Resolutions

As we come to the close of 2010 I've been thinking a lot about what I want to improve in my life. On Tuesday night I made a list of goals I want to accomplish daily. Some are a bit more difficult than others. And some are things I already do most days. But I want 2011 to stand out as a year I grew closer to the Lord. Now, I'm no stranger to the effort it takes to make changes in our lives. So I'm implementing a technique I learned on my mission: setting a guarantee. My guarantee for 2011 is that I do at least half of my daily goals. That way I'll work towards improving my life without getting disappointed in myself when I slip up a bit. My challenge to each of you is to set a goal & guarantee. Mabye your goal is to attend the temple once a month but your guarantee is to go 6 times in 2011. Or maybe your goal is to read the weekly RS lesson before Sunday and your guarantee is to do it at least once a month. Sisters, I know that the Lord knows each of our circumstances. And He is waiting to carry our burdens and bring more happiness to our lives. But we have to act first. Let's make sure we set a New Year's Resolution to improve some part of our spiritual lives, thereby qualifying for the blessings of guidance and comfort from our Savior. I testify that He will help us reach our goals if we continually strive to improve ourselves daily.

To help us ponder these truths, here are a few thoughts from lds.org:

Resolutions by Elder Christensen of the Seventy

Keeping New Year's Resolutions

Do Thigns That Make a Difference by Elder Ballard

The Sabbath Day

I know life can be very busy, especially during the holiday season. There are presents to buy, parties to attend, travel plans to make, work to complete before the year end, children out of school and many, many other responsibilities. For some, the holiday season can be challenging due to loneliness, loss of loved ones or unfulfilled expectations. But if we keep our eye on the reason for the season we can be filled with the warmth of the love our Heavenly Father has for each of us no matter what our circumstances. As the Relief Society Motto states "We are beloved spirit daughters of God, and our lives have meaning, purpose, and direction."

As we reflect this season on the wonderful gift our Heavenly Father gave to us with the birth of Jesus Christ, let us also turn our thoughts to the Sabbath day, which this year immediately follows Christmas Day. This Sunday in Relief Society we will discuss the Sabbath day as we study Chapter 24. As you read the chapter, I invite you to consider three questions. What is the Sabbath? Why do we have the Sabbath? How do we observe the Sabbath?

May peace and joy fill your homes this Christmas season.

THANKS - DALLAS 4TH WARD

How generous many of you have been in donating to our Humanitarian Toy Drive. We have one more Sunday to collect. When you are doing your last minute shopping, don't forget the children - the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint, will always get your donations into the most needy places - and into the hands of a child. It isn't too late to bring a gift we still have one more Sunday in December.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

After all the Christmas parties attended, and ornaments passed out, and sugar cookies made, and Christmas cards received - how we feel about the HOLIDAYS is now up to us. I am going to have a wonderful holiday because I made the decision for this to be so! Now, I wish the same for all of you - the amazing women in this Dallas 4th Relief Society!

BECAUSE WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN MUCH, WE TOO MUST SHARE.

A big THANK YOU to all who have contributed to the Humanitarian Toy Drive - we have already filled one large box. We still have two more Sundays - the 19th and the 26th to bring toys in to the Relief Society Room. They will be shipped the first part of January by the Church.

These are simple toys, jump ropes, baby dolls, wooden blocks, stuffed animals - but to children in 3rd World countries - they will mean so much. Bring delight to the eyes of children, who have so little - just because it is the right thing to do, and the Church has the ability to get your donations, where they are needed the most.

The Sacrament

Dear sisters,

Christmas is almost here, what a wonderful time of the year. I know a way to cut down on stress during this holiday season. People have so many engagements, parties and ect during this season it can be overwhelming. If you are unable to attend an event for one reason or anther, realize that you may not be missed because everyone's calender is just as full as yours- this only works Thanksgiving through New Years day.

On an important note, we will be discussing and bearing witness to the gift our Savior gives us with the sacrament. Just imagine the gift of being able to repent each week and renew your covenants. I will see you on the 19th and I've heard we are having Christmas cookies (the really pretty ones Natalie knows how to make).

Love, Shirlee
P.S- I have a beautiful painting to share with you all


Also, Jeanne wanted me (Ruth) to share this talk with each of you this week as we prepare for our Relief Society lesson.

Be One
By President Eyring

Gifts of the Spirit

When we are faithful, the Lord can bless us with spiritual powers, called gifts of the Spirit. Come find out which ones you have and how you can develop your gifts for the benefit of others. Tomorrow's RS lesson is chapter 22.

Recipes from the Christmas Party

Chicken Scaloppine

Lemon butter Sauce

• 4 ounces lemon juice (1/2 C)
• 2 ounces white wine or chicken broth (1/4)
• 4 ounces heavy cream (1/2 C)
• 1 lb cold butter (4 sticks) Yes, a full pound!

Chicken and Pasta

• 12-15 chicken tenders or 6 chicken breasts
• Olive oil, for sautéing chicken and mushrooms
• 1 cup flour, seasoned with salt and pepper, for dredging
• 6 ounces bacon, cooked and drained
• 12 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 12 ounces artichoke hearts, chopped
• 1 heaping tablespoon capers
• 1 lb angel hair pasta, cooked
• chopped parsley, for garnish

Directions:

1. To make the sauce:
2. Heat the lemon juice and white wine in a saucepan over medium heat.
3. Bring to a boil and reduce by one-third.  This step boils off the alcohol in the wine.
4. Add cream and simmer until mixture thickens (3 to 4 minutes).
5. Slowly add butter with a wire whisk until completely incorporated.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Remove from heat and keep warm.
8. To make chicken and pasta:
9. Cook pasta and drain
10. Pound the chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap so that the chicken is about 3/8” thick.
11. Heat a small amount of oil large skillet.
12. Dredge chicken in flour and sauté in pan, turning once, until brown and cooked through. This only takes a few minutes because the chicken has been pounded thin.
13. Remove chicken from pan.
14. Add some of the mushrooms to the pan with a little oil. The mushrooms should only cover the bottom of the pan.
15. Heat until mushrooms soften and a slightly brown on each side.
16. Remove from pan and cook the next batch until you have cooked all of the mushrooms.
17. Put all of the mushrooms back in the pan.
18. Add the bacon, capers and the chopped artichoke hearts to the pan.
19. Add the chicken back to the pan.
20. Add half of butter sauce to chicken mixture and toss.
21. Taste and adjust. Add more sauce if needed.
22. To serve:
23. Place chicken mixture over pasta on each plate.
24. Add a little more sauce to each.
25. Garnish with parsley.

