Exercise rescuer wanted!!

Marilee R. is looking for a Skills fitness 

workout buddy!

Someone who is an early bird to go to Skills Fitness from 

5:00am to 6:00am a few times a week because she is failing miserably at getting her own sorry self out of bed!!!!!  

Any takers???? 

*Reply in the comment tab or give her a call!

Happy Workouts to Ya!!

May 2012 Recipe Group / Chicken Mole, Refried Beans & Spanish Rice

Taught by Inger D.

These are recipes I grew up eating in my home. My sisters and I, at first, were not huge fans of the mole, but now we enjoy it and make it for our own families. The chicken mole and spanish rice recipes are recipes from my mom, who in turn learned them from her mom. The refried bean recipe I also learned from my mom, but has a few tweaks of my own. My mom never measures but goes more by taste, so I had to approximate the spice measurements.

Refried Beans

2 strips of bacon

2 cans pinto beans (one can drained and one can undrained)

1/2 tsp - 1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Fry bacon in a saute pan. Remove bacon, crumble, and reserve for later.

Add pinto beans to bacon grease. Add spices and mash with a masher. Add bacon and reduce heat to low. Simmer on low for 20 minutes.

(Note: You can make these without bacon, but you definitely need bacon grease for the best flavor. Also, spice measurements are approximate, so add as much or as little as you like.)

Spanish Rice

2 cups long grain rice

4 cups hot water

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp. garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic)

1/2 med onion diced

3 tbsp. oil

Tomato sauce or consomme (opt)

Saute rice and onion in oil till rice turns golden berown. Add hot water. Mix in rest of spices and simmer, covered, for approximately 20 minutes. Periodically stir the rice and add liquid if needed. Rice is done when ends have split and water is absorbed.

Chicken Mole

4 chicken breasts bone-in with skin (you can use boneless, skinless, but will get more flavor from bone-in, with skin)

1 tbsp. salt

Water 

1/2 jar of Dona Maria Mole Sauce (can be found in Hispanic Aisle of grocery store)

Put chicken breasts in large stock pot and add enough water to cover the chicken. Add salt. Boil chicken in salt water until the meat falls off the bone. Let broth reduce during cooking. Remove chicken and reserve a couple cups of broth. Add mole sauce to broth and stir to dissolve. Debone chicken and remove skin. Dice chicken meat and return to broth. Let simmer 20 minutes.

Serve with Spanish rice, refried beans and corn tortillas.

Book of Mormon Class

Alma Chapter 17
Taught by Sue G.

Imagine Alma's surprise and joy one day after all these years as he ran into the sons of Mosiah, returning from their missions among the Lamanities in the Land of Nephi. They had a large company of Lamanite converts with them who were seeking refuge among the Nephites in the Land of Zarahemla. We will learn more about the account of their mission from chapters 17-20, they contain many favorites. Mormon points out that it is not enough to simply read the scriptures, rather, there are things that are required to teach the gospel with power and authority. Alma 17:3-4

In Alma 17:5-10 he describes how to be great missionaries, how to teach with authority and how to be filled with understanding.

• Search the scriptures diligently.
• Do a lot of praying and fasting.
• Be patient while suffering physical, mental and emotional trials of afflictions.
• Work hard, especially spiritually.

An important message is given next for all to accept the calling to serve the Lord. Alma 17:11

President Kimball said, "I suggest that in our family night gatherings we make a project to memorize a scripture citation a week. At the conclusion of a year, our children will have a friend of the scriptures which will remain with them through out their lives."

My prayer of love and concern is with you.

Love, Sister Sue G.

Up and Coming 2nd Annual Swap!

That's right.....the 

'Willow Wood WoMeN's 2nd Annual Swap' 

is coming up just around the corner!!

We had soooo much fun at 

Last years 'Swap', 

(click on words to see pictures from last year)
every one wanted to repeat the swap again this year.

SO....

Start looking through your things for stuff you no longer use or need that would be fun for someone else that you can bring to 'swap'!

Make sure to invite your neighbors early so they can search their homes as well. 

*This is such a 
good friend-shiping evening!

