.

.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Alma 31:5

I just wanted to take a minute and thank Jeanne for her lesson yesterday in our combined Relief Society and Priesthood meeting. I took her challenge to read Elder Robbins' Conference talk What Manner of Men and Women Ought Ye to Be? on page 103 of the May 2011 Ensign. Here are some quotes I really liked:
  • "Because be begets do and is the motive behind do, teaching be will improve behavior more effectively than focusing on do will improve behavior."
  • Elder Robbins encourages us to consider "How did faith help you face todays' challenges?"
  • "May your efforts to develop Christlike attributes be successful so that His image may be engraven in your countenance and His attributes manifest in your behavior. Then, when your children or others feel of your love and see your behavior, it will remind them of the Savior and draw them to Him . . ."
As I read this talk, I was able to think of specific examples of women in our ward who are and do as Christ did. You each inspire me to become better--to serve more dilligently in my calling, to offer aid more regularly to those in need, to be more full of faith than of fear, and to be more patient in my trials.

I pray that all of us can continue to strive to be as Christ, and not just do as He did. I add my testimony to Jeanne's and to Elder Robbins' that I know that as we study and apply the scriptures to our lives, we will become more like our Savior.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

A WEEKEND TO "REMEMBER"

As we are in another Memorial Day weekend, my thoughts go immediately home to Hunter, Utah. I was too young to remember World War II, but old enough to remember when my Uncle Ben was declared dead a year and a half after the War ended, having been missing in action for 4 years. Back then my parents called it "Decoration Day" and they spent Saturday and Monday, cutting and preparing vases and jugs full of flowers, that had been cut from our garden, or my Grandmother Rolfe's yard. We "decorated" every relative's grave - but my Uncle Ben's grave always had a flag inserted in the vase of flowers, and the cemetary had also placed a big flag by his headstone.

My Grandfather had already died very young, and so Uncle Ben being the only boy in the family, had been declared the "sole provider" for his family and was not drafted. However patriotism was so high, that Uncle Ben could not be discouraged from joining. He wanted to be a pilot, but his eyesight wasn't good enough. My mom still testifies today, that he ate carrots till his skin started turning orange from the carotene, but he improved his eyesight enough to pass the pilot eye exam.

He trained to be a pilot, came home before going to War, and married my Aunt Fern. They had a two day honeymoon, and he shipped out to England.

He was the pilot of a B-17 named the Ugly Duckling. His first flight into Germany was a mission to take out a railroad viaduct, the plane was over the Usel Lake (formerly known as the Zeider Zee) in Nazi occupied Holland, near the village of Apeldoorn. His plane was shot down, and all 5 men on board were able to parachute out - but they all landed in the Zeider Zee. Unfortunately it was November 26th, and the sea was freezing, and they all perished from hypothermia. The year was 1943, and Uncle Ben was delared "missing in action". It wasn't until July of 1946 that a fisherman fished his body out of the sea, with his dogtags. I barely remember going to his memorial. I remember my Grandmother had a " gold -star decal" placed in her window. Which meant she was a Gold-Star Mother, and had lost a son in the War.

Five years ago, a man in Germany e-mailed my Mom and Dad, and my brother Michael, who fortunately served a mission in Germany, and told them an amazing story. He was a little 8 year old boy standing in his backyard, and saw the plane and the parachuting men go into the sea. He has since researched the plane and it's occupants and is writing a book of his memories. Through his research he has found several earlier pictures of Ben and his squadron, standing by his plane, a picture of the plane flying, a log of the men on board the plane etc., which he shared with us. If I were more "technical" I could attach the pictures - but alas....

I love memories. Dates, tastes and smells, always bring these memories flooding back into our lives. I love "Decoration Day" now our Memorial Day Weekend. I love America, and I am grateful for all those men and women who gave their lives to keep it free. I just got back from Restland, and it is ablaze with flags. They line the streets going into the cemetary, and are on every Veteran's grave - it is important to remember.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

ARE WE HAVING FUN YET?

I had never been in a real thunderstorm until I moved to Dallas - 35 years ago! I am still not used to real thunderstorms as they always come with "tornado" warnings or "threats" as I call them.
Spring weather is especially unpredictable in this part of the world. We survived another round last night and I am so grateful that we were spared - again - from any real damage.
I always pray for the people along the Mississippi River, Joplin Missouri and Alabama tornado sights, the tsunami victims in Japan, and everyone who has to rebuild after a natural disaster.
We understand that the rain falls on the just and unjust and that weather is part of the "second estate" experience.
I woke up to a sunny, muggy Spring day with no visible difference to my home or yard (maybe to my weight, I did eat a small bag of peanut M&Ms due to stress)and I AM having fun!

Friday, May 20, 2011

CRAFTERS ALERT ! ! !

Since we are not having a Super Saturday this year, we thought it might be fun to have two Crafter's Interest Groups this summer. The first one in July will be making flowers from organza, tulle and polyester lining material. They are fun and easy. I have included a link where you can see a walk through with organza flower making - and I have already made some beautiful ones with lining fabric and tulle. Check it out with the following link:

http://www.redtedart.com/2011/05/13/how-to-make-organza-flowers

You can make small ones for your daughter or granddaughter for their hair , you can attach them to flip flops, or sandals or slippers. You can make a larger flower you wear on a jacket - or decorate a beautiful package. Only your imagination will limit you.