If you want to make this ahead of time keep the sauce, chicken, artichoke-mushroom-bacon-caper mixture, and pasta separate until you are ready to serve.

If you keep the sauce over night it may separate. Just heat it up in over the stove and whisk it back together. It doesn’t do great in the microwave.


Deanna's Bread Sticks

1 Tbsp. yeast
1 Tbsp powered milk
3 cups flour
 1 Tbsp butter
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/3 cup warm water
2 Tbsp. sugar

Put into bread machine or mix by hand and knead for 10 minutes. let rest for 10 minutes. Knead again for 10 minutes.  This is called pestering the dough.  You can actually pester the dough several more cycles if time permits.  This creates a tougher crust on the bread sticks so they are not like dinner rolls but more like french bread.  When the dough is ready, roll out to 1/2 inch thick and cut into strips. Place on a greased cookie sheet.

Topping:

1/3 cup butter, melted
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
 1/2 tsp dried parsley
1/2 tsp. lemon and herb seasoning (McCormick Perfect Pinch, you can get it at Albertsons)
1/2 tsp. seasoning salt
salt
Parmesan cheese

Combine all ingredients, except cheese. Brush butter mixture on bread sticks after you put them on the pan and before they rise. Sprinkle with salt and Parmesan cheese. Let rise for 30 to 40 minutes. Bake in a preheated 375 oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until browned.

"THE GIFTS THAT KEEP ON GIVING . . . ."

Sisters - our annual Relief Society Dinner Party is tomorrow night - Tuesday, December 7th at the Home of Shirlee Chaillet. It will start at 7:00 p.m. with a wonderful dinner, followed by an activity of "adult show and tell."

Parking is a challenge, so call the sisters on your visiting teaching route, or those we miss at church, and let's come together, and reduce the number of cars.

Bring a gift you have been given, and treasured over the years, and please be prepared to take a "quick minute" to tell all the sisters why it means so much to you. (You do get to take the gift back home.!)

The greatest gift we have ever received was from our loving Heavenly Father - the gift of the Christ Child -The Savior of the Word - Our Redeemer. Let's celebrate His birth together.

DEC 5 LESSON

Ladies,
Our sweet Karen Bateman is giving the lesson tomorrow on being daughters of God. We look forward to each of you joining us.

"Feelings of worth come when a woman follows the example of the Master. Her sense of infinite worth comes from her own Christlike yearning to reach out with love, as He does."
(Elder Nelson, 1989)

December Book Club Mtg

You're invited to join us at Barbara Doerk's house Thursday, December 16th, 7:30pm. We will be discussing our November read (click here for details).

Barbara is making yummy spiced cider and her house is all decorated for Christmas so come join us for some good company, good conversation, and good dessert!

December - bring someone!

Tomorrow is the first official day of our Christmas celebrations. Next week, December 7th, we will have our Relief Society Christmas Party at Shirlee Chaillet's home. We have our Humanitarian Aid service project all ready in progress with our ward Christmas Party on the 11th. We must include the Stake Christmas Concert this Saturday evening as well as a Primary Party on December 4th and an Elder's Quorum Party at Brad and Annie Reid's this Thursday evening.
Christmas is a time to celebrate and we do it right in this ward and in this stake. It is our hope that with everything we do and everywhere we go - let's make a call to a friend, neighbor, relative, VT partner - to anyone and bring them to an event.
Let's support as many events as we can - ask someone to come with us if we can - and open our hearts as well as our wallets!

From Abroad

Dear Sisters ,
I am in Nicaragua. Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the
western hemisphere(the first being Haiti). We are in a 4 wheel drive
vehicle traveling deep in the woods. We are looking at the different
schools Peyton taught at while serving in the Peace Corps(he tells me
there are 5 LDS volunteers serving in Nicaragua) These schools are so
primitive; with only a few books to share and a precious little amount
of paper. The children love school and don' know what abject poverty
they live in. Living in America as we do we are besot with many
blessings. America is the country that has allowed religious freedom
since it's inception. This blessing provided the fertile environment
where the gospel could be restored.

Speaking of blessings; on 11-28 we will be discussing "Healing the
Sick" by Elder Dallin H. Oaks (05-10 General Conference). In it he
discusses our ability to give and receive blessings through the power
of the Priesthood. Read this one sisters, it has a reference from our
own Dallas Morning News reporter Steve Blow. I am looking forward to
seeing each of you on Sunday.

Warmly,

Shirlee

Holy Ghost

This week's lesson is on the Gift of the Holy Ghost. I have a testimony of the power of the Holy Ghost. It is my favorite topic in the gospel because he provides a way for each of us to have our own testimony and he guides us back to our Heavenly Father. Below are two quotes I like that remind us what it means to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost in our daily lives.

"Heavenly Father has given a simple pattern for us to receive the Holy Ghost not once but continually in the tumult of our daily lives. The pattern is repeated in the sacramental prayer: We promise that we will always remember the Savior. We promise to take His name upon us. We promise to keep His commandments. And we are promised that if we do that, we will have His Spirit to be with us (see D&C 20:77, 79). Those promises work together in a wonderful way to strengthen our testimonies and in time, through the Atonement, to change our natures as we keep our part of the promise."

Elder Eyring, Nov 2007 Ensign

“When you were confirmed a member of the Church, you received the right to the companionship of the Holy Ghost. He can help you make good choices. When challenged or tempted, you do not need to feel alone. Remember that prayer is the passport to spiritual power.”
President Monson, May 2010 Ensign

The Holiday Service...I Mean Spirit!

Life, in the second estate, is really an oxymoron. We are taught that in order to get the most out of our own lives, we should forget about ourselves and serve others! It is the great secret of true joy. When we are "surviving" a stressful experience or season, we have a tendency to hibernate and lick our wounds. And during the Holiday Season, many might feel very stressed and for very good reasons.
Yet, it is written in the Book of Mormon, that "when we are in the service of our fellowman, we are only in the service of our God." So, if we want peace, or comfort, or anything from our Heavenly Father - we are encouraged to go out and serve others - as an act of FAITH - that our prayers and needs are being seen, heard, and answered by HIM.
This "Holiday Season" we will have many chances to serve others. We will be sending out email blasts to make you aware of some of the ways we can serve.
If anyone in this Dallas 4th Relief Society is struggling - for any reason - and in any way - SERVE.
The peace, joy, contentment, and answers will come!
I have proven the Lord in this area. I bear my testimony that this is a true principle.

