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Friday, April 27, 2012

Book of Mormon Class

Powerful Promise #43
Alma 13:27-28
Taught by Sue G.


"Being Led Away from Temptation"

In Alma's words of guidance we find excellent advice for ourselves as we await the day of the Saviors Second Coming. In these times of wickedness, we can learn much from Alma's admonition to pray that we will not be tempted above that which we can bear.

We would be most wise to watch and pray continually, to allow ourselves to be led by the Holy spirit, and to be characterized by Humility, meekness, submissiveness, patience, love, 
long-suffering, faith, hope, and having the love of God continually in our hearts.


We can gain strength through Alma and Amulek's example of 'watching and praying continually' as they endured seeing the righteous people being burned and were then cast into prison. They stayed strong by continually staying close to the Lord until he gave them power to break their bonds.


Alma 13:27-28
27 - And now, my brethren, I wish from the innermost part of my heart, yea, with great anxiety even unto pain, that ye would hearken unto my words, and cast off your sins, and not procrastinate the day of your repentance.

28 - But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord and call on his holy name and watch and pray continually that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long suffering.


It is my prayer that we will humble ourselves and pray continually.

Love,
Sister Sue G.


Tuesday, April 24, 2012

'Favorite Things' Relief Society Birthday Party


What a fun 
Relief Society Birthday Celebration 
we had!!

It was all about our favorite things.

We started out with Tenneal S. singing 
from the Sound of Music;
'These are a Few of My Favorite Things'

She has such a beautiful voice!


The whole room was strung with awesome vintage and vintage style aprons. 
The cups were covered in cute country fabric. Even the clothespins holding up the aprons were dawning country fabric!
It was really a fun atmosphere!


Here's a poem that Sue G. shared before we ate dinner about one of her favorite things, APRONS! 
(teehee, you can certainly tell by the decor!)

'Grandma's Apron'

The strings were tied, it was freshly washed, and maybe even pressed.
For Grandma, it was everyday to choose one when she dressed.
The simple apron that it was, you would never think about;
the things she used it for, that made it 
look worn out.
She may have used it to hold some wildflowers that she'd found.
Or to hide a crying child's face when a stranger came around.
Imagine all the little tears that were wiped with just that cloth.
Or it became a potholder to serve some 
chicken broth.
She probably carried kindling to stoke the kitchen fire.
To hold a load of laundry, or to wipe the clothesline wire.
When canning all her vegetables, it was used to wipe her brow.
You never know, she might have used it to shoo flies from the cow.
She might have carried eggs in from the chicken coop outside.
Whatever chore she used it for, she did them all with pride.
When Grandma went to heaven, God said she now could rest.
I'm sure the apron that she chose, was her Sunday best.
~by Tina Trivett~

Pictures were hung of all the Relief Society Presidents since Willow Wood Ward was established.


Lisa W., Becky J., Lynette S., Sharon F.


Karen P.


Mary L., Sydney G. and Terry S.


DINNER WAS SERVED........
There was delicious salads and homemade rolls.
soooo....yummy!!!
*Watch for the recipes coming soon.


We had forty + Sister's eating, sharing their favorite things, laughing and totally enjoying the evening!


Sharing our favorite things 
was awesome!

It was so fun to get to know more about each other.

Everyone brought their's in a paper bag so they could  be displayed anonymously.
We then had a chance to go around and look at them and try to guess who's was who's to win a lucky prize!



For those that weren't able to come,
Here are the favorite things that were shared;

Shannon P. ~ Brought a Grid-board and Ruler because she's loves scrap-booking and crafts.

Danielle B. ~ Totally loves Pampered Chef Seasonings because it makes everything taste good!

Heidi W. ~ Brought an Electronic Phase Ten game 
(It's really her daughter's but she loves it so much, it stays on HER nightstand!)

Brittani W. ~ A Lighthouse because she grew up on the Coast and she loves it there.


