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Wednesday, August 31, 2011

"I Need Light"

About nine years ago, I was diagnosed with wide angle and narrow angle glaucoma. I am receiving all appropriate treatment but in order to see well, I NEED LIGHT. In a way, this has been a blessing - a life lesson for me.
This week I will be teaching the Fast Sunday lesson and it will concern how we can be or become "Daughters of Light".
Please consider all the ways, physically, mentally, emotionally, and most important - spiritually we need "light" in our lives.
And, how do we reflect this light in the lives of those around us?
Let's all read and ponder Matthew 5: 14-16 and how it applies to us today!

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

" DELIGHTFUL PREPAREDNESS"

Tonight at our Preparedness Class taught by Kim Adair, she presented the subject with the "spoonful of sugar, helps the medicine go down" approach. Actually many of us are beginning to realize we are in a drought, and trying to survive this summer's ferocious heat. She made, Chocolate Ice Cream or Milkshakes and Peach Sorbet all from storage, to cool us off. She also made Chewy Granola Bars.


As many of you have watched the effects of Hurricane Irene, we touched again on our need for 72 hour kits - D batteries were gone from the Supermarkets in those areas, within hours.

Kim has taught about 8 classes so far, and we will selectively choose some of her handouts, and send out a "link" in our Relief Society Blasts going forward, so that those who have a "desire" may print them for themselves - thanks to Laurie Johnson for scanning.

Here are two recipes from tonight - to make them perfectly you need a really good blender. a VitaMix or Blendtec are two of the best. The Chocolate Ice Cream is made with Country Cream Chocolate Powdered Milk. We have done one order on the Country Cream Powdered Milk regular, and if we get enough interest, we could do one on the Chocolate Powdered Milk - it has an exceptional taste for powdered milks.

PEACH SORBET (or any freeze dried fruit of your choice)
1 cup water
1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
3/4 cup sugar (or to taste)
1 cup freeze dried peaches
4 cups Ice.
Place all ingredients in blender except ice. Blend to mix ingredients. Add icc and blend to desired consistency.


CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM OR MILK SHAKE (blender)
1 1/2 cup water
1-2 tsps.vanilla
12/3 cup Dutch Milk Coclate Drink Mix
1/2 cup sugar
6 cups ice
Place all ingredients in blender except ice. Blend to mix ingredients. Add ice and blend to desired consistency. Optional: Malt flavoring to taste.
Recipe may be reduced by 1/2.

Tip: Powdered milk or powdered chocolate milk or powdered soy milk or powdered chocolate soy milk can be used for these recipes, or can be used for warm drinks in the winter.
Remember if you are interested in an item to be ordered on a ward-wise basis, contact Kim, and she will find a source, see if the price is right, and if we can get other sisters interested to make the minimum, she will place an order.

Friday, August 26, 2011

Getting to Know You in 10 Questions

Brenda Petersen




So today we get to know Brenda Petersen better. Brenda and her family moved into ward a few (3 or 4?) months ago. I actually asked her to be spotlighted and received her answers a long time ago. It has just taken me this long to get organized enough to do it. I apologize for how long it has taken me.

I love Brenda. She is warm and welcoming. Plus she always seems to have a big smile on her face. Please make sure to stop and chat with her at church. She's a fun person to get to know.

1.) What do you like to do in your free time? I love to play soccer, read, spend time with my family.

2.) What is your favorite ice-cream flavor? Okay so I love jamocha almond fudge don't judge me!

3.) Would you ever like to go bungee jumping? Yes but I would pee my pants all the way down. I'm afraid of heights!

4.) What is the first thing you notice about people? Their face!

5.) What is the last movie you watched? Harry Potter Deathly Hallows 2

6.) What is the last book you read? Divergent (so stinking good)

7.) What/where is the furthest you have been from home? Germany

8.) What is a special, strange, or secret talent you have? I can put 20 jumbo marshmallows in my mouth (I want to say that I can kick my self in the face, but I tried that and it didn't work)

9.) If you could have any super power, what would it be and why did you choose that one? Freeze time

10.) If you could have any job in the world and be amazing at it, what would it be? Soccer Coach.

Thank you so much Brenda for being will to participate.

If you'd like to be feautured in the spotlight posts, just comment below. I love volunteers!

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Come One, Come All!

