A little about the Church

I was sent this info in an email from a friend and thought it was a neat and interesting summary.  The FORD Motor Company Interfaith group is really a neat program that was started to share inspirational articles from all faiths and to learn about the faiths of the people they work with.  I am not sure the date on this, I didn't look very long, but thought you might enjoy reading this summary of 'LDS' facts......

L.D.S Facts from Ford Motor CompanyAn interesting article written by Ford Motor Company for their employees

from the 'Ford Interfaith' group as a message about the Church.

The Ford Interfaith group promotes unity by sharing information from all faiths and

features these types of articles about all religions and faiths from time to time.



QUICK FACTS & INTERESTING TIDBITS About The Church of Jesus Christ of

Latter-day Saints



Fleeing continued mob attacks, 158 years ago today the first Mormon

pioneers desperately started their Westward trek from Illinois in the dead

of winter. Of the 70,000 who began this 1300-mile journey, 6,000 were

buried along the way, including many children. The following are quick

facts and interesting tidbits about this now flourishing church.



OVERVIEW



* Named "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints"; informal

nicknames are "LDS" or "Mormon."



* Believes it's the Lord's restoration of original Christianity as

foretold to occur before Christ's Second Coming.



* Core focus is that Christ and His teachings bring happiness in this

life and exaltation in the next.



HISTORY



* In 1820 14-yr-old Joseph Smith told of a vision of God and Christ

foretelling a church restoration.



* Organized in New York in 1830, the church moved to near Cleveland, then

near Kansas City, then Illinois.



* Fleeing Illinois, Mormon pioneers founded Salt Lake City in Utah and

over 600 other Western communities.



SALT LAKE CITY



* Temple Square in Salt Lake has over 5 million annual visitors, more

than the Grand Canyon.



* The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is the world's most famous and has the

world's oldest radio program.



* The Salt Lake Temple is the most famous, but there are 128 other

temples built or underway.



* Home of the world's largest genealogy database; visit it online or

through 3,700 free branch libraries.



ACTIVE CONGREGATIONS



* Sunday services entail a three-hour block of three meetings; about

27,000 congregations exist worldwide.



* Highly vibrant programs exist for youth, children, singles, men, and

women; very strong family focus.



* Everyone has a calling; some surveys show LDS have the highest U.S.

attendance and service rates.



* Families receive personal fellowship visits at home from other members

on a monthly basis.



FINANCES



* Members tithe 10 percent, plus donate generously to the needy the first

Sunday of each month.



* Clergy and all other congregational positions are unpaid (however, much

of the janitorial is paid).



* The church has no debt; all buildings are paid for in cash (average of

two new congregations a day).



* The paid positions in Salt Lake are famously low-salaried; funds are

frugally used and tightly audited.



HEALTH CODE



* With a health code from 1833, LDS avoid alcohol, tobacco, illegal

drugs, coffee, and tea (herbal tea is ok).



* This 1833 code also teaches grains (especially wheat), fresh fruits and

vegetables, and sparing use of meat.



* A UCLA study showed that active LDS live longer than most Americans,

men by 11 years, women by 8.



* Utah is 50th in smoking, alcohol consumption, drunk driving, heart

disease, cancer, and sick days.



EDUCATION



* With four colleges, Utah's BYU with 30,000 students is the largest

single-campus private college.



* BYU Independent Study with 130,000 students is North America (340 web

courses, 530 via mail).



* Seminary, a daily class usually held around 6:00 A.M., serves 376,000

high school students.



* There are Institutes of Religion at 1,950 colleges worldwide that serve

367,000 college students.



* The church operates schools in parts of the Pacific Ocean and Mexico

for 10,000 students.



* Utah is 50th in spending per pupil, but first in adults that graduated

from high school and attended college.



WOMEN



* In 1842 the "Relief Society" was organized; it's the largest women's

organization in the world.



* Wyoming was first to allow women to vote; Utah was second, two months

later, in 1870.



* Women preach from the pulpit and serve as organization presidents,

teachers, committee chairs, etc.



SHARING CHRIST'S GOOD NEWS



* 61,000 missionaries serve in 165 countries; 93 percent are college-age;

22 percent are female.