Baptism

"Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, by one having authority, is a true principle, because Christ taught it; Christ obeyed it, and would not fail, for anything, to fulfil it—not that He was sinful and needed to be baptized for the remission of sins, but He only needed to do it to fulfill all righteousness, that is, to fulfil the law."
Joseph F. Smith

Tomorrow's lesson is Chapter 20 from the Gospel Principles Manual. Hope to see you there!

How May I Serve You?

I love how I feel every time I further my own efforts to be prepared for what may come down my path. The efforts we all make to prepare physically and spiritually will bless our families and give them a feeling of security and peace. We have a responsibility to care for our ourselves and our own. I encourage you all to take this seriously and ponder the ways you can strenghten your own desire for self-reliance. We should not live thoughtlessley or recklessly, believeing that we can just tap into other people's resources any old time, or that no large-scale crisis will ever happen to us. This is not the way the Lord would have us think. Instead, we have been receiving warnings about self-reliance for EVER SO LONG! Don't wait another minute to get started or to continue your efforts!

I LOVE this provident living calling and I want to serve you as best I can. Please tell me what we can do to best help you progress in the area of provident living. What types of group orders are you particularly interested in? What would you like to know or what do you need help with? Reply to this post or talk to me in person/phone/email and I will see what we can do to help you out!

Easy Reading for November

Submitted by Barbara D.:
"Just finished re-reading the book for November - "The Incredible Journey of Edward Tulane". I always finish this book with tears in my eyes. There are soooo many great thoughts about love. It's a really quick read - - I'm sure Jeanne can finish it in an hour. Great to share with children, also."

Submitted by Ruth G.:
"I read it last Sunday while I was home sick. Very heartwarming. And a little sad. Still, I highly recommend it."

Has anyone else read it?

Chinese anyone??

I know this is random and might not be appropriate for a RS blog but I am desperate to find good Chinese food in this area. I have good food ideas/restaurants for every other food/cuisines but I can't seem to find affordable Chinese food!
Please let me know if you have a favorite place and I will trade your good ideas with COOKIES!!!

IF YE ARE PREPARED. . . .

As a followup to our continuing 72 Hour Kit classes - we talked about the need of having important papers laminated and in our 72 Hr. Kit in an emergency. The contents of your wallet - credit cards, drivers license. Social Security cards for all your family laminated. If you have small children - laminate their pictures in case you were ever separated in an emergency. Our instructor Kim Adair, will have a laminator, we will have access to the library copier. This activity is planned for Tuesday, November 16, at 7 p.m. at the R.S. Room. Now is the time to get prepared - "if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear", If you haven't started on your kits - this is a good place to start, There will be a small cost for the laminate sheets. You will feel so good about working toward the goal of being prepared. It should only take about an hour. If you are planning to attend please comment on the bottom of this blog, so we will know how many to plan.div>

Law of the Harvest

This Sunday I will be giving the Relief Society lesson on the Law of the Harvest. In studying this topic I'm reminded how important our choices in this life are. I pray that as we choose our actions, we will remember, that whatever we sow, we shall also reap.

Come What May and love...D4

As I was at my computer early this morning, and contemplating the week, I was thinking about all of you and what you do. The thought came to me - again - we really have the BEST ward! We had our YW in Excellence Program last Sunday evening and one can see the effort and love of the women who lead out in that organization. This Wednesday, we had the Halloween party headed by Fronda Wiseman and the Activities Committee (mostly women) and that was a huge success. We had a Cooking 101 class at Joanne Poulsen's home and taught by Tess Weir - Chicken Enchiladas - and 27 women came!!! We will have our Primary Program this Sunday and we have Barbara Doerk and all of the amazing people in that auxiliary helping our children shine. Just in one week, I counted over 50 women actively involved in giving their time and talents to move this great work forward.
There is much said about the stress and problems in today's world. I feel hopeful and optimistic when I consider what the sisters in this ward continually do to bless the lives of others. I love these acts of service - it is ennobling.

October's Spotlight

Let's get to know Patsy Stringer.

Grew up in: Dallas

Something new or unique: Wrote a book called , "To Love Another"

Favorite Primary Song: Child's Prayer

Favorite food: Indian/Mexican food.

Favorite thing fun/hobby: To Write and do Genealogy

Favorite book and movie: the Twilight Series(that ones for Jeanne Grant), The Outsiders,
Pride and Prejudice the movie

The family: Patsy is married to Benji, and they have 4 kids, Coltin, Westin, Dakota, and Sydeny

A Current Temple Recommend

This month's Visiting Teaching Message is on the importance of temples. President Hunter calls a temple recommend a "symbol of our membership" and urges every member of the church to have a current recommend.
It makes sense that if we want to be able to meet God - at any moment - we need to have the ability to go to His Holy House at any time. His House on Earth is the temple.
The October Ensign is a beautiful reminder of what a temple means and why it is imperative for all of us to be current with the Lord and our ability to be in His Home.
We would love for every sister in this ward to have a current temple recommend. As a reminder of this important goal, we want every sister to have this magazine in their home. Please let us know if you need a copy of this Ensign or if you know of a sister who needs a copy of this Ensign. We will make sure you have it. Let me know on this blog or call a member of the Relief Society presidency - SOON!

Sunday's Lesson: Repentance

We all need to repent, so if you didn't read lesson 18, read lesson 19 on repentance. Also, come prepared to share your biggest sins and how you repented from them (just kidding).

With love,
Shirlee

COMING BACK AFTER SUMMER BREAK!

We have a Cooking 101 class coming Thursday, October 28th. It will begin at 7 p.m. at the home of Joanne Poulsen. Helping Joanne and Esther this month - will be Tess Weir, sharing her great "Chicken Enchilada" recipe. If you feel like an evening of friendship, laughter AND GREAT TASTING FOOD - please join us!

"WHEN MUCH IS GIVEN"

Recently. I read a survey which asked people "If you could talk face to face with God, what question would you ask? " The number one question was - What is the purpose of life?. The second question was - What happens when we die - where do we go? I am so grateful to be a member of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We are taught from childhood, or when we first encountered missionaries that we came to earth to receive a body, live by faith through the trials and challenges of life, live the commandments and return back to our Heavenly Father deserving eternal life, through the atonement of Christ and exaltation in the Celestial world to come with our families. We are taught exactly where we go when we die, to paradise, where we will have the opportunity to preach the gospel as our loving Heavenly Father gives all people one more chance to hear the truth.

I thought after I read the survey - I hope we all learn and study the gospel and live by faith, so that if we came face to face with Heavenly Father instead of asking a question, we could just express our love and gratitude to Him for all we have been given - "and when much is given - much is expected."

