Mormon Message- "Create"

Sunday Lesson #37 The Postmortal Spirit World

The Postmortal Spirit World   Taught by Mary L.
 
What happens to us after we die?

Heavenly Father prepared a plan for our salvation. As part of this plan, He sent us from His presence to live on earth and receive mortal bodies of flesh and blood. Eventually our mortal bodies will die, and our spirits will go to the spirit world. 

The spirit world is a place of waiting, working, learning, and, for the righteous, resting from care and sorrow. Our spirits will live there until we are ready for our resurrection. Then our mortal bodies will once more unite with our spirits, and we will receive the degree of glory we have prepared for.
 
Many people have wondered what the spirit world is like. The scriptures and latter-day prophets have given us information about the spirit world. What comfort do you receive from your knowledge that there is life after death? How can we use our understanding of the postmortal spirit world to comfort others?

Parting at death can be bitter or sweet -- it all depends on our knowledge

·  What happens after death?
We return to the God who created us

Post-mortal life is similar to our mortal life, but we can rest from world sorrows

·  How can we prepare for the celestial kingdom?
Give a daily accounting to the Lord in prayer every night of how you helped build the kingdom of the Lord

Repent every day and strive to be obedient
·  The spirit world is on our earth, surrounding us
·  Spirits carry the same attitudes as they did on earth (Alma 34:34) and they are adults

Try to avoid specific attitudes:
Pride/Self-Righteousness (lots of forms of pride)
Lack of responsibility
Self-loathing/Criticism

"7 Deadly Sin" characteristics
·  In the spirit world, the righteous and unrighteous are all co-mingled, but we won't be tempted like we are here on earth
·  The church is organized in the same way on Earth as in the post-mortal world

Paradise -- we can rest from care and sorry, we will be doing the work of the Lord

Cinnamon rolls and tips for dough!

Tips for Yeast Doughs (from ourbestbites.com)

 A lot of people are scared of making things that have yeast in them. They CAN be scary, but they’re also lots of fun and very rewarding. Here are some tips to make perfect yeast doughs:

Use bread machine yeast rather than regular yeast, even if you’re not using a bread machine. It’s less tempermental and more forgiving.

Make sure the liquid you’re using to dissolve the yeast is warm enough (between 100-115) for the yeast to grow, but not too hot because that will kill the yeast. My rule of thumb is a temperature that you’d be comfortable taking a hot shower in, but not so hot that you couldn’t wash your hair or face in it.

Keep your yeast in the freezer; it will last longer.

Keep your kitchen warmer than you normally would.

Sugar feeds yeast, salt can kill it. This is part of why you let yeast dissolve and rise before adding it to other ingredients–it activates the yeast enough to a point where the salt won’t kill it. If you’re having a hard time getting your yeast to bubble, add a little sugar.

Allow dough to rise in a metal or glass bowl. They retain heat better than plastic bowls and you’ll get a better rise. You can also run the bowl you’re using under some hot water (and then dry it, then spray it with non-stick cooking spray for easy cleanup) before adding the dough so it will be nice and warm.

Be patient. Yeast breads can take a long time.

You’ll use more flour if you’re kneading with your hands than you will with a Bosch or a Kitchenaid.

A soft dough will firm up as it rises the first time, so try not to add too much flour. It’s better to err on the side of not adding enough flour than adding too much–you can always add more flour, but you can’t take it away once it’s in the dough.

Butter on top of the dough will make it soft; olive oil will make it crispy.

Shortening can make lighter, fluffier breads, but butter tastes infinitely better. Nine times out of ten, go for the butter. 

Everyday Cinnamon Rolls (from ourbestbites.com) 

Adapted by Our Best Bites from Allrecipes

Dough:

1 cup milk

4 Tbs butter, cut into chunks

3 1/4 – 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided

1 (.25 ounce) package instant or ‘rapid rise’ yeast (about 2 1/4 tsp)

1/4 cup white sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 egg

Filling:

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1 1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup butter, softened

Icing:

1 1/2 C powdered sugar

2 T melted butter

1/2 tsp vanilla

1-2 Tbs milk

Dough: Place milk and 4 Tbs butter in a microwave safe bowl.

Heat on high for 1 minute 30 seconds. Butter should be at least partially melted. Stir and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl whisk together 2 C flour, yeast, white sugar, and salt. When milk mixture has cooled to warm (not hot) add it to the flour mixture along with the egg while the beater (paddle attachment for those using a stand mixer) is running.