* Unpaid and paying their own way, most work 65 hours a week for two

years, often in a new language.



MEMBERSHIP DISTRIBUTION



* LDS are 70 percent of Utah, 30 percent of Idaho; after Catholics, LDS

are the largest sect in 10 states.



* The church has 5.5 million members in the U.S., making it the fourth

largest individual U.S. denomination.



* Some memberships: New Zealand 95k, Japan 115k, UK 175k, Philippines

500k, Brazil 900k, Mexico 925k.



* Worldwide 51 percent are female; about 55 percent are not Caucasian;

about 70 percent are converts.



MEMBERSHIP GROWTH



* For the last 15 years, every day an average of 800+ people worldwide

joined the LDS church.



* Half of the growth is in Latin America, but the rate of growth is

highest in Africa and the former Soviet bloc.



* Worldwide membership just passed 12 million, a tenfold increase in 50

years.



* In 1984 a non-LDS professor estimated 265 million members by 2080; so

far growth has been faster.



* As this growth has been steady, he said it will be the "first 'new'

major world religion since Islam."



CHARITY/SERVICE



* Members in need obtain welfare from the LDS Church (thus Utah

government welfare spending is very low).



* LDS donate time at 220 welfare storehouses or canneries and about 400

farms (a FL ranch is 312k acres).



* There are 210 employment centers placing over 175,000 people annually,

and 64 family service centers.



* The church operates 46 thrift stores, in part to provide employment for

the disadvantaged.



* The 61,000 missionaries spend half a day each week doing

non-proselytizing community service.



HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE



* Over 200 million pounds of food, clothing, and medicine were donated

in the last 20 years in 147 countries.



* Almost all of this help is to non-LDS; LDS charities also work with and

donate to many non-LDS charities.



* Very rapid disaster relief has been given in 144 major disasters since

1986.



* Almost 3,000 welfare "missionaries" work without pay in 55 countries

(farm instructors, doctors, teachers...).



* LDS charities fund a wide variety of projects like drilling water wells

or funding small business startup loans.



* New in 2001, members in poor areas can get low-rate college loans;

10,000 loans have been made to date.



GRAB BAG



* Utah is first in: charitable giving, scientists, household computers,

children with two parents, and birth rate.



* Noted LDS included five senators, the Osmonds, Gladys Knight, Steve

Young, and the inventor of TV.



* LDS played a key role in the 2002 Winter Olympics; the chair is now the

governor of Massachusetts.



* Hawaii's #1 tourist site is the LDS Polynesian Cultural Center (Tonga

and the Samoas are one-third LDS).



* LDS have sponsored Boy Scout troops since 1913; 23 percent of all Scout

troops are LDS.



* The BYU Women's Cross Country were national champions or in second

place each of the last seven years.



DETROIT AREA



* The Detroit metro area has 30 congregations; the Dearborn chapel is on

Rotunda by Ford's Building #5.



* Detroit has a temple, storehouse, cannery, employment and family

service office, and family history libraries.



* LDS include former Governor Romney, three former Lions quarterbacks,

and hundreds of Ford employees.









A member of Ford's Interfaith Network,

the author of this note sends out monthly interfaith notes to thousands of Ford employees who have asked to receive them.

Though he writes on many different faiths, he does happen to be LDS.

If you'd like to contact him, his e-mail is sdrencure@yahoo.com.

Cookie Crumb Trail Christmas in Panaca

Panaca’s Cookie Crumb Trail 2011--These are all the upcoming events of the Cookie Crumb Trail:

A Call for Help
This year we have events throughout the entire month of December beginning December 2 and running through until the town Christmas Party on December 24th. Please call town chairperson Dixie Tienken at 728-4408 or Secretary Chris Ficken at 728-4274. We desperately need volunteers not only to bake cookies & furnish hot chocolate but also to help with the many events.
During the month of November Students Pre School through Middle School
(Public, Private or Home School) were invited to make decorations for the town tree. Ornaments must be no smaller than 2 inches by 2 inches or larger than 6 inches by 8 inches & must be made of a durable material that can handle outdoor weather from December 2nd through January 6th. Judging will be done November 29th & 30th by a panel of local artists. Winners will be announced by town board member, Pete Wells prizes and ribbons will be given out at the Town Lighting Ceremony at the Town Hall on Main Street at 6PM Friday, December 2nd. Christmas Caroling around the tree with Bible Talk’s Praise Band until 7PM. Cookies & hot chocolate will be served. So we need host & hostesses to serve. You may seen our local firemen, town board members, middle school students and other volunteers lead by Gary Elmer & Marty Soderberg trimming the town & tree earlier. Linda Lee will conduct tours of the Heritage Museum between 1& 4PM by request. Please call her prior to noon 12/1/11 at 728-4567to reserve a time. Both the Panaca Market & McCrowsky’s Y Service will be serving free Hot Drinks & cookies when you buy an LCAT Mug between 1PM & closing on December 2nd & again on December 17th.

Saturday, December 3rd features two other events the 2nd annual Jingle Jog sponsored by Panaca Fitness Center & Dr. Steve Klomp. Please preregister & get further information by December 1st at panacafitnesscenter.com. The second event on Saturday the 3rd will be the Home Decoration & Town Tree Making Extravaganza at Cathedral Gorge State Park Visitors Center between 10AM & 4PM. Great family event from youth to grandparents to show your creative side making decorations from natural materials furnished by the rangers or bring your own. Preregister by calling 728-4460 Hot chocolate & cookies will be served. Don’t forget to view the park’s lights & decorations as you’re leaving the park & hang your ornaments on the town tree in front of the Town Hall before returning home.
Tuesday the 13th will be the night when the judges will be driving around Panaca from 5 to 10 PM looking at the outdoor lights & displays. Please make sure your outside lights are on the entire time as often the judges have to return for a second look to break a tie or to select the Grand Prize on the Outdoor Displays. Prizes are awarded for Most Artistic, True Spirit of Christmas, and Best Effect on a Small Budget as well as the Grand Prize. Winners will be announced in the Auditorium at the conclusion of the Matinee performance of The Gift of Love on December 17th.

Wednesday the 14th will be the Lincoln County High School Band & Show Choir Christmas Concert at 7PM at the Neldon Mathews Auditorium on Edwards Street with Jake Lester directing.
Saturday the 17th is set for the Nativity Displays & Parade of Christmas Trees. Please note new times & location this year. Plus although we have a committee we need a Chairperson to hold this event together or we may have to cancel this event. Please call as soon as possible between 8AM & noon 728-4408. Location will be at the Neldon Mathews Gym between the Auditorium & the new Elementary School. Set up can be done the night of the 16th. Doors will be open for viewing on the 17th from 10AM until 12:50PM, 2 to 4PM and 6 to 7PM. Displays can be removed after 8:30 PM Saturday or Sunday afternoon between 4 & 6PM.

Saturday the 17th Toys for Tots at Bible Talk Church between 9AM until 3PM at Main & 6th Street. Donations of unwrapped new toys for newborn to 17 & cash accepted between 9 to 11AM. This year we have a real need for toys, books & games for the older kids 12 to 17. If you could bring these early to the church it would be very helpful. For more information please call Max Austgen 728-4744 or (702)279-6107. Checks as a donation may be sent to Toys for Tots, P O Box 448, Pioche, NV 89043. Distribution of toys by Santa to the children will only be between 11AM & 1PM at the church. A free picture of your child with Santa will be taken and sent to you for great memories. Bible Talk Praise Band will lead caroling. Hot Chocolate & cookies served.
Saturday the 17th FREE Christmas Play A GIFT OF LOVE 1PM Matinee & Evening Performance at 7PM in the Neldon Mathews Auditorium. A Gift of Love was written & directed by Dixie Tienken and features all local actors, musicians & artists and is their free gift to Lincoln County residents & visitors sharing the true meaning of Christmas. Meet the cast & have a cookie in the lobby following the performance but please do not take into auditorium or gym.
Monday the 19th A Great Family Home Evening 7 until about 8:30 PM
6th, 7th & 8th grade combined Band & Middle School Choir directed by Jake Lester and the last performance of A Gift of Love directed by Dixie Tienken. This will a very nice family evening with a Christmas theme. Please do not take any food or drinks into the Auditorium.
Wednesday& Thursday the 21st & 22nd Lincoln County Community Choir Sings Christmas Carols at 7PM directed by Clark Black at the Neldon Mathews Auditorium on Edwards Street.
Saturday the 24th Christmas Eve Town Party 5pm to 6:30 at the LDS Church Cultural Hall at Main & 4th Street. Visit Santa & get bag or stocking of goodies for each child. Caroling & short program directed by Leon Poteet.