We Will Miss YOU!

Yes, we will miss you this Sunday in Relief Society! That is because we will all be at our Richardson Stake Conference this weekend. We should know that the Adult Saturday Night Meeting is at 7PM at the Stake Center on Bowser Rd. Our Sunday session of conference is from 1-3PM at the Stake Center on Bowser Rd. Please remind the women you visit teach about Stake Conference!

The Joy of Service

"As we look heavenward, we inevitably learn of our responsibility to reach outward. To find real happiness, we must seek for it in a focus outside ourselves. No one has learned the meaning of living until he has surrendered his ego to the service of his fellow man. Service to others is akin to duty, the fulfillment of which brings true joy. We do not live alone-in our city, our nation, or our world. there is no dividing line between our prosperity and our neighbor's wretchedness. "Love thy neighbor's is more than a divine truth. It is a pattern for perfection."

Thomas S. Monson, New Era, Oct. 2009

GRANDMA'S COUNTRY FOODS ORDER!!!

This is just a reminder to get your orders in as soon as you can. Deadline to order is Thursday, October 14th. Don't wait until the last minute if you can help it! The earlier the better. This is provident living and preparedness, remember?

If you need help, let me know.

Faith

What is faith?
Why should we have faith?
How can we increase our faith?
And what are the blessings we get from faith?

This Sunday in Relief Society you'll get the answers to these questions. We'll be studying Chapter 18 of the Gospel Principles Manual, Faith in Jesus Christ.

“As children of God, knowing of His great love and His ultimate knowledge of what is best for our eternal welfare, we trust in Him. The first principle of the gospel is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and faith means trust.”
Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, May 2010, pg. 50

Conference Comfort!

I thought this 180th Semi-Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was amazing. (Can you tell I watched ALOT of conference?!) Part of the satisfaction for me is listening to the way conference touched others and insights gained through the various speakers. I loved the hand-out of all the General Authorities of the church from Sister Chaillet and I had it displayed for my children and grandchildren and each of us pointed to a favorite speaker and what we had learned from him or her.
So, what comfort/truth did you receive from the Spirit this conference weekend?
There will be an added reward (because the real reward of course is the promptings by the Spirit that produce a change of thought or action) in Relief Society for every sister who reads this blog entry and/or replies to it!

Calling all readers

Come join us at the D4 Relief Society "League of Extraordinary Readers" book interest group meeting.

Tuesday
October 5th
7:30pm
Barbara Doerk's house

We'll be discussing our favorite recent read as well as book recommendations to read as a group for October.

**For safety, we're not putting her phone number or address on here. But if you don't know where she lives, contact someone in the RS presidency.

We'd love to see you there!

Continue in Patience

This is the title of President Uchtdorf's talk from the Priesthood Session of April 2010 Conference. I love to reread the last conference issue (May 2010) so I can get in the rhythm of listening to all the hours of counsel I will watch/listen to in the coming days. I LOVE General Conference!
But somehow, I missed the importance of this talk (for me) till I read it today. I need more "patience" in my life - for my life. I really appreciated the truth taught here that "patience isn't merely waiting" and showing patience might mean "delaying immediate gratification for future blessings." I often feel as if I am continually praying (complaining/worrying the Lord) about the same concerns or issues. This talk, though given at the last conference, was for me - TODAY!
I am anxious for this October Conference. I want to learn more about what the Lord would have be do and change about myself so that I can have a greater level of joy.
I love conference.

Super Saturday Follow-up

One week ago we enjoyed the Simply Sensational September Super Saturday Relief Society Activity. First, we have to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who came to the activity, to everyone who brought something for the breakfast, to everyone who shared their talents with us, and to everyone who helped in any way!

Here are a few pictures for those of you who missed our fun day. Hope you can all join us next year! (Recipes to come!)

Sand Bracelets

Recipe Magnet Boards

Laminated Placemats

Clay Nativity Sets

Memo/Photo Boards

Bread Demonstration with Lecithin

Hair Bows & Headbands

Gift in a Jar

Salsa & Pico de Gallo Cooking Class

Beaded Bracelets

We didn't get any pictures of the waffle breakfast but it sure was yummy! Thanks again to everyone who participated. We are so happy that you came!!!

GRANDMA'S COUNTRY FOODS ORDER NOW IN PROCESS!

Look for order forms at church on Sunday or refer to the email coming from D4 Relief Society with instructions and attached order form. As always, feel free to let me know if you have questions or need help with your order. Deadline to have your order turned in is now Thursday, October 14th.

Relief Society Women's Conference 2010

We have just finished watching this year's broadcast. As a family tradition, I have my daughter and daughters-in-law over and we have dinner and watch it together on the BYU channel. I was touched and struck by many of the thoughts/truths expressed but I was especially moved by President Monson's talk on "how we view each other". He gave a quote by Mother Theresa - "If you judge people, you have no time to love them." I know this to be true and want it to be a standard to live by!
What were some thoughts/impressions that you came away with from this conference?

RISD Clothes Closet Project

Sisters- It's that time of the year...many of us are cleaning out our closets to make room for the fall season. Not sure what to do with them, the RISD Clothes Closet is happy to help.

The RISD Clothes Closet is in need of gently used and new clothes for students Pre-k -12. The Clothes Closet is a service to our RISD students who don't have funds for clothes.

They have the greatest need for the following items (sizes listed are most in demand but will accept other sizes as well):

-gently used jeans boys sizes including the slims and husky 4, 6 and 7 (especially), 8, 10.
-gently used girls and teens jeans all sizes including the slims and husky 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16
-gently used girls and teen girls coats for the winter.
-NEW boys underwear BOXERS in sizes 4, 6, 8, 10.
-NEW girls underwear sizes 4, 6,
-NEW women’s underwear sizes 5, 12
-NEW and gently used bras and sports bras all sizes
-girls short sleeves shirts all sizes.
-gently used shorts for little girls and boys all sizes starting on sizes 4 until 16 and also teen boys shorts all sizes.

Collection date/time/place comming soon!

Diligence

President Eyring said,

“From the cross on Calvary, the Savior announced, “It is finished.” Then His spirit left His body, and His mortal remains were placed lovingly in a tomb. He taught us a lesson by what He did in three days in the spirit world, before His Resurrection, which I remember whenever I am tempted to feel that I have finished some hard task in His service and deserve a rest."(Act in All Diligence, April 2010 General Conference)

This Sunday we'll be discussing how we can serve the Lord diligently. We love each of you and recognize the service you give to others. Let's see what other lives we can bless when we reach out to do just a little more. And then we will find rest in our Savior.

