 
"The Lord has not chosen the great and learned of the world to perform His work on the earth. It is not those who have been trained and educated in the colleges and seminaries of learning, but humble men devoted to His cause whom He has chosen to take charge of the affairs of His Church, men who are willing to be led and guided by the Holy Spirit, and who will of necessity give the glory until Him, knowing that of themselves they can do nothing."

Friday, September 13, 2013

Ensign Peak RS Activity

Last month our RS Activity was to hike to Ensign Peak. It was a memorable night for sure. As the activity started I had the idea to create this video to capture the moments along the way. Thank you Marilyn for sharing your photos as well. The video wouldn't be complete without them. And thanks to the RS committee for the organizing the night! 


Monday, September 2, 2013

Presidency Message from Sis. Snow

Sis. Snow taught the lesson this Sunday and the message for this months newsletter coincides right along with it! 

September is here marking another change in the season and the beginning of a new school year for our families. As we see the children going back to school, I would ask each of us what we are doing to obtain our "higher education." Along with our scripture study and attending church, I would also encourage making temple attendance a top priority to obtain greater understanding and learning. What a blessing this resource is that is just waiting for us to explore, yet often gets overlooked because of busy schedules filling up our time.
 Elder Perry spoke on the need for finding balance in life and emphasized the need to provide time for family, time for work, time for study, time for service, time for self, and especially time for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Why do you think he emphasized "especially time for the gospel of Jesus Christ?" I know that when you put that first, everything else that is needful will work out for your good.
I loved the example Elder Ballard shared in his conference address of the wilted tomato plant. (see April 2013 "This is My Work and Glory")
"Her small tomato plant, so full of potential but so weakened and wilted from unintentional neglect, was strengthened and revived through the simple ministration of water and light by the little girl's loving and caring hands."

"Brothers and sisters, as the literal spirit children of our loving Heavenly Father, we have unlimited, divine potential. But if we are not careful, we can become like the wilted tomato plant. We can drift away from the true doctrine and gospel of Christ and become spiritually undernourished and wilted, having removed ourselves from the divine light and living
waters of the Savior's eternal love and priesthood power.
 "What a powerful lesson -- through unintentional neglect we will drift and become spiritually distanced from our Savior's influence in our lives. Please take time to the check the condition of your testimony of Jesus Christ. Let us be ever diligent to provide the nurturing of divine light and living water to strengthen our devotion to hold fast to His principles and follow in His footsteps.
I am so excited about the news in the current September Ensign where it was announced that beginning in October the Relief Society Visiting Teaching Messages will focus on the divine mission of Jesus Christ and His many roles and attributes. How wonderful it will be to focus on the teachings and examples of our Savior and discuss this with the sisters we visit. Individuals and families will be strengthened as we invite the influence of the Savior into our lives.
Thank you for all you do to watch over, serve and love one another!
Sister Snow

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Obedience Lesson Nugget

Sis Murdock taught today and pulled her lesson from 2 different conference talks in obedience. Here's a few nuggets from her lesson: 

3 Reasons why people don't obey the commandments - 
1) We convince ourselves the commandments don't apply to us
2) We don't believe they are important
3) It's too difficult to obey

I loved this quote she shared: 
You can't ask the Lord to guide your footsteps if you aren't willing to move your feet

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Lesson 16 nugget

Sister Laraway gave the lesson today from Chapter 16 - That we may become one. 

She said when we think of unity we sometimes think of sameness. But we are different and we need to be. When we think of Unity it's not about all being the same. We can still be united and be different. 

How can we bind ourselves together? 
Pres. Snow said , "We talk considerably in regard to the principle of loving our neighbors as well as we love ourselves; we talk about it and we sometimes think about it, but how much do we really enter into the spirit of these things...Let your minds be expanded to comprehend and look after the interest of your friends that are around you, and where it is in your power to secure benefits to your friend do so...

We have the opportunity to RISE UP and reach out to those around us. Those that are in our ward but don't feel a part. Those that are struggling. Those we don't know. Those seeking a friend. Or those just seeking for someone to sit by. What about those wondering if anyone even knows they aren't there? 

We are united but only to a certain point or level. If we each did our own small part to become more unity it would trickle around the ward and our sisterhood would increase.

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Chapter 15 - Lesson nugget

Sis. Amy Pressler gave the lesson today from Chapter 15 - Faithful, Energetic Service in the Kingdom of God. You can read the full lesson here but one of my favorite take aways from the lesson was this quote: 

"Because we have received the fulness of the gospel, we serve as ambassadors of Christ.
We testify to the whole world that we know...through the same Holy Spirit, we have become witnesses of him, and, having been called by the same divine and holy calling, we therefore assume the same position. Then, having assumed this position, we assume all the responsibilities of ambassadors of Christ, we become answerable for our individual acts and for the manner in which we use the talents and ability the Lord has given us."
 
What does it mean to YOU to be an ambassador of Christ? 

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Upcoming August RS activity


August R.S. Activity - Ensign Peak! 
Come one come all - All Relief Society Sisters and all Young Women are invited. 
Wed. August 7th 
A fun field trip to "hike" Ensign Peak with the women of our ward. 
Meet in the church parking lot between 6:15 - 6:30. We hope to carpool up and head out by 6:30pm. 

Put the date on your calendar and we will see you there!

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Lesson 13 - Lesson tibdit

Sort of changing the format a bit. Instead of a summary we'll be giving you just a little bit of a tidbit. Not too much and not too little but like the 3 bears - "hopefully just right". We want you to be present in RS. We can only become stronger and better as a ward of sisters when we can share in each others spirit. We hope these little tidbits will spark enough of a desire in your to come and participate and those that cannot we hope it sparks a desire to read more. 