Beat until well combined, about 1 minute. (Switch to the dough hook now) Add remaining flour only until dough barely leaves the sides of the bowl. It should be very soft and slightly sticky.

Continue to let the dough knead for 5 minutes. If you are not using a stand mixer, turn dough out onto floured surface and knead for 5 minutes by hand.

Turn dough out onto a floured surface and let rest for about 10 minutes while you make the filling.

Filling: make sure butter is softened well. Mix with brown sugar and cinnamon.

Assembly: Roll dough into a rectangle about 12 x 14 inches. Spread brown sugar mixture (it will be slightly thick, you might have to “crumble” it) over the surface and use your fingers or the back of a spoon to gently spread around.

Roll up from the longer side of the rectangle and pinch edges closed. Score the roll into 12 equal pieces and then cut into rolls. Place in a 9 x 13 pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray.

 Cover pan with a clean towel and let rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes. In the mean time, preheat oven to 350 degrees.

When rolls have finished rising bake for 15-20 minutes or until light golden brown. If desired spread with icing while still warm. Makes 12 rolls.

Tips:

A lot of bread recipes call for scalding the milk. It’s partially to be warm and activate the yeast, but there’s also a really long scientific explanation that involves molecules and protein structures and stuff.

I ignore all of that and just toss the milk and butter in the microwave. But here’s my tip: The recipe calls for 1 C of milk. Save 1/4 cup of that and leave it cold. That way after the butter is melted and the milk is hot you won’t have to wait forever for it to cool off enough to use. Add the cold milk and it will bring the temp down.

Don’t add too much flour! It took me a long time to figure this out. It wasn’t until one day after I was newly married and I actually watched my friend and cinnamon roll guru LeeAnn actually make them that I realized just how soft cinnamon roll dough should be. It seems like it would even be too soft to roll out, but when you gently dump it on a well floured surface it works just fine. Remember that a soft tender dough results in soft tender rolls. Too much flour and your rolls will be dense and dry.

Cutting tip: If you want even sized rolls start from the middle. So for 12 rolls, divide evenly in the middle and then divide each of the halves into thirds, and then into thirds again.

Rising tip: Heat a small bowl of water in the microwave until it boils. Open the door, quickly move the bowl aside and set the pan of rolls in and shut the door (with the microwave off). Just let them sit in there to rise. The hot water will warm up the temp, and also keep the dough moist.

Bake the rolls to just be barely golden brown. I watch the centers- as soon as the centers are set and not dough-y they’re good to go.

Great tips!  Thanks Inger!

Book of Mormon Class, Lesson #39

Powerful Promises of the Book of Mormon
Mosiah Chapter 29
 
Among other things, this chapter is a major document on how to set up  
righteous civil governments for the fair and proper governing of all  
the citizens of a nation.

Read Doctrine and Covenants 134:12

As he nears the end of his life, King Mosiah gives a clear and  
masterful explanation to his people of how such a government must be  
established.  He recommended that they:
 
1.  No longer have kings
 
2.  He emphasizes citizen involvement in running the country
 
3.  The vital role of free elections
 
4.  Responsibilities of citizens to elect leaders whose lives reflect  
respect for God's laws
 
"There is no power that can wreck the government that God has  
established in this country unless it be the people themselves."
Anthony Ivins (Ensign October 1982)

Relief Society Nursery Shower Reminder

Hi Sisters! 

Just a reminder about the Nursery shower activity at the Church tonight at 7:00 pm. 

The nursery is in need of some new toys!  Please bring a toy if you can, it can be new or gently used and for a child ages 18 months to 3 years.

 

 Some things they could use are. . .
     Baby dolls
     Trucks
     Puzzles
     Board books
     Big and small crayons
     Cookie cutters for playdoh
     Clorox wipes
     Treats
     Kleenex
     Hand sanitizer

And anything else you think our kiddies would enjoy!  Items can be new or gently used.  Come tonight for fun and refreshments! We hope to see you there!

Breadsticks, Hotpockets and Pizza Dough OH MY!!!

We were lucky to gather at Inger's house for a huge how to night with lots of yummy doughy recipes!   

Breadsticks & Pizza Dough (from ourbestbites.com)

1 1/2 c. warm (105-115 degrees) water

1 Tbsp. sugar

1 Tbsp. yeast

1/2 tsp. salt

3-4 1/2 c. flour

In a large bowl (the bowl of your mixer, if you have one), combine water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 10 minutes or until yeast is bubbly. 