Comment if you have interest.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

A Baptism

We have had Mirielle (pronounced mur-ray - I think) with us for several weeks in Relief Society and at other church meetings. She is from the Ivory Coast and her native language is French. She has been in the USA for about 1 year and has been teaching herself English. She has a 19 month old son named Yohann. She does not drive and so she has spent the majority of time in her apartment - alone.
She is getting baptized this Saturday at 5PM.
There are many complications. There is a language barrier. There is her little son who is very active and used to only being with his mother. There is her husband who has enlisted in the military so she does not know where they will be in the next year. There is her homesickness for her 10 brothers and sisters still in Africa. There is the fact that she does not drive nor have a car so she needs help getting to anything we do or any meeting we have. There is her shyness.
I always worry about new converts when I see the deck stacked so high against full fellowship in the church on an ongoing basis.
YET, I have felt Mirielle's spirit - her desire to have the TRUTH in her life - the willingness to be surrounded by new people and new customs and have courage to be part of it all - her intelligent eyes - her need to have "more" for herself and her family.
I love her gentle spirit and her quiet ways. She will need all of the sisters of this Relief Society! She needs the Holy Ghost. She needs to feel the Spirit from all of us too.
I hope we will be part of Mirielle's conversion story. It will take all of us - this sisterhood we have - to help her cement her testimony before she goes on her way!

Monday, May 16, 2011

This Week in D4

TODAY/MONDAY:


Ward FHE at Campbell Green Park, 6pm--bring your own Picnic dinner


WEDNESDAY:


Canning, 9am-11:30am. Read your email or contact Cathy Meyer for details.






SUNDAY:


Sisters,
For next week's lesson please take a look at Neil L. Anderson's talk "Never Leave Him." It is from the Oct. 2010 General Conference. I would like us to ponder the quote, "no one of us is immune from the influences of the world," and ask ourselves in what areas we may still be vulnerable to those influences and how we can strengthen our fortifications.
Thank you,
Fronda Wiseman

Saturday, May 14, 2011

To The Rescue

In April we started reading To The Rescue: The Biography of Thomas S. Monson for our RS reading interest group. We met in the beginning of May to discuss the first half of the book. One of my favorite quotes from this book is on page 4. "I firmly believe . . . that the sweetest experience in mortality is to know that our Heavenly Father has worked through us to accomplish an objective in the life of another person."

We will be meeting again on June 7th to discuss the second half of the book. In the meantime, I'd love to hear other stories or quotes from President Monson that have helped motivate you to "rescue" others. Leave your comments here!

Talents BLESS!

This Sunday, May 15th, we will be having treats (rewards of a "mortal" nature) in Relief Society for all the women who read this blog and are blessed by what they find! (I know this sounds cheesy for adults but everyone can use sugar at 11AM.)
I am amazed at how many talents/spiritual gifts are displayed by women who help us keep track of interests groups, lessons, uplifting stories or thoughts, recipes, and journaling of successful Dallas 4th Relief Society events.
This blog was originated to bless the lives of the women in our ward, keep them more informed, and to give helps along the way as we all try to draw closer to the Lord and do what we have been asked to do.
Just as in Matthew 25 and the "Parable of the Talents", some of us have doubled the blessings and gifts we have been given (by actively participating in this blog) and some of us have "buried" this gift!
I personally cannot wait to see that EVERYONE receives all the blessings they deserve!!

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

CRAFTS - WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN?

I have had some requests to do a couple of craft classes this summer for a Relief Society Interest Group. What would YOU like to learn or perhaps teach? Have you seen any fun ideas in the craft stores or online? Perhaps your sister or mother is doing something fun in her ward (remember this is how "plastic grapes" swept the church world!). Please share your ideas - I will be happy to organize the event - Just need to know what craft might be worth an evening of your time? Just comment to this blog.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Talents

“That which we persist in doing becomes easier for us to do; not that the nature of the thing is changed, but that our power to do is increased” -- Heber J. Grant
Sisters, This coming Sunday we are going to discuss Developing our Talents. I really like this topic, because I think that our talents, abilities, and interests give spice to life.
See you Sunday!
Paula Malone

Sunday, May 8, 2011

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

"Motherhood is more than bearing children...It is the essence of who we are as women."
Sheri Dew (Nov. 2001 Ensign)

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Every member . . .

Dear Sisters,

Every member is a missionary starting with each one of us. Our focus will be how we can comfortably share the gospel and the youful results from sharing.

Please read Chapter 33 in our Manual for our lesson this Sunday.