Lesson 13 - Sis Amy Pressler

This was my favorite quote from Pres. Snow from the lesson and Amy's also: 

"This is what we desire to instill into the hearts of the sisters—to be useful in their sphere and not be discouraged because of difficulties in the way, but trust in God and look to Him, and His marvelous blessings, I promise you, will be poured out upon you. This shall be your experience. … Let me reiterate again, don’t be discouraged, but go on and accomplish good, exercise faith, and every opportunity that is presented seek to improve upon it. We want you to exercise all the talents that God has bestowed upon you. And there is this about it in reference to your prospects of success. When a person commences to travel over a path that the Lord has marked out, and by which to accomplish good in His interest, he is sure to succeed. He is precisely where God wants him to be, and there is the place that you may, with the greatest propriety, ask God for His blessing"
Full lesson here

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Lesson Summary - Being Chaste

This Sunday's Lesson was from the conference talk by Elder Bednar - We believe in Being Chaste

Sis Murdock taught and although this topic is usually one more for the youth she explained, we need to be chaste and virtuous in our marriages too. 
Too many people live in their past mistakes. We all make mistakes. Don't let them hang over your head. We need to move on. 

She asked, "What is the law of Chastity so important?"

Elder Bednar lists 7 things that support the importance of it: 
1. The Father's plan of happiness - We are all created in His image. We are told Chastity and virtue are precious and dear above all. 
Who knows the difference between chastity and virtue? 

She shared this quote from Margaret Naudauld:

“Women of God can never be like women of the world. The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. We have enough greed; we need more goodness. We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity.”

2. Physical Body - We knew life would be difficult and to remain virtuous would be a life long challenge. 

3. Power of ProCreation - It's not good for man to be along. Man and woman learn from, create and bless each other. 
quote - Guilt to our spirit is what pain is to our body
Sis. Murdock had a kidney stone last week and she related how tiny it was and how much pain it could cause. Think about that relating it to a small sin - so much pain for our spirits and it can lead to shame, bitterness, sneaking, hiding, lies, etc. 

4. Standards of Sexual Morality - Intimate relations between a man and wife in mortality are the ultimate expression of divine nature and way of strengthening emotional and spiritual bonds between husband and wife. Be loyal to each other. 

5. Natural Man - Will I respond to the inclinations of the natural man, or will I yield to the enticings of the Holy Spirit and put off the natural man and become a saint through the Atonement of Christ the Lord? That is the test. Every appetite, desire, propensity, and impulse of the natural man may be overcome by and through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. We are here on the earth to develop godlike qualities and to bridle all of the passions of the flesh.
 
6. Intent of the Adversary - Heavenly Father desires us to be in the light and filled with hope. The Adversary  wants us to be confused and unhappy. Lucifer seeks to frustrate and hinder our progress. He entices us to share in his misery. 
What or How are we tempted today? 
Several answers were shared. Here are some: 
Innocent relationships between Men and Women that can go beyond friendship. 
Facebook - reconnecting with old friends of the opposite sex
Music
Dancing
TV - every 4 mins there is a sexual reference
Movies
Internet Infidelity 
Physical contact
DBA - Don't be alone with a member of the opposite sex

7. Blessings of being Chaste - “I can think of no blessings to be more fervently desired than those promised to the pure and the virtuous...And not only shall they see the Lord, but they shall feel at home in his presence."
 
Chastity and virtue are now, always have been, and always will be “most dear and precious above all things” (Moroni 9:9).
 
Sis Murdock encouraged us to share this conference talk with our kids and grandkids. 

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Congrats to Sis Laraway

Hey! it's a "good news" minute! 
Congrats to Sis Laraway on this award! 


Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Lesson #8 - lesson Summary

Sis. Amy Pressler gave the lesson on Sunday - Search Me, O God, and know My Heart"

Sis Pressler said as women we judge ourselves harshly. But we have a loving Heavenly Father and older Brother and we are judge on our hearts not on our clean house, our hair do or our waist size. 

If we have established a proper character, we can confidently invite God to search our hearts.

We read from the manual, "In cases where a stranger applies for employment, or an office of trust, it is often required that he produce papers attesting his worthiness, from reliable parties, letters of recommendation and of introduction which are exceedingly useful in their way, assisting in obtaining favors and privileges which otherwise would be difficult to secure. It is, however, comparatively easy to obtain a written character, as it is termed, a character that one can put in his pocket; and, indeed, according to my observation it is not infrequently the case that people are the bearers of written characters which their real and true character fails to attest."

Sis Pressler asked, "What if we wrote letters of recommendation for ourselves? What it would look like/say coming from us vs. coming from someone else? Contrast that with a letter of recommendation written from Jesus Christ...Would we live differently? 
Think about writing such a letter. It could be a way to recognize your own gifts and talents and  you've been given these things to help and bless others. Think about your qualities outside of those associated with your profession. 

The manual goes on to say, "We must be true men and true women; we must have faith largely developed, and we must be worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost to aid us in the work of righteousness all the day long, to enable us to sacrifice our own will to the will of the Father, to battle against our fallen nature, and to do right for the love of doing right, keeping our eye single to the honor and glory of God....we must be constantly en rapport [in harmony] with the Spirit of the Lord."

She asked us, What does it mean to be TRUE men and women? 

These are several accounts in the scriptures that can teach us to improve our character. As we exercise faith and repent of our wrongdoings righteous character traits develop within us gradually. 

In Ether 12 we are told that we are shown our weaknesses so that we can become strong. 
How can we allow ourselves to see our short comings without getting discouraged? 

Pres. Snow reminds us, "Our character, as Latter-day Saints, should be preserved inviolate, at whatever cost or sacrifice. Character, approved of God is worth securing, even at the expense of a life-time of constant self-denial. While thus living we may look forward … , with full assurance that … we shall be crowned with the sons and daughters of God, and possess the wealth and glory of a Celestial kingdom."

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Joy in Womanhood

Sis. Snow gave a beautiful lesson today with the focus being, "Finding Joy in Womanhood". 
With Mother's day next week she wanted us to think about the Blessings from being a woman. In 1999 there was a declaration released about Relief Society. In that is says, "We are beloved spirit daughters of God, and our lives have meaning, purpose and direction...Find nobility in motherhood and joy in womanhood."