Add salt and stir. Add 1 1/2 c. flour and mix well. Gradually add more flour (usually between 3-4 cups, depending on your elevation and your humidity) until dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl and it barely sticks to your finger.

Spray a glass or metal bowl with cooking spray and place dough in the bowl. Cover and allow to rise for 45 minutes or until doubled in bulk.

Remove from bowl and place on a lightly-floured surface. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Roll into a rectangle and cut into 12 strips with a pizza cutter.

Roll out each piece of dough into a snake and then drape over your forefinger and twist the dough. Place on baking sheet and repeat with remaining 11 pieces of dough. Try to space them evenly, but it's okay if they're close; pulling apart hot bread is one of life's greatest pleasures!

Cover pan and allow dough to rise for another 30 minutes. When there's about 15 minutes to go, preheat your oven to 425. When done rising, bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Rub some butter on top of the breadsticks (just put a ziploc bag on your hand, grab some softened butter, and have at it) and sprinkle with garlic bread seasoning or the powdery Parmesan cheese in a can and garlic salt. Or you could sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar.

 Homemade Hot Pockets (from ourbestbites.com)

1 recipe Breadstick and Pizza Dough

Desired fillings (I used about 6-8 oz. of ham and 4-6 oz. sharp cheddar)

Prepare dough through the first rise. After dough has risen the first time, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll into a rectangle, probably about 16×8 inches big (16 inches long, 8 inches tall).

Using a pizza cutter, cut dough into 8 equal portions.

Leaving a little bit of a “margin” on the right and left sides, add toppings with the cheese going on last.

Stretch the dough out a little to give yourself a bit more dough to work with. Fold the left side over the middle and then the right side over that. Starting at the bottom of the “mummy,” tightly roll the filled dough, stretching it very gently as you go to make sure you’re getting a tight seal.

Place on a sprayed cookie sheet and repeat with remaining dough. When finished, cover the pan with a clean cloth and preheat your oven to 425 degrees F.

When oven has heated, bake pockets for about 15 minutes or until golden brown on top. For shine, you could brush the tops with a bit of egg white mixed with water during the last 5 minutes of baking, or you could rub a little butter on top of the rolls while they’re still hot.

FREEZER INSTRUCTIONS:

Bake according to directions and allow to cool. Place in a Ziploc freezer bag, squeezing out all the air. When ready to serve, just pop in the microwave for 2-3 minutes (depending on how fast your microwave cooks).

"Cleave unto the Covenants" from Women's Conference 2011

By Barbara Thompson- second counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency

“Lift up thy heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made.”¹ 

I cannot read this scripture without feeling joy. My heart rejoices as I think of the promises and many blessings which have been part of my life as I have sought to cleave unto the covenants which I have made with my Heavenly Father.

My grandmother Ellen Hanks Rymer was a young mother in 1912 when she received her patriarchal blessing. When I read her blessing, these lines jumped off the page and stayed in my mind: “Thou wast chosen from before the foundation of the earth, and a chosen spirit to come forth in this day. … Thy testimony shall be magnified and thou shalt be able to testify. … The destroyer has sought to destroy thee, but if thou wilt cleave unto thy God, he [the destroyer] shall not have power to harm thee. Thou through thy faithfulness shalt have great power and the destroyer shall flee from before thee because of thy righteousness. … When the hour of fear and trials come upon thee if thou wilt retire to thy secret closet in prayer thy heart shall be comforted and the obstacles removed.”²

My grandmother was promised that if she would keep her covenants and stay close to God, Satan could have no power over her. She would find comfort and help in her trials. These promises were fulfilled in her life.

Today I want to talk about (1) the importance of cleaving unto covenants and (2) the joy and protection that come from keeping our covenants.

