Relief Society Birthday Celebration By Nicole Fisher

We’d like to thank the Stake Relief Society Presidency and all the committee members who put together a fantastic evening to celebrate the Relief Society Birthday. The cultural hall was decorated in bright, springtime colors, with an assortment of beautiful Birthday Cakes as the centerpieces. Dinner was served buffet style by the “Green Apron Brigade,” members of the Stake Presidency and High Council, who saw to it that every water glass was full, dishes were cleared and cleaned, and later saw to the disassembling of the tables and chairs. The main course was a delicious Asian Chicken Salad from the Pioneer Woman Cookbook and a variety of breads. There was even a gluten-free salad option. Every thought was put into preparation.
The evenings entertainment was provided by Mercy River, a talented trio of women, each young mothers and wives, who sang and shared stories of inspiration. We were invited to particpate in a “Spiritual Spa,” where we were asked to relax, take a deep breath and de-stress by sharing a sincere compliment with our neighbors at our tables. Then we received our first treatment, a “spiritual massage,” new since the Book of Mormon times, where individuals were always complaining of being “stiff necked.” The way to avoid this ailment is to focus on the joys of the moment, instead of looking too far into the future. President Monson has said that we have “ . . . one and only chance at mortal life, here and now . . . find joy in the journey now.” Mercy River sang a song about sunshine, “let my eyes see all the beauty, bring in the sunshine.”
Our next treatment was a trim. They shared a humorous, Seussical poem about a women who was perfect in every way, “ . . . easy she said and then she dropped dead.” How do we choose what is most important to focus on? They shared the story of Mary and Martha. “Mary hath chosen the good part” by recognizing that learning the gospel from Christ was most needful, but they also focused on the fact that Jesus also loved Martha. Its okay to be a Martha, but sometimes its okay to forgo the good for the better or best, that being in strengthening our faith in Jesus Christ.
Our next treatment was a manicure. One frustration in being a woman is that so much of what we do doesn’t stay done. It was suggested that we “do the things that stick.” Referring back to Mary and Martha, the scriptures tell us “ . . . that the good part shall not be taken from her.” We need to slow down and remember to do the important things, like read scriptures and learn of Christ.
The manicure was followed by a facial. Often times, a skin peel gets worse for a couple of days before it looks good. Life can be like that. We need to trust in God, even if our prayers are not answered in the way that we’d hoped. We will face difficulties, but we don’t have to do it alone. The Atonement helps us when we need strength, comfort or peace. A few of my favorite quotes from the evening where, “The Savior knows how to suffer his people. His mercy is like a river flowing to everyone, everywhere:” and “The gospel is not insurance against pain, it’s a resource in the event of pain.”
Our final treatment was a wax, as in “waxing stronger in humility” (Hel. 3:35). It takes time to become the person we are supposed to become. The Savior doesn’t love us because we are perfect, but because He’s perfect.
Margaret Strong, our Stake Relief Society President, asked each of us to read Doctrine and Covenants, Section 25 and put ourselves in the scriptures. She then asked us to reread our patriarchal blessings, “letting the Lord’s love wash over you and remind you that you are a precious daughter of God who loves you.” It was a wonderful evening and I know that we were spiritually edified by attending.

Our thoughts and prayers

For those who may not know, Lesa Wells will be undergoing surgery on a brain tumor this Thursday, March 17. She will be in the hospital for several days after the surgery. Please keep her and her family in your prayers.

I know that we all love Lesa and would like to help her. One thing that she would love, while she's recovering, is that each of us look for little ways to take care of the sisters in our ward. Whether through our visiting teaching or reaching out to a neighbor, I know she'll have peace of mind knowing that we are looking out for and serving one another.

While Lesa is going through all of this, please contact other members of the Presidency, Shelley Turner, Jody Done, Nicole Fisher or Brigitte Pace, for any matters pertaining to Relief Society. We would be happy to help you. We don't want Lesa to have any worries or concerns about the ward and we'd be happy to help any way that we can. Let's help Lesa get the rest she needs!

We are so blessed to live in such an incredible ward. Know that we love each of you.

We'd like to let the sisters know that there will be a "Basket of Love" on Lesa Wells' front porch if you'd like to drop of notes and well wishes. We encourage this rather than calls so that she may get her rest after surgery. Thank you.