Sis. Snow shared this video with us:

Our daily routines can be filled with Challenging moments or times. But joy comes at other times.
She asked us, "How can we find joy in womanhood?" Motherhood has layers of meanings. More than bearing children. It defines our traits given to us from our Heavenly Father. The work of women is righteous and holy. We are all mothers in Isael who need to raise the upcoming generations. Motherhood was within us before we came to this earth.

She focused on 3 areas to bring a balance for joy in our lives.
1) Prayer - we wouldn't send out kids out the door ready for school without shoes. The same as we wouldn't go off to work/store without makeup or clothes....so why would you head out the door without the power and protection of prayer.

2) Scripture Study - 

The scriptures are full of righteous women.
We have the privilege of having modern revelations. And conference is a wonderful place to hear the added words we need to hear for our day and time (psst! Get on the Ensign Challenge train!!!)

3) Service -
"As we lose ourselves in the service of others we discover our own lives and our own happiness" - Dieter F. Utchdorf


Grab hold of these 3 things and it will bring balance to your life and bring you joy.

She ended her lesson with this short video which had us all in tears:



May we honor our motherhood. Find joy in knowing we are in an eternal partnership with our Heavenly Father. Thank you Sis Snow for your wonderful Lesson!

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Share your Talents and the Gospel

I know there was an email sent out about this but here it is again for reference. 
This is an additional RS activity being offered in May by the CherryLane ward in our Stake. I (sis pyrah) am actually a part of this group that has put forth this "missionary" effort. It's been amazing to be a part of! 

Here are the details: 
The Cherry Lane Ward has an activity planned for Tuesday May 14th 7:00 pm at the Stake Center.  Refreshments and Nursery provided.  The activity is titled: 
Be Anxiously Engaged in Sharing your Talents and the Gospel.  
We would like to invite anyone interested to attend.
We are having guest speakers come to tell us their experiences of sharing the gospel by doing things in their everyday lives.
This group of Mormon bloggers wrote down their testimonies and offered a packet along with a Book of Mormon to their readers.  they started offering the packets in early Sept.  so far they have sent out over 300 packets.  Already one young lady has been baptized as a result.  they are now working with Mormon.org and the Missionary Dept.  to alleviate the cost for the packets and shipping.
You can learn more about their objectives here:  www.oneshetwoshe.com/why-are-your-favorite-bloggers-mormon
 If you have any questions about this activity you can contact Julie Amussen at 801 546 1841.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Lesson Summary Chapter 7 - Faithfulness in Times of Trial

Sister Nolan taught this weeks lesson and it was her last lesson before they move this week. 

The manual says, " Every man and woman who serves the Lord, no matter how faithful they may be, have their dark hours; but if they have lived faithfully, light will burst upon them and relief will be furnished.” 
Sis Nolan said it is often heard that members/people say that we do all these things right yet this bad thing still happened to us. She reminded us of Pres. Monsons words, The future is only as bright as your faith. 

Pres. Snow tells of a time he recalls when the Saints had very had living conditions. Little to no provisions, depending on neighbors for charity, nursing others who were sick. He organized groups. Some would stay and care of families and other would go off to work. They all pulled together to help each other. He invited everyone to his "little mansion". A place he could create to be a peaceful santuary as they sang together, read poems, etc. He said at the close everyone seemed satisfied and happy as though they were not homeless. 

Sis Nolan asked us How can be we keep going forward with faith like these Saints? Why did they? 
There were several wonderful comments shared, stories and emotions. Heavenly Father never gives us more than we can handle. 



The manual says, "however disagreeable it might have appeared to us, we were willing to conform to the will of God, and consequently we are here.. The Lord has determined in His heart that He will try us until He knows what He can do with us. He tried His Son Jesus. … Before He [the Savior] came upon earth the Father had watched His course and knew that He could depend upon Him when the salvation of worlds should be at stake; and He was not disappointed. So in regard to ourselves. He will try us, and continue to try us, in order that He may place us in the highest positions in life and put upon us the most sacred responsibilities.
If we succeed in passing through the approaching fiery ordeals with our fidelity and integrity unimpeached, we may expect at the close of our trials, a great and mighty outpouring of the Spirit and power of God—a great endowment upon all who shall have remained true to their covenants. …"

Through trials we can find a reason to smile and be happy. There is always something to bring you back up. When you can find happy moments in your darkest time that is pure joy. 
She asked us, "why do you need trials? Why do we need to stretch and grow? and how do they help us eternally?"

The manual goes on to say, "Be of good cheer—be not disheartened; for assuredly the day rapidly comes when your tears shall be dried, your hearts comforted, and you shall eat of the products of your labours. … Be honest, be virtuous, be honourable, be meek and lowly, courageous and bold, cultivate simplicity, be like the Lord; Every man and woman who serves the Lord, no matter how faithful they may be, have their dark hours; but if they have lived faithfully, light will burst upon them and relief will be furnished."


… I know that your lives have not been all sunshine; you have doubtless passed through many a trial, and perhaps have come up through much tribulation; but by continued integrity you will soon emerge from the shadows into the glorious sunshine of the celestial world.

Thank you Sis. Nolan for your service in this ward. We will miss you! 

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Chapter 19 - Missionary Wrok

 Sis. Amy Lanham taught our Lesson today. And the topic couldn't have been more perfect! She shared several great thoughts.

God knows how to bless our lives. Move on -- move up -- this is what going on a mission is for her.

Just through daily activities with those around us we can share the gospel. Manual pg. 227 first two paragraphs…she highlighted the start of the second paragraph, "This, then, should be our aim and object: to learn to make ourselves useful; to be saviors to our fellow man;"

2 Nephi 2:13 The gospel is necessary for us to be happy.

Alma 28:12 Through temple work we can be families through the eternities. The knowledge of eternal families helps root us in the gospel. There is happiness to be found in this life & after. "A missionary leaves his family for two years so that the people he teaches can be with their family forever." When we preach the gospel and help others be happy, we are fulfilled.