Come on over to Kim Adair's house this Tuesday, August 30th at 7:00 p.m. for a mini class on making "FUN TREATS WITH FOOD STORAGE". It's still HOT outside, so we'll make and enjoy some cool treats that will help you rotate your food storage, too. Can't wait to see YOU!

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

BE WATER SMART!!!

As I observe the brown patches on the ground around town, I truly realize that we are in a drought situation. For us, this gives us basically two things to think about. One, do we have the water we need for our family in case of a short-term, or even a longer-term emergency? And two, are we doing our part in water conservation efforts?
For the water we need, let me remind you that the minimum amount to store is one gallon per person per day. Please make sure you have at least a three day supply for your family. Larger water bottles are easy to purchase and store, or you can refill your #1-type recyclable plastic two liter bottles or juice containers. Do not reuse milk jug containers. If you have more questions on how to refill containers, let me know.
As far as water conservation is concerned, for now this means a sensible approach to being careful about our water consumption. I have to work hard to teach my family members (i.e. children) to be careful about how much water they use when showering/bathing, doing dishes, washing hands and brushing teeth. This means not letting the water run excessively. Concerning the outdoors, the City of Dallas is asking that we voluntarily conserve by watering landscapes no more that twice a week. Also, current ordinance prohibits watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
The Lord would want us to be careful and provident with the resources He has given us. Let's all do our part!

Desire

Dear Sisters,
This Sunday, August 28th we will be studying Elder Dallin H. Oaks' conference talk "Desire" (4-2011). Please say a prayer and then read this talk. He states "Desires dictate our priorities, priorities shaper our choices, and choices determine our actions." I like the orderly fashion he discusses desire. Desire is very signifcant in our eternal progression, sisters. Let's talk more on Sunday.

Love,
Shirlee

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Compassion in Service!

Sisters, we have had a "plethora" of opportunities to serve in the last few months. (Big hug to Patsy Stringer for all she does with this calling!)
Sometimes I will get comments on what we are asking and what some of the reasons are for the ways we have been extending ourselves.
My perspective on service has changed while serving as Relief Society President. I have come to emphasize the word "compassion" as I do things or am asked to do things for others.
Now that I am aware of extenuating circumstances or details others might not know or see, my heart if full of compassion for people who have no family to help them, or no resources to spare for any extras, or just no more emotional energy to figure any of it out.
It would NOT be called "Compassionate Service" if a large dose of "compassion" wasn't really needed! Sometimes, for me, compassion trumps logic.
I want to thank you for all the many ways you have come through with time, means, and kindness. It has been such a RELIEF for all who serve the women and families of the Dallas 4th Ward.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Ch. 40

This Sunday our Relief Society lesson is from Chapter 40, Temple Work and Family History. I love how the Gospel Principles manual gives ideas for how each of us can participate in this work, no matter our personal circumstances. I have a testimony of the joy and peace that comes when we serve in the House of the Lord. When I was a missionary, I had a strong impression that I needed to do some family history work so my mom's ancestors could be baptized. I was able to complete that work a few years later. I remember sitting in the temple and thanking Heavenly Father for each of those ancestors and what special memories I had with some of them. I will never forget my sweet, short, Filipino great-grandpa. A fisherman by trade, he built his house by the seashore in Hawaii. He frequently paid for our plane tickets to be able to visit our extended family on the islands for the summer. He was an example of charity and hard work. The time it took me to get his work done in the temple was a small price to repay his lifetime of kindness.

Come this Sunday to RS and share your testimonies and blessings of the temple.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

COOKING 101 - FRUIT GLORIOUS FRUIT

Tonight at Cooking 101 we had at least 14 sisters join us in a wonderful Fruit Feast. Joanne Poulsen hosted us in her beautiful kitchen, which is so suited to cooking demonstrations. Esther Davis made her wonderful Fruit Pizza, and told us how to disguise fresh spinach in most any fruit smoothie for added nutrition. Joanne also demonstrated Melon Soup, Cold Peach Soup(made with canned peaches, and best if made 2 or 3 days ahead. She also made Lemonade Mousse' and fruit Kabobs, and then showed us how to each make Fruit Parfaits for breakfast on these hot summer mornings. Below find some of the recipes that were demonstrated.