Visitors Welcome

Following her hip replacement surgery, Kay Hollingsworth had been moved to Signature Pointe
(on the Lake - at Preston & Alexis Dr) - 14655 Preston Rd. - Room 411.

The Hollingsworths would love for people to visit.

Have a SUPER SATURDAY!

Remember, this weekend does not have to be "just" soccer games or grocery shopping - it can be SUPER. Our quarterly D4 Relief Society Meeting is this Saturday, Sept 18th, from 9 to noon at the church. Come and join us for breakfast, food demonstrations, crafts, friendshipping, and a "simply sensational" diversion from the normal weekend routine.
(This is a reminder for all the women who have been stuck in Outer Mongolia for the last month and have not heard of this amazing event!!!)

Sunday's Lesson

Dear Sisters,
Please review Lesson #17 in the Gospel Principles Manual. On Sunday we will be discussing the blessings of the restoration of the gospel.

Love,
Shirlee Chaillet

September Spotlight

KATIE PETERSEN

Grew up in: San Antonio
Something new or unique: At 7 years old she got to blow a whistle and say, “Let the greatest show on Earth begin!” at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus.
Favorite church hymn: I Know that My Redeemer Lives
Favorite food: Mexican
Favorite dessert: Chocolate and Peanut Butter
Favorite thing fun/hobby: Crafts and Scrap booking
Favorite book and movie: 3 Amigos and Skippy John Jones
Temple the Petersen married in: Logan Utah Temple
The family: Husband is Tagg and their son Zach, their little Guardian Angel.

PROVIDENT LIVING--ORDER THIS MONTH

From: GRANDMA'S COUNTRY FOODS

Sisters!!! We will be doing an order this month for POWDERED MILK (Country Cream brand). Also available from the same company are things like Chocolate Milk, SAF Instant Yeast, Dough Enhancer and Vital Wheat Gluten. I will have order forms on Sunday so take one if you are interested.

Order will be due to Kim Adair by SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26th!

Start thinking of what you'd like to order. You can look at the company website to see what they have available by going to http://www.grandmascountryfoods.com/.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me!

The Church of Jesus Christ in Former Times

Come to Relief Society this Sunday to learn about The Church of Jesus Christ in Former Times! We will be discussing lesson 16 in the Gospel Principles Manual. This is a great lesson to help us understand what features identify the Church of Jesus Christ and the organization found within His Church. I am so grateful to have His true church restored and on the Earth today. Please come prepared to share any insights you have gained while studying this lesson this week.

35 years a CONVERT of Relief Society

I have actually been a member of the church since my baptism at 8 years old. I have just celebrated my 37th wedding anniversary. David and I moved to Dallas upon graduation from college 35 years ago. And it was in the Dallas 4th Ward that I learned the true value of Relief Society.
I, of course, had endured the "quasi" Relief Societies that existed at BYU. As a student I could not really afford any of the crafts and none of the other students were that accomplished in a skill set to even teach. But that all changed when I moved to Dallas.
I was desperately homesick. I was pregnant with my second child. I missed the stimulus of a college campus and all it afforded. And I thought the women in the Dallas 4th ward were much older than me and a little scary. I felt attending Relief Society on Tuesdays was a "suggestion" as opposed to a law of obedience. I did not have any money to participate in the crafts and/or contribute to the luncheons (part of the set-up back then) with the homemaking meetings at that time.
It was a Tuesday during the Fall, much like our Super Saturday on the 18th, and D4 RS was doing crafts for Christmas. I decided to bite the bullet and make a wreath. A dear woman, Barbara Dunn who is still in R2 RS, was helping to defray the costs with the fabric. I sat next to another woman with red hair and a ready smile, Karen Bateman. I had no native ability with anything having to do with decorating or fabric or symmetry. However, I sat next to my new friend Karen, who understood that this wreath was much more than a decoration. It would be something I could finish and enjoy in the days to come and she was right!
I did need a lot of help on how to tie the ribbon onto the wreath and then "fluff" it. I wish I had saved it as a wonderful memory of a testimony shift. I made some friends that day - real eternal connections. AND, I had come to the meeting feeling big and pregnant and lost in a set of grown up details and yet I came away appreciating the potential of what a sisterhood outside my family meant. A little of the fear and dread of a new place and situation began to drift away.
I do not think everyone is for everyone. But I do know that participation in Relief Society is for everyone. One can find "someone" amidst the "everyone" that will help create a mental shift in a way that will help lighten the load, or gain insight, or be a reprieve from the burdens one might carry.
I do not believe I am overstating it when I say that events such as our Super Saturday on September 18th are more than a suggestion depending on time constraints - but really an answer to our own prayers or the person sitting next to us!

" The Women's Soul Connection "

What do I need to do to have hope?
When you feel fearful, heartbroken, or alone, you should turn to your Heavenly Father and pray to Him to help you face and overcome your trials. Heavenly Father will not always take your afflictions away, but through the gospel of Jesus Christ and the influence and direction of the Holy Spirit , He will give comfort and lead you with love through the storms you face.

In the New Testament, we receive the promise that if we strive to live the gospel of Jesus Christ, we will grow in our ability to "abound in hope" (Romans 15:13). As you pray more often, seeking Heavenly Father's forgiveness and love, as well as studying the scriptures and following the teachings of Christ, your hope will in crease.

How can hope help me?
Everyone experiences discouragement and difficulty. There are even times when the darkness may seem unbearable. At these times, hope in Jesus Christ and the principles He taugh can lift us up and carry us through trials, despair, temptations, and sorrow.
Hope can encourage and inspire us as we look to Jesus Christ as a source of joy and happiness.

Might?

"...men are, that they might have joy." 2 Nephi 2:25
Why is the word "might" used and what does it mean? Come ready to discuss your thoughts at our Relief Society lesson tomorrow!

We'll Sing and We'll Shout with the Armies of Heaven -! A TEMPLE IN KIEV UKRAINE

I have a grandson serving in the Ukraine Kiev Mission - The first temple was dedicated in Eastern Europe last week - His letter was so filled with the Spirit, I thought I would share part of it on the Blog.

Yesterday was a miraculous day that really opened my understanding, and expanded my vision. Yesterday was a day that the Lord had been preparing the Ukrainian people for a very long time. Every aspect of it was a miracle, and I count myself so lucky to have been a part of it. This day will go down in history as a turning point for the Saints in Eastern Europe. The Temple is the Lord’s gift to the Ukrainian people, and so very few Americans were actually let in for the dedication. The missionaries got to listen in a large building nearby.