The Importance of Cleaving unto Covenants

The Bible Dictionary tells us that a covenant is a contract made between God and man. “God in his good pleasure fixes the terms, which man accepts. … The gospel is so arranged that principles and ordinances are received by covenant placing the recipient under strong obligation and responsibility to honor the commitment.”³ 

In the phrase “cleave unto covenants,” the word cleave means “to adhere firmly and closely” to something.⁴

 “One of the Lord’s purposes in organizing the Relief Society was to prepare His daughters for the greater blessings of the priesthood found in the ordinances and covenants of the temple. The … sisters in Nauvoo anticipated the completion of the temple with great excitement, for they knew, as the Prophet Joseph Smith promised Mercy Fielding Thompson, that the endowment would bring them ‘out of darkness into marvelous light.’”⁷

“More than 5,000 Saints thronged the Nauvoo Temple after its dedication so they could receive the endowment and the sealing ordinance before embarking on their journey” to the Salt Lake Valley.⁸ President Brigham Young and many Church leaders and temple workers spent their time, day and night, serving in the temple so this important work could be performed for the Saints.

Our covenants sustain us whether in good times or in difficult times. 

President Boyd K. Packer reminds us that “we are a covenant people. We covenant to give of our resources in time and money and talent—all we are and all we possess—to the interest of the kingdom of God upon the earth. In simple terms, we covenant to do good. We are a covenant people, and the temple is the center of our covenants. It is the source of the covenant.”⁹

The scriptures remind us, “And this shall be our covenant—that we will walk in all the ordinances of the Lord.”¹⁰

Great are the blessings we receive as we cleave unto our covenants.

Joy and Protection Come from Keeping Our Covenants

World War II caused much suffering for many people throughout the world. The Saints in Germany endured many trials. A faithful Relief Society president in Stuttgart, Germany, was Sister Maria Speidel. In speaking of their trials, she said: “Our trust in the Lord and our testimony of his Church have been our pillar of strength. … With joy we sing the songs of Zion and put our trust in the Lord. He maketh all things well.”¹⁹

As more and more holy temples have been built across the earth, I have seen the blessings that come into the lives of the members. In 2008 I witnessed the joy on the faces of a couple from Ukraine as they told me about going to Freiberg, Germany, to receive their temple ordinances. The trip to the temple was a 27-hour bus ride each way for these dedicated members, and they were not able to go often. They were thrilled that the Kyiv Ukraine Temple would soon be completed and they would be able to attend much more often. That temple is now open, and thousands enjoy the blessings there.

In reading from my grandmother’s personal history, I learned of her great joy in her covenants. She loved going to the temple and performing the ordinances for thousands of those who had died. It was her life’s mission. She served as a temple worker for over 20 years in the Manti Utah Temple. She wrote that she had experienced many miraculous healings in order for her to raise her children and to serve others by doing their work in the temple. 

As her grandchildren, if we knew anything about Grandma Rymer, it was that she was a righteous woman who kept her covenants and wanted us to do the same. When people sift through our possessions after we have died, will they find evidence that we have kept our covenants?

Our beloved prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, told us in our last general conference: “As you and I go to the holy houses of God, as we remember the covenants we make within, we will be more able to bear every trial and to overcome each temptation. In this sacred sanctuary we will find peace; we will be renewed and fortified.”²²

Once again: “Lift up thy heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made.”²³ 

Keeping covenants is true joy and happiness. This is comfort and peace. This is protection from the evils of the world. Keeping our covenants will help us in times of trial.

I testify that as we have faith in Christ and cleave unto our covenants, we will receive the joy spoken of in the holy scriptures and promised by our latter-day prophets.

Dear sisters, I love you and hope you will experience this great joy in your own lives. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

To read the entire talk click here. 

"Mothers without Borders" Fundraiser!

 Back at the end of the summer we as a relief society had a service fund raising project where we tie-dyed onesies and made cute burp cloths for this fundraising boutique.  

The time for the boutique where the onesies and burp cloths will be sold is coming up in just a few weeks!  All the proceeds for donated items will go to the "Mothers without Borders" program.  There will be lots of cute things to see and buy!  It would be a fun boutique to go to and support for a good cause. We are excited to see how much money our onesies and burp cloths raise! 

Forget Not. . . from women's conference 2011

By President Uchdorf

A while ago I was walking through a beautiful garden with my wife and daughter. I marveled at the glory and beauty of God’s creation. And then I noticed, among all the glorious blooms, the tiniest flower. I knew the name of this flower because since I was a child I have had a tender connection to it. The flower is called forget-me-not.

Tonight I would like to use this little flower as a metaphor. The five petals of the little forget-me-not flower prompt me to consider five things we would be wise never to forget.

First, forget not to be patient with yourself.