The date is Thursday, June 21st

The time will be, 6:30pm

We promise another fun filled atmosphere for a perfect ladies night out, complete with cute decor, chick food and great socializing, not to mention going home with new treasures!!


Remember this yumminess!!

We can't wait!!!

Chapter 9: Open Your Soul to the Lord in Prayer

Taught by Mary L.


Through personal and family prayer, we can feel Heavenly Father's influence in our lives and in our homes. Prayer was an important part of the home where George Albert Smith grew up.


I was trained at the knee of a Latter-day- Saint mother. One of the first things I remember was when she took me by the hand and led me upstairs. In the room there were two beds, the bed in which my parents slept, and a little trundle bed over on the other side. I can remember it as if it were yesterday. When we got upstairs, she sat down by my little trundle bed. She had me kneel in front of her. She folded my hands and took them in hers, and taught me my first prayer. I will never forget it. I do not want to forget it. It is one of the loveliest memories that I have in life, an angelic mother sitting down by my bedside and teaching me to pray.

Click here to listen to his account in his own words:

 First Prayer and Other Experiences  
George Albert Smith - 1986 

It was such a simple prayer, but ... that prayer opened for me the windows of heaven.  That prayer extended to me the hand of my Father in heaven, for she had explained to me what it all meant as far as a little child could understand. From that day until now, while I have covered approximately a million miles in the world among our Father's other children, every day and every night, wherever I have been, when I have gone to my bed or arisen from it, I have felt I was close to my Heavenly Father. He is not far away. Can you remember some of your earliest memories of learning how to pray?

3 Nephi 18:18-21
18 Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must watch and pray always lest ye enter into temptation; for Satan desireth to have you, that he may sift you as wheat.
19 therefore ye must always pray unto the Father in my name;
20 And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you.
21 Pray in your families unto the Father, always in my name, that your wives and your children may be blessed.


Prayer is a powerful influence in our personal lives, our homes, and our communities.
We live in an age when we need our Heavenly Father as much as they ever needed Him in any age.

Do not put away from you the power of God. Retain in your homes the influences of prayer and of thanksgiving, and let gratitude flow to him who is the author of our beings and the giver of all good.

Let our homes be the abiding place of prayer and thanksgiving and gratitude.

...Let us pray for the great men and women of the world who need the Lord but do not understand his interest in them. Pray for ... our governors, our mayors of cities, the men who have influence in politics in our various communities, that they may do the things that will be better for all of us and make us happier, and please our Heavenly Father. That is our privilege. I say to you that the power of prayer is something that cannot be measured. The Lord ... has explained to us how we may receive blessings through prayer. There are many people in the world who do not realize the real benefits of prayer. Prayer is a power. It has an influence that comparatively few people seem to understand. ...
...How many are there in this Church who do not know that they have the right, the absolute right, to pray to their Father in heaven, and ask Him to take from them their distress and lead them to contentment and happiness? It is strange that any member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints should have to be urged to say his prayers, and yet there are some people who do not pray in secret or have their family  prayers. Yet unless we pray we lose the protection that prayer offers...
Let us all evaluate our prayers and think of ways to improve our personal and family prayers.

• In your prayers at night, give the Lord an accounting of your day's activites. Then review with Him your plan for the next day. Listen for the promptings of the Spirit.
• Pray to overcome temptation. Yielding to temptation interferes with the Spirit.
• Pray and, when appropriate, fast for special blessings.
• Pray about and ponder the scriptures The scriptures open the window to revelation.
• Believe that God will answer your prayers. Recognize that God's thoughts are not your thoughts (see Isaiah 55:8-9), and trust God to answer your prayers in His own way and in His own time.

Happy Mothers Day!

To all of the Sisters in the Willow Wood Ward

We all have an opportunity to Mother, whether it be our own children, our nieces and nephews, 

or our friends or neighbors children. 

Today is a tribute to our God given attribute to 

love and nurture children.

Click below to hear a Mothers day special on the Mormon Channel including a talk by Sister Sherry Dew

Aren't we all Mothers?

JUST FOR FUN.....