 From Preach My Gospel - pg. 1 You are surrounded by people. You pass them on the street, visit them in their homes, and travel among them. All of them are children of God, your brothers and sisters. God loves them just as He loves you. Many of these people are searching for purpose in life. They are concerned for their families. They need the sense of belonging that comes from the knowledge that they are children of God, members of His eternal family. They want to feel secure in a world of changing values. They want "peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come"

 (D&C 59:23), but they are "kept from the truth because they know not where to find it"

(D&C 123:12). The gospel of Jesus Christ as restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith will bless their families, meet their spiritual needs, and help them fulfill their deepest desires. Although they may not know why, they need relief from feelings of guilt that come from mistakes and sins. They need to experience the joy of redemption by receiving forgiveness of their sins and enjoying the gift of the Holy Ghost. Missionary work is for all people -- it is to bless the lives of all men. Are your missionary efforts based on a foundation of love?
Remember our full-time missionaries in your prayers. What greater gift can we give to others than the knowledge of Christ, of a better life, a better eternity? We influence others just through our example.
She is excited about sharing this knowledge with others on her mission.

Thank you Sis Lanham! 

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Lesson Summary - chapter 6

Sis. Hunt was our teacher today in RS and taught from Chapter 6 - Becoming Perfect before the Lord: "A little better day by day". 

President Snow says, "In starting out in life you may set your hearts upon things very difficult to attain to, but possibly within your reach...This was a favorite theme of President Snow. He often reminded the Saints of the Lord’s command to be perfect, and he assured them that through their own diligence and with the Lord’s help..." 
Sis. Hunt went on to explain she always knew that we needed to strive to be perfect but didn't realize it was a commandment. 

The manual says, "The Lord proposes to confer the highest blessings upon the Latter-day Saints...we must prepare ourselves for them...We also are required to arrive a state of perfection before the Lord. So in reference to the Latter-day Saints; they could not possibly come up to such a moral and spiritual standard except through supernatural [heavenly] aid and assistance. Neither do we expect that the Latter-day Saints, at once will or can conform to this law under all circumstances. It requires time; it requires much patience and discipline of the mind and heart in order to obey this commandment. And although we may fail at first in our attempts, yet this should not discourage the Latter-day Saints from endeavoring to exercise a determination to comply with the great requirement.When we experience trying moments, then is the time for us to avail ourselves of that great privilege of calling upon the Lord for strength and understanding, intelligence and grace by which we can overcome the weakness of the flesh against which we have to make a continual warfare." 

Sis. Hunt asked, "What advice would you give to someone who is struggling with perfection or what it means? 
I wanted to share a synopsis of several comments made:
Disgard the worldly meaning of perfection
Don't have to do it in one day
What is Heavenly Father's meaning of perfection? 
Strive to be better everyday
Are you perfect in 1 thing or nearly? 
Maybe being perfect means we never strop trying...

When we comply with a requirement from the Lord, we are perfect in that sphere. 
Pres. Snow tells us, "A person may be perfect in regard to some things and not others. A person who obeys the word of wisdom faithfully is perfect as far as that law is concerned. When we repented of our sins and were baptized for the remission of them, we were perfect as far as that matter was concerned."
Sis. Hunt asked, "have we ever failed?" Of course we all have. 
There is a great example of trying to be a little better each day or realizing you may be perfect in 1 thing from the manual: 
If the wife can live with her husband one day without quarrelling or without treating anyone unkindly or without grieving the Spirit of God in any way, that is well so far; he is so far perfect. Then let her try to be the same the next day. But supposing she should fail in this her next day’s attempt, that is no reason why she should not succeed in doing so the third day. … We should try to walk each day so that our conscience would be void of offense before everybody. 

How can we rise above discouragement? 
How can we help others who are discouraged? 

There is no necessity for Latter-day Saints to worry over the things of this world. They will all pass away. Our hearts should be set on things above. 

We cannot become perfect at once, but we can be a little better day by day. Do not expect to become perfect at once. If you do, you will be disappointed. Be better today than you were yesterday, and be better tomorrow than you are today. 

Friday, March 8, 2013

RS Birthday Cupcakes!

A huge thank you again to Sis Ashman for demo'ing that night and allowing us to enjoy so many great creations! Here is some recipes from her we'd like to pass along: 

Cupcakes....

Lemon Meringue Cupcakes


Yield Makes 24
1 box lemon supreme cake mix
1 box (3.9 oz) lemon instant pudding mix
1 cup water
4 eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
zest of one lemon
6 TB lemon curd, recipe following
Lemon Curd recipe follows
Seven-Minute Frosting recipe follows
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350◦.
Combine cake mix, pudding mix, water, eggs, oil, and lemon zest in a large bowl. Beat for 2 minutes or until well blended.
Transfer batter to cupcake liners and fill 2/3 full. Bake for 45 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool.
After making lemon curd and letting it chill out, put some in a piping bag with a small round pastry tip. Fill bag with lemon
curd. Insert tip 1" into center of each cupcake; fill with curd just until top of cupcake begins to crack. Then spread just a
bit on top of cupcake( not heavy like frosting though). Prepare your seven minute frosting.
To finish, Fill a pastry bag fitted with a large open-star tip (Ateco #828 or Wilton #8B) with frosting. Pipe frosting onto
each cupcake, swirling tip slightly and releasing as you pull up to form a peak. Hold a small kitchen torch 3 to 4 inches
from surface of frosting, and wave it back and forth until frosting is lightly browned all over. Serve immediately.