The day started out as a cloudy and rainy day, but the shadows broke and the darkness fled away. It truly was a brighter day for the people of Eastern Europe, who had waited for this temple for 12 years. There were three sessions of the dedication. The first session President Monson spoke, he was so humble, and also had a twinkle in his eye - it was a good reminder to never take ourselves too seriously - but when he spoke of the ordinances of the Temple, he spoke with great power. It was fun to watch him choose little children to help cement in the cornerstone of the Temple, and then he likened it to Christ, as he is the Chief Cornerstone of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Elder Nelson also spoke, and talked about how the Temple prepares us to behold the face of God. President Monson said as a boy, he loved to look at maps. He said never in his imagination, did he think he would ever set foot in Eastern Europe, and now he is dedicating a Temple there. He said that God ways were higher than our ways, and our simple duty is to trust in Him, do all we can, and watch Him open doors to hearts, minds,and souls of people and nations. That the Lord simply took this people by the hand and opened doors that only He could open.

President Uchdorf spoke about his experiences with temples. As a 16 year old boy, he was sealed to his parents in the Swiss Temple. He was also very involved with the temple which was opened in Freiberg, East Germany. He testified that this day would have the same effect in Eastern Europe, as the Freiberg Temple had when that dedication brought about so many miracles, including the fall of the USSR,

Finally in the third session, President Monson talked about eternal families, and how much our ancestors are waiting for us to do their work. He talked about funerals that are outside of the temple covenant, and the hopelessness of it. The great responsibility to bind our families together forever. I just drank up the Spirit that I felt, and it was amazing. The veil was very thin, and I could almost hear them shouting with the Army of Heaven. We’ll sing and we’ll shout with the Armies of Heaven, AS LONG AS WE ARE FAITHFUL - HOLD ON TO THE ROD OF FAITH. I am so grateful for all of you - to be part of our Forever Family, for the teachings I have received, and the opportunity to serve the Lord in this part of His Vineyard.

The cultural event the night before the dedication was amazing. They told the history of Ukraine in song and dance, and then all the missionaries marched up to the podium, singing, “Truth Again Has Been Restored”. We march right up to President Monson, and then he gave us a standing ovation. I was so filled with the Spirit - I thought I would burst. I’m sure my words have not done it justice. The first day of the Open House, over 1200 people signed up to have the missionaries visit them - “the field is white, all ready for the harvest.” Elder Carsten

He goes by Elder Carsten, because they can't write his last name in Ukrainian
When I feel Satan raging around us, and standards sifting everywhere but in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - I know that the work of the Lord will proceed quietly and stalwartly through sweet, humble 19 year old missionaries who serve because they love the Lord.

Sunflowers

This flower was first discovered in the Americas at around 1000 B.C. When Europeans came to this continent and saw this unique plant, it was one of the first horticultural exports they took back to their countries as the Sunflower gave them cheerful and sunny "thoughts".
As summer wears on, I enjoy the large supply of beautiful Sunflowers. Tradition says these are happy flowers and they stand for loyalty and longevity.
When life/the heat/work/people get to be a little much, I go out and find some Sunflowers. They are a reminder to me that one can look at the summer months in two ways - having to measure the distance to a particular store or destination from where my car is parked - and/or the beauty of SUNFLOWERS that thrive in this summer heat!

5th Sunday's Lesson

Sisters, this week we have the opportunity to study more about our Savior Jesus Christ. Our lesson topic is "I'm Trying To Be Like Jesus."

Here are some ideas to help prepare for this lesson:
1. Read the talk "Discipleship" by President Faust, Nov 2006 Ensign.
2. Read the talk "Our Perfect Example" by President Eyring, Nov 2009 Ensign.
3. Study the scriptures found in the Bible Dictionary under "Christ, Names of."
4. Read and study one of the Four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) or read them all!

We look forward to your participation.

Crossroads

As women of D4 Relief Society, we are constantly in the middle of each others' lives. It is the way it is supposed to be. We know this from Alma in the Book of Mormon as he expresses what real membership in the Lord's church entails "to mourn with those who mourn" Mosiah 18:9.
We are aware of those who have lost their jobs. We pray for those who struggle with wayward family members. We think of ways to support our widows and the women who are advancing in age.
However, our greatest outpouring of support and affection goes to a mother who has lost a child - actually two children. This would be Bonnie Muir. Bonnie has been part of the D4 RS for many years. She has served in many callings in the church - even as Relief Society president. Her oldest son, Jeff Muir died on Saturday, August 21. The details for his funeral will be given in an email blast to the sisters.
Bonnie and her family are at a "crossroads" in this life. Their earthly family will look and feel very different in the coming years.
I know each of us, as her sisters in Relief Society, will succor and support her in any and every way in the coming days ahead.
That is what we do best in the Relief Society - we understand the importance of family and we know how to LOVE!

We are all ___________ of ______

A high-school student.
A 19-year-old boy far from home.
A young mother.
A Bishop.
A grandmother.
And you.

What do they have in common????? Come find out in Relief Society this Sunday.
Click HERE to read the lesson and have a head start!

And leave your guesses as a comment.

45 Years Old!

When one walk through our Meandering Way Building and sees all the signs of age, it is "chagrining" to think I am older than this building or this ward! We had our D4 45th Ward Birthday Celebration at Spring Creek Pool last night and the Activities Committee did a wonderful job. There was a large turnout and the food was great and plentiful. We had a healthy representation of our Primary and YM/YW. However, I did miss the people of D4 that were there when I was a young wife/mother and new member of this ward back in 1975.
My first memory of D4 was a time when David and I had graduated from BYU and had come to Dallas to find our way in the world. We were staying with his parents and went to the Stake Roadshows and D4 had the winning roadshow written by Mary Taylor and Karen Bateman. The apartment we found turned out to be in the D4 boundaries and the rest is history. I know I would not be the wife/woman/mother I am today, without the mentoring of Kay Hollingsworth, Fern Woodbury, Karen Bateman, Mary Taylor, Mary Kay Tanner, Barbara Dunn, and the list goes on and on.
I felt the ward party last night represented the "future" of D4. But my heart grows soft when I think of the many people who influenced my life - so richly - with their examples or talents or lessons or kindnesses - that I did not see last night. A swimming event was probably not a party they would have attended on a hot summer night. I just wanted all of them to know I had them in my heart - and can still see the reflections of their influence in this ward.
I love this D4 Ward. I love the past, present, and the future of it.