Cooking Tips from Betsy's Basics: Potatoes & Rice

1. Mash potatoes while hot. If cooled before mashing they will become gummy.
2. If potatoes are boiled about 5 min., then put into a hot oven to bake. Tehy will be thoroughly done in about half the time.
3. Cook rice in broth instead of plain water.
4. Add vinaigrette-type salad dressing to potatoes for potato salad while they're still hot--they will absorb more of the dressing.

From the Heart by Shelley Turner, Dec. 5, 2010

The other day, I received an email from someone I barely know—a friend of a friend. The message looked to have been forwarded several times while making its way through the email “circuit.” I always scroll through these just to see what they’re about; I was attracted to this one because it contained not one, but two quizzes! If you know me at all, you know I can’t resist a quiz. Here is how the first quiz goes. See how many you can answer:

1. Name the 5 wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last 5 Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last 5 winners of the Miss America pageant.
4. Name 10 people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade’s worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

Now take Quiz #2:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name 3 friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name 5 people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of 5 people you enjoy spending time with.

Was that a little easier?

The lesson is obvious. The people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They probably don’t look like Miss America, have an “in” with the President, or find creative ways to hide from the paparazzi. They are the people who day after day are simply there. They are all around us and, in largely unglamorous ways, simply serve, and give, and teach, and care.

‘Tis the season. If this were an email, I might urge you to forward it on to those people who’ve made a difference in your life. Instead, I hope you will take a moment to acknowledge all the people in your life that bless your life. And then tell them. Happy Holidays!

Give Thanks! Relief Society Activity, November 10, 2010

Christmas Table

Thanksgiving Table

Thanksgiving Themed Entry Table

We'd like to thank our Relief Society Activity Committee for the enjoyable activity yesterday evening. The evening began with a table setting demonstration by Kristy, a dear friend of Trina Metcalf, who works at the Foothill Basket Loft. She had set a Christmas and Thanksgiving table, as well as a Thanksgiving themed entry table. Here are a few pointers:
1. If you see something you like in a magazine or catalogue, save it in a book for future ideas. Then you can shop sales to try to replicate the design.
2. Mix and match dishes, using items that you already have. Kristy likes to use mugs from her Grandmother and an eclectic mix of dishes, some from affordable places like Fred Meyer.
3. Repurpose existing items for display. You could use leaves or twigs from the back yard, or stack two wreaths to make a more unusual center piece. A favorite trick is taking a large glass jar, filling it with sugar (on a slight slope) and then creating winter scenes in the sugar. Rice (from food storage) could also be used. The reindeer linen in the center of the Christmas table setting was formally a tree skirt--Be creative!
4. Make your meals personal by having little, inexpensive take-homes at each place setting. She also suggested using these special meals as a time to share family stories and traditions. Christmas hard, ribbon candies remind Kristy of her grandmother's home in Pleasant Grove, so she uses those as a conversation starter to family history.
5. Group collections of decorations for more impact, rather than spreading out decorations. For example, group sets of Santa's or Nutcrackers in a hutch or on a table.

Kristy and Janice

LuAnne Reese and Chantelle Brown were also asked to share some ideas for family traditions. LuAnne and her family like to do a family run every Thanksgiving. Each family member wears matching t-shirts made for the event, or dresses up in crazy costumes and make-up when the economy is tight. She also shared her family calendars, made with collages of family pictures. One sister suggested using pictures of family members on the page of the month of their birthday.

Lisa and LuAnne

Chantelle shared her Thanksgiving jar idea, where family members are asked to say something they are thankful for about family members. Then, at Thanksgiving dinner, the jar is passed around, everyone draws out a thought to read and share. Her family also has a really fun tradition of extended family desert night, where cousins and family members gather and create a family tablecloth. Poster boards are laid over the table, then a white tablecloth and colored sharpy markers are provided for members to write on the tablecloth. The next year the tablecloth can be read by family members as a reminder of things that happened in their lives the year before. What great ideas!

Joyce, Bonnie and Chris

Chantelle showing her tablecloth

Shelley, Kathy, Jennett and Joyce

Caramel Apple Bar

The Finished Product--My 'Giving Thanks' banner

After the presentation, there was a caramel apple bar, complete with hot fudge, caramel and lots of toppings for desert and the opportunity to create "Give Thanks" banners. We'd like to thank Suzy Smart for all of her preparation and time in putting together the craft project. They turned out beautifully.