Lemon Curd

Yield Makes about 2 cups
Ingredients
8 large egg yolks
Finely grated zest of 2 lemons
1/2 c + 2 TB freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3 lemons) 1 cup sugar
1 1/4 sticks (10 TB) butter, cold, cut into pieces
1/8 tsp salt
Directions
Combine yolks, lemon zest, lemon juice, and sugar in a heavy-bottom saucepan; whisk to combine. Cook over medium-
high heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon (be sure to scrape the sides of the pan), until the mixture is thick
enough to coat the back of the spoon, 8 to 10 minutes, and registers 160 degrees on an instant-read thermometer.
Remove saucepan from heat. Add salt and butter, one piece at a time, stirring until smooth. Strain through a fine sieve
into a medium bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the curd to prevent a skin from
forming. Refrigerate until chilled and set, at least 1 hour or up to 1 day.

Seven-Minute Frosting

This recipe for seven-minute frosting can be used for a wonderful frosting on other cakes and cupcakes too.
Yield Makes about 8 cups
1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons sugar
2/3 cup water
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
6 large egg whites, room temperature
Directions
Combine 1 1/2 cups sugar with the water and corn syrup in a small saucepan; clip a candy thermometer to side of pan.
Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves. Continue boiling, without stirring, until syrup
reaches 230 degrees.
Meanwhile, in the bowl of a standing electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whisk egg whites on medium-high
speed until soft peaks form. With mixer running, add remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, beating to combine.
As soon as sugar syrup reaches 230 degrees, remove from heat. With mixer on medium-low speed, pour syrup down side
of bowl in a slow, steady stream. Raise speed to medium-high; whisk until mixture is completely cool (test by touching the
bottom of the bowl) and stiff (but not dry) peaks form, about 7 minutes. Use immediately.

Black Forest Cupcakes

Recipe courtesy Sandra Lee, 2008
Serves: 24 cupcakes

1 (18.25-ounce) box devil's food cake mix 1 1/3 cups black cherry soda
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
1 container vanilla frosting
2 teaspoons cherry extract
1 to 2 drops pink food coloring
24 whole maraschino cherries with stems
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 (12-cup) muffin tins with paper liners.
In a large bowl combine cake mix, soda, vegetable oil and eggs. Using a hand mixer combine all ingredients, batter will
still be somewhat lumpy. Pour batter into muffin cups. Bake 19 to 22 minutes, turning the pans halfway through baking.
Remove to a rack and allow to cool completely.
In a large bowl combine frosting, extract and pink food coloring. When cupcakes are cool ice with pink cherry frosting and
top each with maraschino cherry.

Almond Joy Cupcakes

Yield: 24 Cupcakes
Chocolate Cake:
1 box chocolate Fudge Cake Mix
4 eggs
2/3 cup oil
1 small pkg. chocolate instant pudding
1 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Coconut Topping:
1/4 cup butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups shredded coconut
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3-4 cups powdered sugar
2 cups chocolate Melts
sliced or whole almonds
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line pans with cupcake liners. Sift cake mix into a bowl and set it aside. In a large bowl,
gently whisk eggs, oil, milk, sour cream and vanilla extract together. Add cake mix and pudding mix, stir until combined.
Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full and bake for 17-22 minutes or until an inserted knife comes out clean.
Topping: Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add shredded coconut and vanilla, mix again. Slowly add powdered
sugar until you reach your desired consistency. Pipe your topping onto cooled cupcakes. Use a knife to smooth out the
topping. Place almonds on top. Place chocolate melts in a microwave-safe bowl and melt and stir until smooth. Dip
cupcakes into chocolate. Do it quickly before the chocolate cools.

Dark Chocolate Cupcakes

Yield: 12 cupcakes
8 TB butter, cut into 4 pieces
2 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
½ c (1.5 oz) Dutch-processed cocoa powder
¾ c (3.75 oz) all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
¾ tsp baking powder
2 eggs
¾ c (5.25 oz) granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp table salt
½ c (4 oz) sour cream
Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and preheat to 350 degrees F. (If you are using a non-stick muffin pan, heat
the oven to 325 degrees F.) Line standard-size muffin pan with baking cup liners. Combine butter, chocolate, and cocoa
in medium heatproof bowl. Set bowl over saucepan containing barely simmering water; heat mixture until butter and
chocolate are melted and whisk until smooth and combined. (Alternately, you can microwave the mixture at 50% power,
stirring every 30 seconds until completely melted.) Set aside to cool until just warm to the touch. Whisk flour, baking
soda, and baking powder in small bowl to combine. Whisk eggs in second medium bowl to combine; add sugar, vanilla,
and salt until fully incorporated. Add cooled chocolate mixture and whisk until combined. Sift about one-third of flour
mixture over chocolate mixture and whisk until combined; whisk in sour cream until combined, then sift remaining flour
mixture over and whisk until batter is homogeneous and thick.
Divide the batter evenly among muffin pan cups. Bake until skewer inserted into center of cupcakes comes out clean, 18
to 20 minutes. Cool cupcakes in muffin pan on wire rack until cool enough to handle, about 15 minutes. Carefully lift each
cupcake from muffin pan and set on wire rack. Cool to room temperature before icing, about 30 minutes.

Chocolate Cake

1 pkg chocolate cake mix
1/3 c.. unsweetened cocoa powder
3 eggs
1 c. mayonaise
1 1/3 c. water
Preheat oven to 350◦. Line muffin pan with baking cups. In a bowl mix together all ingredients for about 2 minutes. Fill
baking cups 2/3 full of batter. Bake 18-20 min or until cake tester or toothpick comes out clean. Cool on cooling grid for 5
minutes. Remove from pan and cool completely. Makes 24 cupcakes.