Mom's know everything

Every mom has a favourite quote and a special tone to scold or teach a lesson to their recalcitrant kids. We might hate this momism as a kid but we all so much miss them when we grow up. These harsh sounding and yet so sweet advices from mothers is what makes our childhood so special. They are endearing!  Though we hate our moms for being so harsh in their statements, ironically we all use the same momism that we received from our mothers on our kids. Oh, how much we appreciate our mothers for coming up with such perfect 

one liners!

       Here is list of some of the most common momisms. This motherly advise transcends the borders of time, space, language and culture.

For kids are kids everywhere and 

Mom are always Mom...caring, concern, 

all knowing 

and full of love. 

Money does not grow on trees. Don't make that face or it'll freeze in that position. If I talked to my mother like you talk to me.... Always change your underwear; you never know when you'll have an accident. Be careful or you'll put your eye out. What if everyone jumped off a cliff? Would you do it, too? You have enough dirt behind those ears to grow potatoes! Close that door! Were you born in a barn? If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. Don't put that in your mouth; you don't know where it's been! Be careful what you wish for, it might come true. What's meant to be, is meant to be. (Mom only used this when something bad happened or when you experienced a disappointment.) It doesn't matter what you accomplish, I'll always be proud of you. I hope that when you grow up, you have kids "Just Like you"! (Also known as the "Mother's Curse") Because I'm your mother that's why. This is why we can't have nice things. If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times. Eat your vegetables, there are starving children in China (Africa, Vietnam)   If you fall out of that tree and break you leg , don't come running to me. Someday your face is going to stick like that.  Yes, I *AM* the boss of you. Because I said so.  Just wait till your father gets home.  No dessert till you clean off your plate. I brought you into this world and I can take you OUT !! I've got eyes in the back of my head, that's how Get that thing out of your mouth! (or nose) Just you wait until you have kids of your own - then you'll understand You tell that bully to cut it out or you'll tell the teacher... I slave for hours over a hot stove and this is the thanks I get?! Honestly... You'd lose your head if it wasn't screwed on! Honestly, that cardigan looks great on you - the girls had better watch out with you around! Bored! How can you be bored? I was never bored at your age. Who'll end up walking, bathing and feeding it...?

The Purpose of Relief Society and Visiting Teaching

Taught by Terry S.

What are the purposes of Relief Society?

How would you say the Willow Wood Ward is doing in each of these areas?

Joseph Smith taught that the Relief Society was "not only to relieve the poor but to save souls," and Sister Beck said, "The larger part of the work of Relief Society today is to look after the spiritual welfare and salvation of all the female members of the church."

Please read Doctrine & Covenants 138:56 "Even before they were born, they, with many others, received their first lessons in the world of spirits and were prepared to come forth in the time of the Lord to labor in his vineyard for the salvation of the souls of men."

Sisters, we were prepared and taught, even before we were born on the earth, to love and care for one another.

When I hear of sisters who say they are not comfortable in Relief Society, it breaks my heart. If we can't feel comfortable among our sisters, friends and neighbors, what does that say about us?

We need each other - I need you. The Priesthood doesn't have activity night. The Lord knows that women need to gather together, teach each other and help each other through tough times I don't want to talk about menopause with my husband- he doesn't understand. I want to talk to other women.

Look at all the good that is done on an individual basis. So, when we get together, the possibilities of what can be accomplished are endless. We have great power alone and together we have even more power to do good. 

In the first Relief Society meeting, Sister Emma Smith said, "We are going to do something extraordinary." We are ordinary women doing extraordinary things.

Here in the Willow wood Ward we are so blessed. As a Relief Society we are going to start doing humanitarian and service projects on the months alternating with our acivities. There will be a special committee who will plan and put these projects into action. We are looking forward to serving those in need.

Next,

Ask yourself this question-

Do I need to change my attitude toward Visiting Teaching?

As I was preparing for this lesson, I wondered what I could say to change the attitudes about visiting teaching. I realized that there was nothing I could say that hasn't already been said a thousand different ways. What I realized is that change can only come through the Holy Ghost. If you ask and want a change in your attitude it can come.