Erin R. ~ She love to Cross Stitch! She brought one of her creations. 
Notice it's a beautiful lighthouse Brittani?

This is true love for Gabby A. ~ She loves Cetephil cream because she and Addy have severely dry skin and this is the ONLY thing that saves them! 
She also brought cilantro because she loves tons of it in everything!

Heres a favorite for us all!!! We love it.......Karen R. ~ brought a picture of a toilet because she 
LOVES indoor plumbing!

Others not pictured;
  • Kerri H. ~ Pictures of decor, paint samples, ruler, sanding block, screw driver. She loves to remodel and decorate her home. We are not talking small projects all the time either. Some of them most of us women wouldn't dare tackle.
  • Becky B. ~ A Book, Chocolate and Dear Doctor Pepper! She loves to read, eat chocolate and can't live without her Doctor Pepper! haha
  • Linda H. ~ Dr Suess, The Places you go book.
  • Mary Jane W. ~ A plack with a kitchen prayer on it that hangs in her kitchen, which hung in her mother's kitchen, which hung in her Grandmother's kitchen. She said her girls want to make her a new better looking one but she wants nothing of it. It's the sentiment of that one that she loves.
  • Jenny N. ~ A glue gun, sharpies and a pie tin she uses to put the glue gun on. She said she can't live without these item's. She uses them constantly!
  • Sydney G. ~ An Orchid plant. Because she loves plants and nature and loves to surround herself by them. Also the orchid was given to her by Sue G. who is one of her most favorite things!
  • Camille J. ~ A Jar full of her Grandmother's hand stitching, tatting, jewelry etc... She loves genealogy!
  • Mary L. ~ Brought a collage picture of things from thrift stores because she loves shopping at thrift stores and getting a great thrift store find!
  • Sandy Y. ~ 1937 Edition of 'Gone with the Wind'. She LOVES to read and this book is extra special to her!
  • Tracy H. ~ You might have noticed in the picture above, The Mickey Mouse picture and tons of watches below it, (The picture only shows some of them, there were a bazillion!) She loves Disney, Disney Land, Disney Pictures, Disney Watches, Disney anything!! Go check out her house. It's smattered with Disney!
  • Jeanette E. ~ A seashell from Mazatlan. She loves to travel mostly going to Hawaii now. The shell was from her first trip with her honey and it was just the right size to hold in her palm and rub for a worry stone. She has kept it all these years!
  • Leila J. ~ Pre-sliced apples in a bag. She doesn't like much fruit, she mostly loves vegtables. Crazy huh!! She does however like apples, so she said these pre-prepared apple slices from the store are just awesome for her to grab and go.
  • Cayla B. ~ She brought a scrapbook of a family vacation. She said family vacations are totally her favorite and then she just loves scrap-booking them!
  • Heidi H. ~ Thought everyone for sure would guess her's! She brought a hat. She said there is no way she could survive without her hat. She said there are just days that you can't take time to do your hair!!
  • Karen P. ~ She said if she could have fit her sewing machine in a sack, that is what she would have brought. However, she brought a couple of pictures of some of the quilts she has made. She said she has made......
  • Marilyn T. ~ Brought a Huge Christmas Stocking she made from fabric scraps. She loves to craft and she said she had all these fabric scraps but was tired of making the same things with them so she made up a pattern to make a Christmas Stocking and we have to say, it totally rocks!
  • Becky S. ~ A whole stack of Catalogs! She said she LOVES catalogs!! She loves looking through them. We didn't find out if she orders out of them or not. (Might have to introduce her to Pinterest....course that's a lethal time sucker!)
  • Karen E. ~ Brought a picture of some of her Ancestors and some Genealogy Charts. She also LOVES Genealogy!
  • Kathleen T. ~ She said she always wanted to learn to play the piano so she finally has started teaching herself! She is taking online lessons and brought some of the music that she has mastered, Both Hands!! 
  • Tenneal S. ~ She loves a sign in her house that say's 'Live, Love and Dance'! She especially loves it because she and her honey both love Country Dancing and that is how they met!
  • Cari H. ~ Brought the words to a song she loves called, 'Blessings'. It is a song about trials and she said the last year has been a rough one so this song has very special meaning to her.
  • Tiffany G. ~ Brought a burp cloth she made. She said she is just learning how to sew and LOVING IT! She said she hasn't sewn anything big or elaborate yet but she has sewn tons of fun things and just can't get enough of it.
  • Terry S. ~ A rotary cutter. Yeah for rotary cutters!! She loves to sew and especially to make quilts! She and her sister made a quilt to auction off at the 'Mother's Without Borders' Craft sale that was just out of this World!
  • Sharon G. ~ Brought a caribeener. She said it is the best thing ever! She uses it to hook lots of different things mostly her keys on her belt loop, her purse or on the stroller. She also loved to and used them rock climbing before life got busy with kids.
  • Nancy S. ~ Brought a 'Scroungy' Hoddie because she loves nothing better than to be home and hanging out in her comfy clothes!
  • Sherry R. ~ Loves to play Tennis so she brought a can of Tennis Balls.
  • Malinda M. ~ She loves jewelry and reading. She brought a necklace that is extra special because it was made by a friend for her with a book on it.
  • Andrea P. ~ Yummy bath stuff, because who doesn't love a pampering escape!