FRUIT PIZZA
Crust: 1lb purchased pizza dough or your favorite homemade recipe.
1 Tbsp melted butter
2 Tbsp sugar
Spread above on dough rolled out on pizza pan and bake as
directed on pizza dough container.
Frosting: 1 8 oz. pkg cream cheese at room temperature
1 Tbsp orange zest
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping: Assorted Fruit
1-2 cups sliced strawberries (sliced length-wise)
3/4 cup blueberries
1-2 kiwi fruit sliced
small can mandarin orange sections
a few grapes sliced in half
a banana sliced (soak in mandarin orange juice to prevent browning)
Heat oven to 400 degrees .
Spread the dough on an ungreased 12 inch pizza pan. Brush on the butter and sprinkle on the 2 Tbsp of sugar. Bake the crust until it is golden brown - 12 to 14 minutes. Cool
In a medium-size bowl, combine the frosting ingredients with a rubber spatula. Stir until smooth - you can also use powdered sugar here.
Spread the frosting over the cooled crust. Gently press in the fruit - in a
pretty pattern around the circle. You can cover with Saran wrap and refrigerate for a couple of hours - or serve immediately.

COLD PEACH SOUP (best if made 2-3 days in advance)
2 (12 oz cans) light peach slices - partially drained
1 (16 oz). carton nonfat sour cream
4 Tblsp lemon juice
2 Tblsp Triple Sec (orange flavor) available at Whole Foods
2 Tblsp almond extract
3 Tblsp sugar
Place the above ingredients in a food processor and blend well, or you may do it 1/2 recipe at a time in your blender. Transfer to a pitcher and
chill well. It makes 8 one-cup servings

LEMON MOUSSE' AND FRUIT KABOBS
1 large pkg Lemon Jello
1/2 cup sugar
1 12 oz.frozen lemonade
1 pint heavy whipping cream
Dissolve jello in 2 cups boiling water, take off heat, add sugar and frozen lemonade concentrate(do not add additional water) Put in bowl and let it set for about 3 hours. Whip heavy cream until stiff. Whip the set jell-o to loosen, then whip jello and whipped cream together until smooth. Put in serving dish or mold. Place in refrigerator to completely set about 5 hours.
To make Kabobs, get serving skewers and place cut up melon, strawberries or any other fruit you like and serve by dipping into the Lemonade Mousse'.

FRUIT PARFAITS
Low Fat Vanilla Yogurt
Strawberries cut-up
Raspberries
Blueberries
and additional fruit you like
Honey and Oats Granola
Layer the yogurt, fruit and granola in glass or cup and repeat. A healthy and refreshing breakfast.

MELON SOUP
1 fresh peach, pitted and chopped
6 fresh strawberries - hulled
1 apple cored and chopped
1/2 cantaloupe - peeled, seeded and cubed
1/2 honey dew melon - peeled, seeded and cubed
1/4 cup milk
3 oz Pina Colada yogurt - for coconut and pineapple flavor
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
2 tsp honey
2 Tbl fresh lime juice
1 pint fresh blueberries - rinsed
Combine fruit in a blender until slightly chunky, Pour in milk, yogurt, nutmeg, honey and lime juice; blend until smooth. Divide the mixture evenly between 8 bowls. Top each bowl with blueberries and chill - Serve cold.

SWEET JO GRICE

Sister Jo Grice is in a convalescent home in Plano, Texas. She would love visitors to make her days pass more quickly. While she may not recognize you, her sweet, happy smile remains, and her kind disposition shines forth. She is at 1821 Sacramento Terrace in Plano. We will try and get a book up there, which you can sign, if you visit - so that the family will know how much we care. Kay Hollingsworth loves visitors as well - her address is in the ward roster. Visiting and looking after the sick and lonely are part of the covenant we make at baptism, Dallas 4th Ward has the best group of women I know - let' s look after one another.

Monday, August 15, 2011

COOL, REFRESHING FRUIT !

It is coming our Cooking 101 Class, this Tuesday (tomorrow) August 16th, starting at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Joanne Poulsen. Esther Davis will teach us how to make her wonderful Fruit Pizza recipe (it is not a cookie base) and they will do other recipes with cool, refreshing, wonderful fruit. Please join us, you will be glad you did!