NOV 2011 PRESIDENCY MESSAGE

(November's Theme from the Releif Society Declaration is: Rejoice in the blessings of the Temple. )
Dear Sisters:
Elder Robert D. Hales stated, "The temple is truly a place where you are 'in the world and not of the world.' When you are troubled and have crucial decisions that weigh heavily on your mind and soul, you can take your cares to the temple and receive spiritual guidance.
"The opportunity to enter the temple and take upon ourselves the sacred covenants therein is one of the greatest blessings available to us in mortality. Then, after we take upon us those covenants, our obedience also prepares us to live with Them in the eternities. The temple's saving ordinances are essential to--and even the central focus of--the eternal plan of happiness."

Love,

Jamie, Cindy, Loree, and Kathy

Make Your Own Temple Pic.......

On December 2nd, a Friday, there will be an opportunity for all interested throughout the community to make their own temple pictures (This is NOT a Relief Society Activity, just something that is going on and we wanted to let everyone that might be interested know about it).  Earlene Williams will be coming with all the materials to make these.  There are three sizes, 8x10 ($30), 16x20 ($50), & 20x30 ($70).  That price is for the completed, framed picture.  There are various Temple Pic's available, there is a booklet at the church by this picture with teh examples, and also the list of others that she can get for an extra $30 because they are ones they have not yet got copyright privileges for.  There is also a frame that is WIDER even than the one in the picture below.  It is an extra $15 dollars. 

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, the sign up forms are on the table at the church foyer, or you can contact me--me email link is in the lefthand corner of this blog.  She will need all information and money turned in at least a week prior!!

This is a 20x30 example of what you can do with the St George Temple.  It will start at 9 am and run throughout the day--It does NOT take all day, but requires you to be there on  and off as painting and glueing are done and then drying.  IF you cannot make it, but are interested, there may be others available to help complete yours for you, so check with me!!  Anyw questions, let me know!

Thanks,

Jamie

Daughters in My Kingdom...

http://lds.org/relief-society/daughters-in-my-kingdom/about-the-book?lang=eng#modal=the-gift-daughters-in-my-kingdom

It has been over a month since most of you received the new History of the Relief Society, Daughters in My Kingdom book.  Have you  read it?  Parts of it?  Is it collecting dust on the shelf?  Or becoming a treasure to you? Please watch this video clip from Sister Beck, I have been waiting for it to finally be available to share and wanted you all to see it.  IF you have not received your book yet, PLEASE let me know!!

Oct 2011 PRESIDENCY MESSAGE

(October's Theme from the Releif Society Declaration is: Sustain the priesthood as the authority of God on earth)
Dear Sisters:

This month our theme is: ‘Sustain the priesthood as the authority of God on earth.’ I hope that each of you will take a few moments this month to think about what that means, and whatever better time than as we sit through the beautiful and inspired talks of the General Authorities, the Prophets, Seers and Revelators during General Conference.

How blessed we are to have the Priesthood upon the earth. Many times I have heard of the inequality an injustice of women not having these same rights and authorities as are given to the men. Oh, how sorry I am that those who would complain do not understand the depth and glory of the Priesthood and its power for both men and women alike. It is only through the Priesthood that men and women, as husband and wife, are united to receive all that the Father has. One cannot gain without the other, and neither without the Priesthood.

Many times I have thought, “We sisters have so great a work to do already as nurturers and caretakers, a work that is just as great as the work the brothers have to do in their Priesthood roles.” And we fulfill these roles with the support of the Priesthood, to strengthen, bless, and buoy us up. It is so incredibly important that we do the same for the men of the church, our husbands, sons, and leaders, need our support and sustaining love as much as we need theirs. They need our encouragement, our faith in them, and our patience as we all strive for perfection.