To top the evening off....... 


We had a Fabulously Awesome 
Birthday Cake 
Made by Jenny N's sister!

The evening couldn't have been better!

If you were unable to attend leave us a comment with YOUR FAVORITE THING!!


Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Relief Society Birthday Party 2012

This Thursday, April 19th @The Church, 6:30pm





 Relief Society Birthday Celebration


A fun get to know you party 

and dinner!

     ~Bring one of your favorite things to show~

  • Bring it in a sack or wrapped up in a towel or something so it is hidden from view.

  • Take it to the Relief Society Room.
      
  • This can be anything....and we mean anything that is your favorite for any reason! 


Dinner will be served!


We will deffinately have a great time eating, getting to know each other better, and for sure lots of chatting and laughing!

Be sure to invite and bring your neighbors and the sisters you 
visit teach!

Note: There will be a nursery for those in need.




Saturday, April 14, 2012

The Immortality of the Soul

Lesson - Chapter 7
Taught by Mary L.


     George Albert Smith was blessed with a firm understanding of the purpose of life, and this enabled him to encourage others as they faced adversity. He frequently reminded the Saints that "we are living eternal lives" - that eternity doesn't begin after this life but that mortality is a crucial part of eternity. "I sometimes have said to my friends when they seemed to be at the crossroads, uncertain as to which way they wanted to go, 'Today is the beginning of eternal happiness or eternal disappointment for you.'"



     During this life we should seek after those things that are of eternal worth.

     It is not so important how many valuables you may have, how much property you may possess, and how many of the honors of men you may acquire, and all those things that are so desirable in the world. The thing that God has given to you that is worth more than all the rest is the opportunity to obtain eternal life in the celestial kingdom and have as your companions, throughout the ages of eternity, sons and daughters, husbands and wives with whom you have associated here on earth. 



     Remember that it is the intelligence that you acquire that is eternal, the truth which you learn here and apply in your lives, the knowledge and experience you gain and profit - these you will take with you when you go home.


     The treasures that we will find when we go to the other side will be those that we have laid up there by ministering to our Father's other sons and daughters with whom we have associated here. He has made this possible for all of us, and during our stay here we will be happier serving our fellows than we could possibly be in any other way.


     Let us not be lulled to sleep let us not be deceived by the abundance of good things of these world; for what doth it profit a man though he should gain the whole world and lose his own soul?   Mark 8:36 
Let not the object of our creation be overlooked; but let us labor for the salvation of our soul.