Be thankful for all the small successes in your home, your family relationships, your education and livelihood, your Church participation and personal improvement. Like the forget-me-nots, these successes may seem tiny to you and they may go unnoticed by others, but God notices them and they are not small to Him. If you consider success to be only the most perfect rose or dazzling orchid, you may miss some of life’s sweetest experiences.
 

Second, forget not the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice.

How can we tell the difference for our own situation? We can ask ourselves, “Am I committing my time and energies to the things that matter most?” There are so many good things to do, but we can’t do all of them. 

Our Heavenly Father is most pleased when we sacrifice something good for something far greater with an eternal perspective. Sometimes, that may even mean nurturing small but beautiful forget-me-not flowers instead of a large garden of exotic blooms. 

Third, forget not to be happy now.

Never stop striving for the best that is within you. Never stop hoping for all of the righteous desires of your heart. But don’t close your eyes and hearts to the simple and elegant beauties of each day’s ordinary moments that make up a rich, well-lived life.

The happiest people I know are not those who find their golden ticket; they are those who, while in pursuit of worthy goals, discover and treasure the beauty and sweetness of the everyday moments. They are the ones who, thread by daily thread, weave a tapestry of gratitude and wonder throughout their lives. These are they who are truly happy.

Fourth, forget not the “why” of the gospel.

Sometimes, in the routine of our lives, we unintentionally overlook a vital aspect of the gospel of Jesus Christ, much as one might overlook a beautiful, delicate forget-me-not. In our diligent efforts to fulfill all of the duties and obligations we take on as members of the Church, we sometimes see the gospel as a long list of tasks that we must add to our already impossibly long to-do list, as a block of time that we must somehow fit into our busy schedules. We focus on what the Lord wants us to do and how we might do it, but we sometimes forget why.

The “what” and “how” of obedience mark the way and keep us on the right path. The “why” of obedience sanctifies our actions, transforming the mundane into the majestic. It magnifies our small acts of obedience into holy acts of consecration.

Fifth, forget not that the Lord loves you.

Sisters, wherever you are, whatever your circumstances may be, you are not forgotten. No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you with an infinite love. 

Just think of it: You are known and remembered by the most majestic, powerful, and glorious Being in the universe! You are loved by the King of infinite space and everlasting time!

Sisters, we love you. It is my prayer and blessing that you will never forget that you are truly precious daughters in God’s kingdom, in the sacred name of our beloved Savior, Jesus Christ, amen.

To read the entire talk click here.  

Recipes from General Womens Conference

Women's conference this year was excellent!  The Stake Relief Society Presidency provided had a delicious meal with lots of requests for the yummy recipes.  In case you weren't able try them at women's conference, here are the recipes for you to make at home!  

Enjoy! 

Potato Cheese Soup

12 small potatoes, sliced

3 carrots, sliced

1 small onion, diced

3/4 cup butter

1-1/2 Tbsp.salt

1/2-1 qt. half & half (soup thickens quicker if you use only half)

3/4 cup flour

1/2 tsp. pepper

8 oz. medium or sharp Cheddar

Cook potatoes, carrots and onion until tender.  Drain off 1/2 water (if

desired).

Make paste with flour and butter.  Add half & half to it.

Pour into soup pot.  Stir until thick.  Add cheese and crumbled bacon if

desired.

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

 4 carrots

2-3 Celery Stalks

1 medium onion

2 cans chicken broth

6 cubes chicken bouillon

2 cans cream of chicken soup

12 oz. noodles

3-4 chicken breasts

Cook and cut chicken breasts. Cook carrots, celery and onions in broth and

enough water to cover.

Boil approximately 20 -25 minutes until tender.  Drain liquid from chicken

and vegetables.  Add Bouillon cubes and approximately 10 cups of water.  Add

noodles. Cook until tender.  Add chicken soup.

Add more water if soup is too thick.

Blondies

 1 cup melted margarine

1-1/2 cups brown sugar

1-1/2 cups white sugar

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

3 cups flour

Mix together

Beat in 6 eggs, one at a time

Bake on cookie sheet (12 x 17) for 15 minutes at 400 degrees

Frosting

8 oz. cream cheese

1 cup margarine

3-1/2 cups powdered sugar

1-2 tsp. vanilla

Mix together

General Conference October 2011

Dearest sisters.  We hope you and your families had a chance to watch some of general conference this weekend.  There were so many incredible talks that can benefit our homes and families if we take advantage of the words heard. 

If you missed it or would like to hear/read some talks again, please click here to do so.