SIMPLY SENSATIONAL PRIZE

The Dallas 4th Relief Society Presidency and Enrichment Committee will be giving a "SIMPLY SENSATIONAL SUPER" prize to the woman (or daughter age 8 or older) who comes up with a fun craft/activity that can be used at our SIMPLY SENSATIONAL SEPTEMBER SUPER SATURDAY coming up on September 18th. This activity/breakfast/all round blast will be for all women/girls ages 8 to 108 years old. We will have our fabulous waffle breakfast and enriching fun events and crafts for all ages BUT we need ONE more!!!
Bring your ideas to Relief Society this Sunday and give them to a member of the presidency. The one selected will be richly rewarded.

Covenants

Come learn about the benefits of being a covenant people. This Sunday's RS lesson is chapter 15 in the Gospel Principles Manual: The Lord's Covenant People.

To study more about covenants, here's a great talk by President Faust:
"Search Me, O God, and Know My Heart"
May 1998 Ensign

Are We Watching?

I was reading a great article on "watch groups" and was concerned that there is not nearly the oversight or outrage voiced by the public over what is on TV as there has been in the past. I know some of us will say we don't watch television (I don't believe that too much!) but there should be a general concern over what our community is faced with.
There is a wonderful website - www.parentstv.org - where we can get on and let advertisers know how we feel about the programs they are sponsoring. It is our CIVIC DUTY.
I do not wish this to be a posting that gets a lot of negative comments about the evil in mass media etc. I just wanted to make you aware of an opportunity to spread our voice of what we would LIKE to see and hear and what we will not be a part of.

August Spotlight

Lexi Savoie...

Grew up in: West Valley City, Utah
Something new or unique: Bachelors degree in Physics
Favorite church hymn/primary song or scripture: True to the Faith
Favorite food: Lasagna
Favorite thing to do: Site Seeing
The family: Husband's name is Lee, daughter is Mariann and a baby on the way in September.

What happened to the Seventy?

In the 1970's, a holder of the Melchizedek Priesthood, might have been called to be a member of the Quorum of the Seventy in their ward/stake. There have been dramatic changes with this office of the priesthood - what are they?
Our lesson this week in Relief Society is on "Priesthood Organization". I will have a reward for those who have read this and found the answer to this important question that tells us much about the ongoing revelations concerning the priesthood.

Civic Duty

Friday I had jury duty. I reported to the Municipal Court Building on Harwood Street in Dallas. (This building is seriously old and needs more help with the A/C than our RS room!) Because of the number and ages of my children, I have only qualified for this privilege for the last 7 years. I have never been picked for a jury, I think it is my red hair, but I am always amazed that we have this judicial system. And that this system - against all odds - works.
I sat in a room full of people from all walks of life, ethnic background, and ages. We were sworn in and our rights and responsibilities were explained to us and we were generously thanked for coming. Then we mostly just sat and waited and waited some more.
I left the building feeling a little "virtuous" by having made my way downtown and exercising my civic duty to give my fellow citizens a chance to be heard by a jury of their peers - a constitutional right.
Coming home, I thought that this opportunity should not be called "jury duty" but "jury privilege".
I just know if I ever had to go to trial and have my case heard by a jury, I would the people there and selected to reflect who my "peers" would or should be.
Like voting at EVERY election, going for jury duty is my CIVIC duty and I really am grateful for the chance to be part of this system.

A Great Book!

As we get close to school starting again, I wanted to promote a wonderful book - The Promise - by Oral Lee Brown. It is about a woman who lived in Oakland California and wanted, NEEDED, to make a difference. It is written in clear, direct prose and is such a faith promoting story. She tells of meeting a first grade class of 23 children and promising she will help them graduate from college! She reminded me that often we get "trapped" in our minds because of our details and fail to do the impossible - with Divine help of course!
This is my vote for a RS Book Interest selection. It moved me to change - the best sign of a great book.

It's Still HOT=SMOOTHIES to the Rescue!

If you were at our 72-hour kit/water classes we had orange and mango smoothies. Some of you were interested in how to make them so here are the basic recipes for anyone who wants to try them at home. The ingredient amounts are extremely "loosely" stated. You can vary it however you like and use the amount of frozen stuff that your blender can handle. This is a great way to use your powdered milk!

If you can live with a minimum amount of sugar, then these can make great healthy meals. Then, when you have company, you can "sweeten it up" and make it a crowd pleaser. (I won't tell anyone though, if you want to just sweeten it up for YOURSELF for breakfast or lunch!)

For both of the recipes below, put liquid/soft ingredients into blender first, then frozen ingredients. Blend on a lower setting, then gradually move to highest power setting. If you have a larger capacity (8 cup) blender jar and want to maximize it, then just add more of everything. Enjoy!!!

FRESH ORANGE "JULIUS" SMOOTHIES (MAKES 4-6 CUPS)

1/2 tsp. Vanilla
1/4 cup Honey or 1/2 cup Sugar (sweeten to your taste)
8 oz. Vanilla Yogurt
1/4 heaping cup Powdered Milk
2-3 Fresh Seedless Oranges (peeled)
Ice to suit your freezy/icy preferences and blender ability

MANGO SMOOTHIES (MAKES 4-6 Cups)

1/2 tsp Vanilla
1/4 cup Honey or 1/3 to 1/2 cup Sugar (more or less up to your preference)
8 oz. Mango Yogurt (Wal-Mart--comes in 32 oz. container) or Vanilla Yogurt
1/4 heaping cup Powdered Milk
1 1/2 cups Water
1 1/2 cups Frozen Mango (Sam's Club--possibly seasonal item)
Ice (Optional)

Books!

We're resuming our Book Interest Group in September. So we need your input. Please leave comments here on the blog.
1. If you're interested in attending, what day works better for you: Tuesday or Thursday?
2. What book suggestions do you have for our group to read?

We look forward to starting it up again!

Almost There!

Ladies - August, the last grand full month of summer and all that means to us, is almost here. We have one week left to enjoy strawberries and to do our visiting teaching for July. I think everyone needs a little "pick-me-up" in the middle of summer so be sure to try to visit your sisters as opposed to dropping them a note or calling them. Your cheery countenance and bright spirit might be just the thing to help them see life from a different perspective and feel more able to be the BEST they can be. Soon the leaves will be changing and life will take on a different pace - we're almost there!

July is a GREAT time to think about WATER!

Joel's parents in Lindon, Utah, were reminded last month that the unexpected does happen. Their area was put on alert to boil tap water for a few days. In some homes the water looked like it had just been bucketed out of a dirty ditch. The city repaired the spring runoff problem quickly but they could not use the public water supply for about two days.