     Sisters, in what we choose to think about, feel, and do, are you and I choosing eternal life?


     Let us not be so busy that the Spirit cannot enter into our minds and our hearts, and give us promptings and guidance, and the help we so earnestly want and need.


     Our beloved prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, has taught: "I can't stress too strongly that decisions determine destine. You can't make eternal decisions without eternal consequences."



In evaluating our daily choices and their consequences, we might ask ourselves:

  • Am I seeking divine direction through daily scripture study, pondering, and prayer, or have I chosen to be so busy or apathetic that I don't take time to study the words of Christ, ponder them, and converse with my Heavenly Father?
  • Am I choosing to follow the counsel of living prophets of God, or am I following the worldly ways and the opposing opinions of others?
  • Am I seeking the guidance of the Holy Ghost daily in what I choose to think about, feel, and do?
  • Am I consistently reaching out to assist, serve, or help rescue others?
     
     Sisters, your eternal destiny will not be the result of chance but of choice. It is never too late to begin to choose eternal life!


     We are so important to Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, that we are the very focus of his work and glory. Moses 1:39  Because of Heavenly Father's great plan of happiness, each of us can be perfected through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. With our families we can live with our Heavenly Father eternally and receive a fulness of joy.


Thursday, April 12, 2012

Recipe Group / Easy Gourmet Steak Sauces

Taught by Sydney G.


(*There are printable recipe's at the bottom of this post)


Gorgonzola Cream Sauce 
and 
Pepper Sauce



Pepper Sauce
* This recipe comes from my friends 5 star restaurant in Tennessee.
It is sooooo yummy and easy to make!


Ingredients:
  • 2 Tbs butter


  • 3 to 4 shallots diced (shallots are a mild purple onion that grows in a clump similar to garlic)

  • 3 Tbs pepper corns in brine (crushed)
  • 1/4 cup Cognac (can use peach, pear or apricot juice as a substitute then there is no need to light on fire as this is only to burn off the alcohol in the cognac)


  • 2 Tbs beef base

  • 1 creme fraiche (a yummy french cream)


* You can buy Creme fraiche and peppercorns at Harmons in Farmington.  The creme fraiche is in the Deli by the bakery and the green peppercorns in brine are by the capers.


DIRECTIONS:

  • Saute shallots in butter


  • Add pepper corns
  • Stir in cognac  
  • Light on fire - stir until the flames quit



  • Add beef base and creme fraiche
  • Simmer and cook until thick

    Serve warm on steak and potatoes - Yum!!





    Gorgonzola Cream Sauce

    Ingredients:
    1 Tbs butter
    1 Shallot, minced
    1 cup heavy cream
    1/4 pound Gorgonzola
    *(a cheese like blue cheese only better, comes in block or crumbled)
    You usually find this over by the deli in the specialty cheeses.


    DIRECTIONS:
    Heat a medium size saucepan or skillet over medium heat. 
    Add butter to melt.
    Saute shallots until tender.
    Add the cream and cook till reduces by half.
    Turn heat to low.
    Add the Gorgonzola and stir until it melts.
    Season with salt and pepper to taste.

    *Anyone who likes blue cheese will love this even better! It's also yummy on asparagus.



    *Bonus Recipe - a healthy...teehee.... chocolate desert:

    Chocolate Mousse

    1 cup milk chocolate chips 
    (semi-sweet if you prefer)
    1 - Box Silken Tofu ( 12.3 oz) room temperature
    1 tsp vanilla
    (*Silken tofu is found in the produce section usually by the bean sprouts)


    • Melt chocolate chips in the microwave in 30 second increments stirring in between. 
                Do not over heat! Usually takes about 3 intervals.
    • Put Tofu, melted chocolate and vanilla in blender and blend until smooth.
    • Pour into small serving bowls, ramekins or parfait cups and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
    • Serve with sliced strawberries or raspberries on top.