Vanilla Cupcakes

Yield: 12 cupcakes
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1½ teaspoons baking powder
teaspoon table salt
8 TB butter (1 stick), room temp
½ cup sour cream
1 large egg , room temperature
2 large egg yolks , room temperature
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Adjust oven rack to middle position; heat oven to 350 ◦ F. Line standard muffin/cupcake tin with paper or foil liners. Whisk
together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in bowl of standing mixer fitted with paddle attachment. Add butter, sour
cream, egg and egg yolks, and vanilla; beat at medium speed until smooth and satiny, about 30 seconds. Scrape down
sides of bowl with rubber spatula and mix by hand until smooth and no flour pockets remain.
Divide batter evenly among cups of prepared tin. Bake until cupcake tops are pale gold and toothpick or skewer inserted
into center comes out clean, 20 to 24 minutes. Remove the cupcakes from tin and transfer to wire rack; cool cupcakes to
room temperature before frosting.

White Cupcakes

3 c sifted cake flour
1 TB baking powder
1/2 c (1 stick) butter, softened
1 1/2 c white sugar
1/2 tsp clear vanilla extract
3/4 c milk
5 egg whites
Preheat oven to 350◦. Line muffin pan with baking cups.
In a large bowl, sift together flour and baking powder. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar with electric mixer until
light and fluffy. Add vanilla; mix well. Add flour mixture alternately with milk, mix well. In separate clean bowl, beat egg
whites until stiff but not dry; fold into batter. Fill baking cups 2/3 full.
Bake 17-19 min or until cake tester or toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool cupcakes in pan on cooling grid 5 minutes.
Remove from pan; cool completely. Makes 24 cupcakes.

Oatmeal Cupcakes with Coconut Pecan Frosting:

Recipe and photos by For the Love of Cooking, Original recipe from Coleen Nelson and Julia
1/2 cup quick cooking oatmeal
3/4 cups boiling water
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2/3 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 egg
1/4 cup of shortening
Mix the oatmeal with the boiling water, stir and cover. Mix the remaining ingredients then stir in the oatmeal mixture.
Pour batter into cupcake liners and bake at 350 for 23-25 minutes.
Coconut Pecan Frosting:
3 tbsp melted butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup chopped nuts
2 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla
Combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly. Carefully spread frosting over the top of the cake.
Broil until coconut is just brown. Watch very closely – it doesn’t take long. Cool, slice and serve.

Maple-Walnut Cupcakes


Yield Makes 2 dozen
Ingredients

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, room temp
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup milk
1 1/2 cups (5 1/2 ounces) walnuts, chopped medium-fine
Maple Buttercream frosting recipe follows
Candied walnuts, optional
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two standard 12-cup muffin pans with paper liners. Into a large bowl, sift together
flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment,
beat butter and sugar on medium speed until creamy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs and vanilla, and beat until
combined. With the mixer still on medium speed, add the flour mixture in two parts, alternating with the milk and
beginning and ending with the flour. Stir in walnuts with a wooden spoon. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin
cups, filling each three-quarters full. Bake, rotating pans halfway through, until cupcakes are golden and a cake
tester inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean, 18 to 20 minutes. Transfer the pans to a wire rack to cool
slightly. Invert cupcakes onto the rack; then reinvert and let them cool completely, top sides up. Frost tops with Maple
Buttercream and garnish with candied walnuts, if using. Cupcakes can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3
days.

Maple Buttercream Frosting
Yield Makes enough for 2 dozen cupcakes (about 2 cups)
Ingredients
3 large egg yolks
1 cup pure maple syrup, best quality
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, cold, cut into small pieces
Directions
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the egg yolks on high speed until light and fluffy,
about 5 minutes; set aside. In a small saucepan set over medium-high heat, bring the maple syrup to a boil, and cook until
it registers 240 degrees on a candy thermometer, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat. With the mixer running, slowly
pour syrup down the side of the bowl in a slow, steady stream, until completely incorporated, about 1 minute. Continue
beating until bowl is just slightly warm to the touch, 4 to 5 minutes. Add butter, one piece at a time, until thoroughly
incorporated and the frosting is fluffy, about 4 minutes more.

Maple-Candied Walnuts

A hint of maple and cinnamon gives these candy-coated walnuts just the right amount of sweetness.
Martha Stewart Living, June 2011
Yield Makes 2 cups Serves 4
Ingredients
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Coarse salt
2 cups walnuts (6 ounces)
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat. Stir in maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and
3/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a simmer (mixture should be frothy), about 3 minutes. Add walnuts, and toss to coat using a
rubber spatula. Cook, stirring, until sauce is syrupy and bubbly, about 3 minutes. Transfer walnut mixture to a parchment-
lined baking sheet, and spread into a single layer. Bake until walnuts are caramelized, about 10 minutes. Transfer sheet to
a wire rack. Stir, and let stand until cool and hardened, about 30 minutes.

Corrie's Carrot Cupcakes

Recipe courtesy Paula Deen
Cupcakes:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
4 eggs

Serves: 18 cupcakes

3 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups, 3 (4-ounce jars) baby food carrots
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 18 cups of 2 regular muffin tins with paper cupcake liners.
Sift the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt into a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the
oil, eggs, vanilla and carrot puree. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Fold in the pecans and coconut.
Fill the prepared cups halfway. Bake until golden and a tester inserted in the middle of a cupcake comes out clean, about
30 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes before popping the cupcakes out of the trays to cool completely on wire racks.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, softened
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Beat together the cream cheese, butter, confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, in a medium bowl. When the
cupcakes are completely cool, slather the tops with a generous amount of frosting.
If you want to garnish the cupcakes, roll the edges of each cupcake the finely chopped pecans. Slice each dried apricot
into 3 small carrot-shaped wedges. Arrange 2 apricot slices on each cupcake, along with mint sprigs to look like carrot
tops. Store the cupcakes in an airtight container and keep refrigerated. They will keep for 3 to 4 days.