Katherine Peters and daughters

Kay, Coralee and Martha

Lisa King and Char Riggs


We also had the opportunity to thank Debi Frandsen and Trina Metcalf for all of their work in behalf of the Relief Society sisters. Debi has been called to be the Young Women's President, and Trina Metcalf will be the Young Women Secretary. We will really miss them in Relief Society, but know that the young women of this ward are in for a special treat with such great leaders.

Trina Metcalf and Debi Frandsen

Jody, Debi, Suzy, Lesa and Trina

Stacey, Debi, Lesa and Suzy

Eliza and Lisa Groneman

Thank you, thank you for such a fun evening and for all of you that came to support it!

Pioneer Spotlight edited by LuAnne Reese

The following is taken from remarks made by President Gordon B. Hinckley on the examples of our ancestors. “Every man and women in this Church knows something of the price paid by our forebears for their faith. I have been reminded of this whenever I read the narrative of Mary Goble Pay, my wife’s grandmother. She tells of her childhood in Brighton. It was here that her family was baptized. Their conversion came naturally because the Spirit whispered in their hearts that it was true. But there were critical relatives and neighbors and even mobs to deride and inflame others against them. It took courage, that rare quality described as moral courage, to stand up and be counted, to be baptized and recognized as a Mormon. The family traveled to Liverpool, where with some 900 others they boarded the sailing vessel Horizon. After six weeks they landed at Boston and traveled by steam train to Iowa City. There they purchased two yoke of oxen, one yoke of cows, a wagon, and a tent. They were then assigned to one of the handcart companies. In Iowa City their first tragedy occurred, their youngest child died from exposure. ‘... we traveled from 15 to 25 miles a day, until we caught up with the hand cart companies that day. We watched them cross the river. There were great lumps of ice floating down the river. It was bitter cold. . . . I wondered what made my mother cry. The next morning my little sister was born. She lived six weeks and was buried at the last crossing of [the] Sweetwater. We ran into heavy snow, my feet and legs were frozen. The men rubbed me with snow. They put my feet in a bucket of water. The pain was terrible. [My} brother James died at Devils Gate. My feet were frozen; also my brother Edwin and sister Caroline. My mother never got well, and died between little and big mountains; she was 43 years old. We arrived in the Salt Lake City on the 11th of December 1856. Three out of four that were living were frozen. My mother was dead in the wagon.’” President Hinckley concludes with this question: “Should we be surprised if we are called upon to endure a little sacrifice for our faith when our forebears paid so great a price for theirs? Without contention, without argument, without offense, let us pursue a steady course, moving forward to build the kingdom of God. If there is trouble, let us face it calmly. Let us overcome evil with good. This is God’s work. It will continue to strengthen over the earth, touching for good the lives of countless thousands whose hearts will respond to the message of truth. No power under heaven can stop it. This is my faith and my testimony.”

From the Heart by Lesa Wells

Lately it seems that many of our dear sisters have been struggling with either heartache, tragedy, illness, financial worry, divorce, or depression. I ask myself every day, "Why them?" I know my turn will come and I understand what the Lord says in D&C 136:31, “My people must be tried in all things, that they may be prepared to receive the glory that I have for them.” We all will struggle at one point or another in this life. Elder Gene R. Cook said, "Jesus taught that we pass through all these trials to refine us 'in the furnace of affliction' (1 Ne. 20:10), and that we should not bear them unaided, but 'in [the] Redeemer’s name' (D&C 138:13). The grace of the Lord through the Atonement can both cleanse us of sin and assist us in perfecting ourselves through our trials, sicknesses, and even 'character defects.' We are both sanctified and justified through the grace of the Lord." Elder L. Lionel Kendrick tells us, "Without trials we cannot be prepared for the great blessings the Lord wishes to give us. Struggles are a part of the sacred sanctification process…Sanctification prepares us to live in the presence of the Savior.” The Lord told the prophet Joseph, "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment…And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high" (D&C121:1,7-8). The prophet did 'endure it well' and we can too. I recently read the following words, "Rather than simply passing through trials, we must allow trials to pass through us in ways that sanctify us." My prayer is that we can look at our trials as blessings that allow us to draw even closer to Christ, keeping our eyes and hearts centered upon Him, allowing Him to sanctify our souls.