Friday, August 12, 2011

Sunday's Lesson

Sisters,
This Sunday the Relief Society lesson will be chapter 36, The Law of Chastity.
Watch this video to see what members of the church say about this law:

Click HERE for the video

Thursday, August 11, 2011

To be Valiant


“To be valiant in the testimony of Jesus is to take the Lord’s side on every issue. It is to vote as he would vote. It is to think what he thinks, to believe what he believes, to say what he would say and do what he would do in the same situation. It is to have the mind of Christ and be one with him as he is one with his Father.”
Elder Bruce R. McConkie, General Conference, Oct 1974

"A Society of Holy Women"

If you have read the Visiting Teaching message in the ENSIGN for the month of August, this title should be familiar. As we have heard from Julie Beck, our General RS President, a concerted effort is being made to remind us all of the wonderful history of this latter-day women's organization.
This month's visiting teaching message shares quotes from Lucy Mack Smith and Eliza R. Snow. We are reminded that we have been asked to do a very important work and it is not limited to the most financially comfortable or educated or unburdened (if there is such a person)woman in our environment.
We are ALL asked to do "HOLY" things - to be "HOLY WOMEN". To me, this means we carry out the works of the Lord under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost.
This is all ready happening in this ward. We have women diagnosed with cancer, pneumonia, and other illnesses and so many of you have stepped in and helped with laundry, food, and child care. We have women who have had to go back to work to support family - and other women who have stepped in to supply them with friendship and the sociability needed to balance the burdens. I see women with "shared" struggles opening up to each other and encouraging each other TO BE STRONG. I notice the sisters who give their time to take someone to the doctor or meet someone at the park - equally important acts of holiness.
I am privileged to see how many "HOLY" acts of charity are done at a moments notice with not a thought of inconvenience or reciprocity.
There is so much going on right now in our ward family. We have women moving; women struggling with finances; women with fragile testimonies; women with health issues; women with family troubles...(I think I have included everyone at this point!) What a difference an action of inspiration...a HOLY action might have in any of these situations!
It has been my experience that the more details I work with, the greater is my desire to help someone else. I have seen this over and over again with so many of the women in this Relief Society.
I love the women of the Dallas 4th Ward. I stand as a witness of your goodness and desire to make your environment BETTER....more HOLY.
Thank you and keep it up!

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Trials

Just wanted to share some quotes I didn't get to share in my lesson today. I hope you gain as much from them as I did.



Anne Morrow Lindbergh (the wife of famous pilot Charles Lindbergh; their baby was kidnapped) said, “I do not believe that sheer suffering teaches. If suffering alone taught, all the world would be wise, since everyone suffers. To suffering must be added mourning, understanding, patience, love, openness, and the willingness to remain vulnerable.”

 “I know that each one of you faces overwhelming challenges. Sometimes they are so concentrated, so unrelenting, that you may feel they are beyond your capacity to control. Don’t face the world alone. ‘Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.’ … It was intended that life be a challenge, not so that you would fail, but that you might succeed through overcoming.” (Elder Richard G. Scott, 1989)

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Getting to Know You in 10 Questions

Julie Durrant




We are so lucky to have the new mission President, his wife, and their family in our ward. Lets take a little bit of time to get to know Sister Durrant.

1.) What do you like to do in your free time? I like to read and do family history in my spare time. I also like to play backgammon and rummikub with my children.

2.) What is your favorite ice-cream flavor? I'm not much of an ice cream girl but I love donuts, pie, cake and cookies.

3.) Would you ever like to go bungee jumping? No bungee jumping. I get motion sick.

4.) What is the first thing you notice about people? I'm more of a big picture kind of person so I don't really notice details or one specific thing.

5.) What is the last movie you watched? "Sabrina"

6.) What is the last book you read? "The Last Laborer"

7.) What/where is the furthest you have been from home? Hungary

8.) What is a special, strange, or secret talent you have? I have a talent for being happy for other people.

9.) If you could have any super power, what would it be and why did you choose that one? I would fly. I love it when I have dreams about flying.

10.) If you could have any job in the world and be amazing at it, what would it be? I would be a mother.

Thank you so much Sister Durrant for being willing to participate in our Blog spotlight. We are so glad to have you and your family in our ward for the next few years.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Family Swim Party

It’s August, and it seems another summer has flown by! Our time to play, relax and vacation is quickly coming to an end. SO, let’s get together one last time before school starts. This Thursday, August 4, we’ll be having a family swim party at the Spring Creek Swimming Pool (7817 Belt Line Road) from 7:00 pm until 10:00 pm.

Please come and join us as we swim and enjoy each other's company before another school year begins and our schedules fill up! This will be a great chance for all of us to get to know each other better – especially all the fun new families that have moved into our ward!!

Please bring dinner for your family and a dessert to share. Don’t forget your towels!