Vanilla, Vanilla Cupcakes


Makes about 30 cupcakes
Ingredients
1 3/4 c cake flour, not self-rising
1 1/4 c all-purpose flour
2 c white sugar
1 TB baking powder
3/4 tsp salt
1 c butter, cut into 1"cubes
4 large eggs
1 c whole milk
1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Basic Vanilla Buttercream
Colored Sprinkles for decorating, optional
Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line cupcake pans with paper liners; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with
the paddle attachment, combine flours, sugar, baking powder, and salt; mix on low speed until combined. Add butter,
mixing until just coated with flour. In a large glass measuring cup, whisk together eggs, milk, and vanilla. With mixer on
medium speed, add wet ingredients in 3 parts, scraping down sides of bowl before each addition; beat until ingredients
are incorporated but do not overbeat. Divide batter evenly among liners, filling about 2/3 full. Bake, rotating pan halfway
through, until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 17 to 20 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool
completely. Repeat process with remaining batter. Once cupcakes have cooled, use a small offset spatula to frost tops of
each cupcake.

Classic Vanilla Buttercream Frosting


Makes 2 1/2 cups
Ingredients:
1 c. unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened not melted. 3-4 c. powdered sugar, SIFTED
1/4 tsp table salt
1 TB vanilla extract
up to 4 TB milk or heavy cream
Directions:
Beat butter for a few minutes with a mixer with the paddle attachment on medium speed. Add 3 cups of powdered sugar
and turn your mixer on the lowest speed (so the sugar doesn’t blow everywhere) until the sugar has been incorporated
with the butter. Increase mixer speed to medium and add vanilla extract, salt, and 2 tablespoons of milk/cream and beat
for 3 minutes. If your frosting needs a more stiff consistency, add remaining sugar. If your frosting needs to be thinned
out, add remaining milk 1 tablespoons at a time.

Chocolate Buttercream


Yield: Enough to frost 12 cupcakes

1 c (8 oz) butter, at room temp
2½ c powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 oz semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, melted and cooled
Using the wire whisk attachment of your stand mixer, whip the butter on medium-high speed for 5 minutes, stopping
to scrape the bowl once or twice. Reduce the speed to low and gradually add the powdered sugar. Once all of the
powdered sugar is incorporated, increase the speed to medium-high and add the vanilla, mixing until incorporated. Add
the melted chocolate and whip at medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes, scraping the bowl as needed
to incorporate all of the chocolate.
You can store any unused buttercream in the refrigerator in an airtight container; let it come to room temperature and
then give it a quick whip in the mixer before using.

Royal Icing

This smooth, hard-drying icing is perfect for making decorations that last. It is also useful as a "cement" to fasten
decorations together.
3 TB Meringue Powder
4 c. confectioner's sugar (about 1 lb)
6 TB water
Beat all ingredients at low speed 7-10 minutes until icing forms peaks. Makes about 3 cups.
Thinned Royal Icing: To thin for pouring, add 1 tsp water per cup of royal icing. Use grease-free spoon or spatula to stir
slowly. Add 1/2 tsp water at a time until you reach proper consistency.

Swiss Meringue Buttercream

Yield: About 4 cups
Source: Martha Stewart's Baking Handbook
4 large egg whites
1 1/4 cups sugar
3 sticks butter (1 1/2 cups), room temp, cut into TB
1 tsp vanilla extract
-Place sugar and egg whites in the heat-proof bowl of an electric mixer (or any heatproof bowl). Set bowl over a pan of
simmering water and whisk constantly until the mixture registers 160F on a thermometer.
Transfer bowl to mixer stand. Using the whisk attachment, beat on high speed until mixture has cooled completely and
forms stiff and glossy peaks, about 10 minutes.
-Switch to the paddle attachment. Add the butter, one piece at a time, and beat until incorporated after each addition.
Don't worry if the buttercream appears curdled after all the butter has been added; it will become smooth again with
continued beating. Add vanilla, and beat just until combined.
-Beat on medium speed until the butter is completely incorporated, and the buttercream looks thick and soft. Reduce
mixer speed to low, and beat for about 5 minutes, to eliminate any air pockets. If using buttercream within several
hours, cover bowl with plastic wrap, and set aside at room temperature in a cool environment. If not using right away,
transfer to an airtight container, and store in the refrigerator, for up to 3 days (buttercream can also be frozen for
several months). Before using, bring buttercream to room temperature, and beat on the lowest speed with the paddle
attachment until smooth, about 5 minutes.

Make Pastry cream. (Creme Patisserie) You can fill cupcakes by removing a small amount of cake in the center,

Fill each cupcake with the pastry cream. Gently lay the top piece back on the cupcake and press lightly.
Serves 18. No need to be afraid of this either… just think of it as pudding.
1 cup whole milk
1 cup half and half
1/4″ vanilla bean cut in half
6 egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup unsalted butter
Add the vanilla bean to the half and half and milk and bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Whisk the egg yolks in another
saucepan with the cornstarch and sugar. Slowly add 1/4 cup of the hot milk, whisking constantly. Pour in the rest of
the milk continuing to whisk. Place on medium heat and keep whisking while the mixture reaches a boil. Boil 2 minutes
and remove from heat. Remove vanilla pod and scrape into the cream. Add vanilla and butter, stirring until completely
smooth. Cover with a piece of buttered plastic wrap resting on surface and chill.
To make Creme Brulee cupcake, fill with the pastry cream and cover the top. Frost with buttercream frosting. Sprinkle
with glazed pecans and sugar. Caramelize with a kitchen torch.

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Lesson Summary - #4

Sis. Griffin taught today from lesson #4 - Strengthened by the power of the Holy Ghost

She titled her lesson - Ready us to kneel and greet thee. 

The manual says, "We ought to understand—and I presume that we do generally—that the work which we have come into this life to perform cannot be done to the glory of God or to the satisfaction of ourselves merely by our own natural intelligence. We are dependent upon the Spirit of the Lord to aid us and to manifest to us from time to time what is necessary for us to accomplish under the peculiar circumstances that may surround us."