For those in the afffected area that were prepared, this event was just a mild inconvenience and a chance to practice using preparedness supplies. Those who were boiling water or running to the grocery store for bottled water were unprepared. Consider the scenario if it had been on a larger scale. Stores still open would be emptied of bottled water and food in a few hours. Power and gas services would likely be out and you would not be able to boil water on the stove. With this experience as a reminder let me encourage you to review your plans for--

Emergency Water Storage!

The most recent message from the First Presidency says, "Store drinking water for circumstances in which the water supply may be polluted or disrupted." Start with a three day supply for your family and work up to 14 days. The minimum recommendation is to store one gallon per person per day. This is just enough water to survive but not enough for things like washing dishes, sanitation, showering, laundry, pets, etc., so the more you are able to store, the better. If you are pregnant/nursing, sick or in harsh conditions, then the need is also increased.

MINIMUM Three to Fourteen Day Emergency Water Supply:

One Person---------3 Gallons--------14 Gallons

Two People---------6 Gallons--------28 Gallons

Three People-------9 Gallons--------42 Gallons

Four People--------12 Gallons-------56 Gallons

Five People--------15 Gallons--------70 Gallons

Six People---------18 Gallons--------84 Gallons

Seven People------21 Gallons--------98 Gallons

Eight People-------24 Gallons-------112 Gallons

If you need more information about how to properly store water, please let me know and I will get you the information. Also, I am always happy to help you individually with your preparedness planning, so feel free to get in touch with me at any time.

Coming Soon: Smoothie recipes using your powdered milk! YUM!

It's Personal

As I read through the lesson for this Sunday (Elder Holland's Conference talk "Place No More for the Enemy of My Soul"--click here to read it), I was struck by the phrase "personal actions" when Elder Holland introduced 5 things we can each do to keep ourselves pure. PERSONAL ACTIONS means that it's up to me. I'm the only one who has control over my actions, my thoughts, and my attitude.

In my job, I do a lot of counseling for people who have to live with unpleasant realities. Unfortunately, some of their life circumstances won't ever change. But I do believe that each individual can improve their own actions and reactions to have a happier, healthier life. Changing our behaviors and thoughts takes self-discipline. But Heavenly Father doesn't expect us to do it alone. We have our Savior who knows us individually and loves us for who we are and who we can become.

As we prepare for our RS lesson this week, I pray that we can each recognize which personal actions we could change in order to draw even closer to the Savior.

What's Fresh!

I came to Dallas in 1975 after David and I graduated from BYU. I had grown up in a farming community in California and was at a loss as to the "how or when" to buy any fresh fruit or produce in Dallas.
(I do not want to promote a store on this blog - but I have to say that Sprouts makes it easy for any novice to find what is in season and picking it ripe and ready to eat.)
So ladies, while we might complain about the heat, the summer is produce heaven. Right now one can find "fresh" artichokes; corn; cucumbers; eggplant; all sorts of greens; onions; peppers; all the melons; avocados; summer squash; blackberries; blueberries; cherries; grapes; mangoes; nectarines; plums; pineapple; strawberries; and oranges!!!
It would be a fun Saturday morning activity to go downtown Dallas (1010 S. Pearl) to our Farmer's Market. It is large and well laid out and you can eat breakfast or lunch for free with all the samples they hand out!
It may be hot right now but there is never a reason NOT to enjoy one of the benefits of summer in Dallas - the fruits and vegetables!!

Blessings from the Restoration of the Priesthood

I am on my way to the temple this morning and am struck by the blessing, AGAIN, to literally live down the street from a House of the Lord. I can still recall having to take "temple trips" to the Mesa, Arizona temple. The privilege of participating in temple ordinances is the greatest blessing - to me - of the restoration of the Priesthood in these latter days.
This Sunday, Sister Chaillet will be teaching Lesson #13 - The Priesthood, in Relief Society. I have been reading and pondering the scriptures used in this lesson all week.
Now I will go the temple and FEEL the blessings of Priesthood Ordinances.
What better way to spend a Saturday?

MUCH WAS ACCOMPLISHED IN HOT JULY!

I was outside today, giving a little water to several flowers that were hanging their heads. Even though the earth is still damp down under from all the rain, the blasting sun was causing them distress. On the other side of the flower bed was a big Shasta daisy that stood tall and proud, and seemed very unaffected. July is so hot, and it is a time of reflection for me (in the air-conditioning!). I think of the Founders of our great country,who persevered in that hot, humid room in Philadelphia in July, while they argued and persuaded a Consititution into existence. I think of those first pioneers who looked over the Salt Lake Valley on a hot July day, and called it home and a place of refuge - even though journals recorded they could only see two real trees.

"Firm as the mountains around us, stalwart and brave we stand - on the rock our Father's planted for us in this goodly land". I am so grateful for those who have gone before me, and established a land, "choice above all other lands", as we read in the Book of Mormon. I am grateful for Joseph, the Prophet, who restored Christ's church on earth again in our dispensation, and for pioneers who gave literally their all to establish it in the tops of the mountains - to radiate to all the world.

I hope we all can stand straight and tall like the Shasta Daisy in the face of the blasting sun which seems prophetic for "our time on earth" - and accomplish what we were sent here to do, and not "wilt" at the first sign of distress, or hard thing.

Ripple Affects

This morning, I am studying the lesson for this coming week -Gospel Principles #13, The Priesthood - and have come away with profound gratitude for the ripple affects of the priesthood in my life.
One of the many ripples is my calling to serve in the Relief Society with all of you. I get to work with Bishop Johnson, Joel Adair, and James Monroe who are men of God. I am able to rub shoulders with Ruth Guerreiro, Karen Bateman, Joyce Hall, and Natalie Marstella - these are women I admire and love and as members of this presidency they work so diligently in so many different capacities. I work with Laurie Johnson on visiting teaching and marvel at her sparks of insight that keep this endeavor flowing forward. Then the ripple goes on to compassionate service efforts and quick response to those in need and the willingness of so many to take assignments at a moment's notice such as teaching a class or helping someone move. And, the Enrichment committee and Interest Group leaders and all they do the "feed" the talents and needs of this multi-faceted group of women. The list really goes on and on to all the sisters who participate - and most all the active sisters in this ward participate!!!
We, as a Relief Society, are organized by and function through the keys of the priesthood. I have so many reasons to feel blessed by the powers of the restored priesthood but - surely - near the top of my list - is the privilege I have to know and work and share my time on this earth - WITH ALL OF YOU!
So, the greatest ripple affect of all, is my growing love and admiration for each sister in this Relief Society. And I bear testimony that this blessing is through the power of the priesthood.