    Click here for the printable recipe's:

    *Here are a couple different formats....leave a comment as to which type you prefer.

    Pepper Steak Sauce

    *Try out these or any other recipes on our Relief Society Blog and leave a comment as to how it turns out!!



    Sunday, April 8, 2012

    Easter - Mormon Message

    Spring

    A time when the Earth awakes and renews herself to a 
    beautiful and glorious state!

    How appropriate is it that we spend this day in Spring as the Earth blossoms before our very eyes, thinking about and honoring the Resurrection.

    Christ laid down his life for us then arose and was renewed to his glorious and perfect state.

    What a beautiful day of remembrance it is. 
    How grateful we are for the atonement in our lives.
    Take this day to show extra reverence and ponder your commitment to follow Christ's teachings as you partake of the sacred blessing of the sacrament, remembering the incredible gift he has given us through his sacrifice.
    Knowing that we can be made perfect through him, and return to our Father in Heaven, where we will live together for Eternity.

    What unspeakable JOY we will have!!


    HE IS RISEN!




    Friday, April 6, 2012

    Mitten Strings To God

    Welcome to our new Post's! 

    'Mitten Strings to God'





    These posts will be awesome tips for 
    Mother's and Grandmother's!

    You can look forward to them at least twice a month.

    Easter's coming up in two day's here is an awesome activity to do with your kids (would be a good family night), to help with their understanding of the Resurrection.




    Preparation:
    • Your will need 12 plastic eggs. 
    • With a magic marker, give each egg a number 1 - 12. 
    • Fill the eggs with the corresponding trinket and a small piece of paper with the scripture verse (see list below). *You can type the whole scripture or just the reference and have them look it up.
    • Hide the eggs throughout the family room or somewhere of your choice.
    • Optional - Decorate an empty egg carton to keep your object lesson in for the future.


    Activity:
    Have the kids search the room for all of the eggs. When they have found them, bring them back to the middle and take turns opening the eggs (in numerical order), showing the trinket and reading the scripture verse. 

    Egg 1:
    Three dimes
    Matthew 26:14-15
    "Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, ....And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver."
    Egg 2:
    One sacrament cup
    Matthew 26:39
    "And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt."
    Egg 3:
    Twine with knots in it
    Matthew 27:1-2
    "When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death....And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him t Pontius Pilate the governor".
    Egg 4:
    A piece of soap
    Matthew 27:24-26
    "When Pilate saw that he could prevail notheing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, ahd washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. Then answered all the peop-le, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children. Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified".
    Egg 5:
    Square of red fabric
    Matthew 27:28-30
    "And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee begore him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head".
    Egg 6:
    A small nail
    Matthew 27:31
    "And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.
    Egg 7:
    Two dice
    Matthew 27:35
    "And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots".
    Egg 8:
    A tiny bag of crushed rock
    Matthew 27:50,51 & 54
    "Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God".
    Egg 9:
    Strip of white cloth
    Matthew 27:58-60
    "He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own hew tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed".
    Egg 10:
    Stone
    Matthew 27:65 &66
    "Pilate said unto them Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.
    Egg 11:
    Bayleaf spice
    Mark 16:1-4
    "And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. and they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great".
    Egg 12:
    An empty egg
    Mark 16:5-6
    "And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him".

    Desert ideas:
    Rainbow striped jello eggs

    If your into a little time for this one and you have "Jell-O-Jigglers Egg Molds"......

    Spray molds with a generous amount of cooking spray, then using a syringe to add layers of color, chilling for 10-15 minutes between each layer, you can make these fun jello jiggler eggs!

    *Jello jiggler recipe;
    1-1/2 cups boiling water (do not add cold water)
    1 pkg (6oz) Jell-O-Gelatin

    If you want something fun but much quicker, try this fun twist on cinnamon rolls:


    Or just make colored rice crispy treats!!