Sister Ashely Charriere read the story about when Pres. Snow was on his mission and his life was saved. The 2 men that saved his life did so with CPR before cpr was even "discovered" or put into practice because they followed the promptings of the Holy Ghost. 

Sis. Griffin asked us to think of a time when we have been blessed by someone else because they listened to the Spirit? or a time when you listened to the Spirit and helped someone else..? 


The Spirit helps us to be the receiver and the giver. 

There are several blessing we receive from the Holy Ghost that were listed in this lesson: 
1. Reveals things from past, present and future
2. Enlightens
3. Inspires
4. Guides
5. Aids us
6. Leads us to truth
7. Manifests to us
8. Comforts
9. Testifies of Jesus Christ and the Father

Sis Griffin said when we are baptized and confirmed a member  of the Church we are told to "receive" the Holy Ghost. She asked us "How do we receive gifts?" Do we welcome them, embrace them, or just get it or obtain it the gift....? 
contrast that with how we receive the Spirit in our lives? Do we welcome it, embrace it...? 


Pres. Snow says, " This is the grand privilege of every Latter-Day Saint. We know that it is our right to have the manifestations of the Spirit every day of our lives. 
 From the time we receive the Gospel, go down into the waters of baptism and have hands laid upon us afterwards for the gift of the Holy Ghost, we have a friend, if we do not drive it from us by doing wrong. That friend is the Holy Spirit, the Holy Ghost, which partakes of the things of God and shows them unto us. This is a grand means that the Lord has provided for us, that we may know the light, and not be groveling continually in the dark. 
No professing Latter-day Saint can enjoy any great degree of happiness unless he thus lives, and thus places himself under divine guidance.
Make up your minds to live humbly and in such a way that you will always have the Spirit of the Lord to be your friend."

Monday, February 25, 2013

Goodly parents - lesson summary

Sis. Tonya Murdock gave our lesson today combining 2 different conference talks - Becoming goodly parents by L. Tom Perry & Protect the Children by Dallin H. Oaks


Elder Perrys says he turned 90 this year and reflected back on all the change that has occured in his lifetime - think automobiles, technology, etc. Through all the fast pace and changes of life, we want the principles of the gospel to endure. At the top of the list and the target of the adversary is the sanctity of marriage and the strength of the family. 

Elder Perry says there are 5 things we should be doing in our families: 
1. Pray in earnest
2. Hold family prayer, scripture study, F.H.E. and EAT together as often as possible.
3. Use the churches network system. Communicate with primary teachers, youth leaders and quorum presidencies. 
4. Share your testimony with your children. 
5.Organize your family - simple rules and expectations, traditions, responsibilities and pay tithing.


Sis Murdock and other added several comments including these that I wanted to share:

"We have to Parent with our heart"
"There isn't an instruction manual"
"We don't have failures in our home, we have learning experiences"
"As long as you try, it's not a failure"

Switching over to Elder Oaks talk, Sis. Murdock asked us - What are some of the worldly influences our children face?
We need to make our homes a safe haven from the world. We need to make them a safe place to talk about things. Boundaries are a great safety net for everyone. Not just children.

Sis. Murdock shared a favorite quote:
Of all the joys in life, non other equals that joy of a happy parenthood.

She asked, "Are we happy parents?" She closed her lesson by saying parenthood is the hardest thing I've ever done but the rewards are great!

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Lesson Summary - Ward Conference

We had the special treat of being taught by our Stake RS president Sis. Naumann. The title of her lesson was "For such a time as This / Doing what the Lord needs us to do"


She talked about the story of Esther. How it has all the parts of a great story - drama, suspense, happily ever after, etc. She prepared herself spiritually first to fulfill her purpose. She was put on the earth at that time for that mission.

Sis Naumann then reflected on herself, "What am I doing and preparing to fulfill my purpose?"
She said Obedience is key. Maybe our mission is different now then it was in the past. Now we need to work on other things. 

She shared a wonderful quote by Ardeth Kapp that said we are foreordained for this time. The Lord is counting on each of us.
We all know the phrase - Where much is given much is expected. We each have something we have promised we would do for the Lord. 
Turn to your Patriarchal blessing. Re -read it. It will have different messages for different times in your life. 
Go the temple often - if we ask the Lord what our purpose is He is will let us know. 
Ask in prayer - He wants us to know what we should be being and what he needs from us. Sincerely ask and He will tell you. 

The Lord has confidence in us to fulfill our mission. Otherwise we wouldn't be here at this time. Trials, disappointments and heartache are not always explained but remain faithful with hope and trust in the Lord. Heavenly Father knows what our trials are. We are His. We are precious in His sight. We didn't come here to find out worth - it came with us. He knows our potential and power to become like Him. We can influence and make a difference to those around us. We don't have to influence thousands - even 1 is important.

She told of a story that was recounted to her from her son recently returned from a mission. There was an older man who heard a speech titled, "Mormons are of the devil." The man attending "stood up" for the Mormons he knew saying they were kind people and certainly not of the devil. He left and told his wife they needed to find out all they could about Mormons. They packed their car, left El Paso Texas and headed for SLC, Utah. They spent 2 days at Temple Square and filled out a referral card before they left. When they returned home and were emptying their car 2 boys on bicycles rode up into their driveway :) The missionaries. They invited them in at once and said, "Elders, please tell us everything you know." 2 weeks later he was baptized and 2 months later his wife was. He also has since received his Patriarchal blessing and in it is stated, "if the person assigned to share the gospel with you would have done his job...you would have been a member years ago." This man asked the elders, "Where was that person? I could have had these blessings years ago. I could have raised my children in the knowledge of the gospel...Where was that person?" 
Sis. Naumann then said, "Do I need to make a course correction?" 
Are we fulfilling what we said we would do here at this time on earth? If we all do what we can to ACT in obedience and serve more diligently we can look back and see the Lord was blessing and directing our path and like Esther fulfill what we were sent to do at such a time as this. 

Thank you Sis. Naumann! Such a wonderful message!