Love,
Shirlee

Spring Roll Recipes

Spring Rolls


Ingredients:


Protein: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (boiled, cooled completely, and then sliced thinly) Shrimp, (Fairly large (41/60 count), sliced almost completely in half lengthwise)


Vegetables & Starches: Cucumber, shredded (pickled for 10 minutes in equal parts white vinegar and water) Carrots, shredded (pickled about 10 minutes in the same mixture as the cucumbers after they come out) Rice noodles (cooked about 3 minutes in water) Avocado (cut into thin slices) Spring Mix (from the salad section) Fresh Mint Fresh Basil Alfalfa Sprouts


Wrapper: Rice Paper rounds (gotten from an Aisan market or Aisan aisle)


Assembly:


Have all ingredients except rice paper rounds in individual dishes. Soak rice paper in a bowl for cool water for about 10 seconds (It will still be stiff). Place about ¼ cup of vegetables that you like about ¼ of the way from one edge of the rice paper. Fold over the shorter side, tucking the vegetables and starches in firmly. Fold up one of the edges adjoining the folded edge. Put a slice or two of chicken next to the vegetables Add a shrimp on the outside Fold over the other side, smoothing the unfilled portion of the edges so they lie smooth. Roll the rest of the wrapper, enclosing the spring roll. Serve with a dipping sauce.


Dipping Sauces:


Peanut Dipping Sauce : 5 T Hoisin Sauce 2 ½ T Peanut Butter, Creamy or chunky 5 T Coconut Water (can use 7-Up if you prefer). Mix until smooth.


Spicy Dipping Sauce: 1 can 7-Up 3 T Chili Sauce. Mix until smooth.


Soy Dipping Sauce 5 T Soy Sauce 5 T Sesame Oil. Mix well.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

More About 72-Hour Kits...

Whenever we have a 72-hour kit class, I enjoy the opportunity to rotate our kits. We have reworked our home space and now I have our kits in a more ideal and accessible place. As I have rotated them this time around (Remember to rotate kits/check contents at General Conference time each spring/fall.) a few things have made an impression on me.

1. FOCUS ON THE BASICS. Resist the urge to get overwhelmed by all the "possibilities". Get a container (such as a backpack) and put the BASIC NEEDS into it. Start with water, food and clothing. Next think of shelter/warmth/hygiene with an emergency reflective-type blanket, poncho and a few hygiene items (washcloth/soap). Now, there's a start. Once you've got all that down, then you can move on.

At one point in my own 72-hour kit repacking, I filled the pack with all my "junk" and then I realized, "Hmm, no room for my food!" That experience helped to inspire this blog entry! I said to myself then, "Simplify, simplify, simplify!"

2. THINK MULTI-LEVEL. Once you have a backpack full of the above, you can fill the rest of the space with the next level of essentials. Maximize the size and weight of your pack to what you know you can carry and do the same for other members of your family. After that is done, you can pack extra packs with even more helpful items. If you are loading your car, then you will have the things you need in one place.

If you are just getting started, then pay attention to #1 above and don't worry about the rest yet. GOOD LUCK!

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Getting to Know You in 10 Questions #4

Liz Rich



This week we get to learn a little bit more about Liz Rich. Liz and I met briefly at church one of the first Sundays I was in the ward. We got to know each other through an assignment the Relief Society gave us, and I am glad to say that because of that experience we became fast friends! Thank you Relief Society. Lets find out Liz's answers.

1.) What do you like to do in your free time? I love to read, sew, cook,have lunch with friends and explore museums and neighborhoods in Dallas.

2.) What is your favorite ice-cream flavor? How can a girl choose? Sadly, I've never met an Ice Cream that I don't like.

3.) Would you ever like to go bungee jumping? Um....no, thank you!

4.) What is the first thing you notice about people? It's a toss up between their smile and their eyes.

5.) What is the last movie you watched? Waiting for Superman.

6.) What is the last book you read? Guernsey and Potato Peal Pie Literary Society.

7.) What/where is the furthest you have been from home? Loch Ness in Northern Scotland.

8.) What is a special, strange, or secret talent you have? I am really good and building spreadsheet in excel.

9.) If you could have any super power, what would it be and why did you choose that one? I wish I could be in two or more places at one time.

10.) If you could have any job in the world and be amazing at it, what would it be? I would love to just read books to kids and help them explore art all day long.

Thank you so much Liz for being willing to answer my questions! It is good to get to know more about you.

O BE WISE!

I avidly read the newspaper and anything else I can get my hands on. I, like most of you, have followed the weather "trauma" events and the death of Osama bin Laden and then who would have thought that the price of gasoline would reach 4$ a gallon. Amazing.
It is so easy to get swept away with the currents of daily life in 2011. They are swift for sure.
I was thinking of this and all I have to do today, and opened my scriptures to where I am right now in the Book Of Mormon - Jacob 6. I had just read the allegory given by the prophet Zenos the night before so I started with Chapter 6 this morning and was "convicted" again of how much I love the Lord and this great book given to us for US in this latter day.
Jacob reminded me of what was truly important. He tells of the purpose of this earth and that the Lord knows the end from the beginning. In fact, he says, at the conclusion of his prophesies and pleadings (Jacob 6:12) - "O BE WISE!... what can I say more?"
I have another bright sunny May morning to add to my list of blessings. I MUST be wise in how I use my time and energies. I must focus on the end game - which for me - is to live with my Heavenly Father (and all of you) again. Much is happening in the world around me. But I am the boss of what I do with the world WITHIN me. I must be wise!