Sister Beck also said in General Conference 2009, "Because we follow the example and teachings of Jesus Christ, we value this sacred assignment to love, know, serve, understand, teach, and minister in His behalf. A sister in this church has no other responsibility outside of her family that has the potential to do as much good as does visiting teaching."

She also said, "It is our blessing to pray for another sister and receive inspiration as to how the Lord would have us care for one of His daughters." And, "Faithfully serving as a visiting teacher is evidence of our discipleship."

                       

We have been asked by the General Relief Society of the church to change the way visiting teaching is reported. When you talk to your visiting teaching supervisor, she will now ask you how your sisters are doing. Not whether or not you got your visiting teaching done but what's going on with them. We want to know the good things and the bad things. Keep confidences and follow the promptings of the Spirit. You'll never go wrong by listening to the still small voice. It won't scream and yell or knock you on the side of your head. You have to live your life worthy to be able to hear it.

I know God lives and He wants us to take care of each other. We will find the greatest joy in our own lives by serving someone else. Thank you for serving one another.

Book of Mormon Class

Alma chapters 15-16
Taught by Sue G.

Alma 15
Alma And Amulek are sent to Sidom where they establish the Church among the refugees from Amonihah and the faithful throughout the region. Alma heals Zeezrom who is baptized and becomes a teacher among the people Amulek has sacrificed all for the sake of Christ. He goes with Alma to his home in Zarahelma.


In the example of Zeezrom before he was healed by Amulek we see the agony of guilt and the deliverance through repentance and obedience the spirit can transform the guilt in an anguished soul into the joy of redemption. 

President Boyd K. Packer taught that Physical illness can be related to spiritual ailments "There are spiritual disorders and spiritual diseases that can cause intense suffering. The body and the spirit of man are bound together often, very often, when there are disorders, it is very difficult to tell which is which".


Do we have a Zeezrom element within us that needs to be reformed and converted into an element of strength in building the Kingdom of God.


Alma 16
Perhaps you remember that  when Alma and the sons of Mosiah were converted, the four sons of Mosiah requested the privilege of going on a mission to the Lamanites that permission were granted. (Mosiah 28:5-9) 
Click here for a video:
Son's of Mosiah request the priveledge of going on a mission

Alma 16:13
And Alma and Amulek went forth preaching repentance to the people in their Temples and in their sanctuaries, and also in their synagogues, which were built after the manner of the jews. They taught everyone, not discriminating. The Lord poured out his Spirit to all the Land.

May Calendar

Don't you just LOVE May!!!

The Earth is cloaked in green again. 

Flowers are blooming everywhere and the birds are 

singing their happy return.

This is the time to go outside, 

steal a minute in the glorious sunshine and 

just breath in an intoxicating 

moment of renewing joy!

*Recipe Group will be at Ingar D's house.

She is teaching mole' and spanish rice.

Presidents Message:

We are sad to say good by to Marilee as she leaves us to join the Stake Relief Society Presidency! We have truly been blessed by her wonderful lessons taught and service rendered.

We want to thank Katie for serving as a Relief Society teacher and Welcome her as Secretary to the Presidency. We look forward to her young 

and vibrant addition. 

Thank you both for your willingness to serve where ever the Lord calls you!

We are asking as you call your VT Supervisor with your Visiting Teaching report each Month, that you report how your Sisters are doing? What are their concerns, their needs, their happy happenings!

This will help not only you, but us, in our stewardship over each other as we give attentive, continuous loving care to watching over one another.

In an address titled; "Visiting Teaching: The Heart and Soul of Relief Society" given at the Fall 2003 Open House by Sister Bonnie D. Parkin, then the Relief Society General President, she talked about 'Watchcare'.

She said; "Visiting teaching creates connections for women.... Sisters, do we understand the purpose of visiting teaching?.......the handbook says: 

"The purposes of visiting teaching are to build caring relationships with each sister and to offer support, comfort, and friendship. This is what we call watchcare. In visiting teaching, both the giver and the receiver are blessed and strengthened...."

We are so grateful for the wonderful 

'Watchcare' 

being done by all you Willow Wood Women.  

You are the hands and heart of the Lord!

Luke 4:10

"For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee:

Love, Terry

Leila

Nancy

Katie