So, take a minute this month and write down some blessings that have come to your life from the Priesthood and then commit to renew your support to sustain those called to lead and serve as the Lord’s Priesthood bearers upon the earth.
Love,
Jamie, Cindy, Loree, and Kathy

Sept 2011 PRESIDENCY MESSAGE

(September's Theme from the Releif Society Declaration is: Stand for Truth and Righteousness)

Dear Sisters:
"We are women of faith, virtue, vision and charity, who stand for truth and righteousness." Such a powerful statment, which is taken from our Relief Society Motto.
We should never underestimate the value of our example. In times of discouragement we may wonder if we really are making a difference in the lives of our families. Our consistent example of what is true and right will make all the difference.
Sister Sheri Dew says it so well, "We are the only ones who can show our young women and men that it is possible to live with purity in a polluted world. We are the only ones who can show them that purity is not prudish and that vulgarity is not in vogue. And we are the only ones who can show them that a woman who has the Spirit with her is radiant, and a man of God who honors the priesthood he holds is the finest example of manhood to be found."
The ability to stand by one's principles, to live with integrity and faith according to one's belief--that is what matters. That devotion to true principle--in our individual lives, in our homes and families, and in all places that we meet and influence other people--that devotion is what God is ultimately requesting of us.

Love,
Jamie, Cindy, Loree, and Kathy

Bread in a Bottle

*Find your favorite recipe: cake, sweet breads, regular breads and rolls,

*Make according to directions with only one change: Replace each egg called for with one teaspoon of prepared, clear gelatin.
*Take clean, sterile jars, and wipe with shortening this is important, if you use butter or sprays, they will go rancid--but shortening will last much longer! Of course, the breads shrink as they cool and are so moist that they probably would be fine without anything.
*Place the jars on a cookie sheet, well spaced by 4-5 inches.
*Fill each jar half full--they will probably still rise over the top, but you will just have to cut it off when it comes out of the oven.

* Bake for required time in recipe.
*Remove from oven, cut off tops slightly below rims of jars. Wipe off any residue around and immediately place sterilized lids and rings on the jars.
*Jars should seal within minutes and will last for years to come on the shelf or make for great snacks in the middle of winter, when out camping, or fun to give away as gifts!!

INFORMATION FROM WENDY DEWITT (Food Storage Specialist):
Jar cakes & breads: This method of baking has been done for years, but there has been some discussion as to its safety. Because the eggs were exchanged with unflavored gelatin in all of these recipes, it is unlikely that the ingredients used could support bacteria if prepared and cooked properly. If you feel at all uncomfortable with this method, don’t use it.


Jar cakes are great for food storage and the solar oven, but you must be sure to sanitize all your jars and lids to be sure they are free from bacteria. Foods such as breads, cakes, muffins, cornbread, brownies, cookies and cinnamon rolls are cooked and sealed in mason jars and can be kept on the shelf for several weeks. Using a pastry brush, grease the inside of your jar with shortening (no Pam or Baker’s Secret) and fill it ½ to 2/3 full with batter or dough and bake. No lid is used at this time. Let your breads rise in the jars and then bake. If it bakes too high, cut the top of your bread or cake off before sealing the jar. Just be sure your jar edge is clean and your lids are hot. Immediately after the food is cooked, place a heated lid on the hot jar and tighten with the ring (Use hot pads). Within a few minutes, the lid will “plink” and the food will be sealed. The food will slip out of the jars easily if you use the straight sided “jelly jars” but any kind of mason jar will work. With this method, you can do your baking on your bright sunny days and have fully cooked baked goods waiting on your shelves for that rainy day.

WHY Visiting Teaching.......

Every so often it seems that changes must be made to our visiting teaching, the routes, the companionships, and as I start to make these changes I feel myself wading out into the mire, being bogged down with questions, worries, stress, and doubt. I desperately want to know ‘WHY?!?!” Meaning, why do I have to re-do the visiting teaching, why does it have to be so hard, why does it seem so monumental to actually accomplish. I ask myself this so many times, even finding myself saying, “I HATE IT, I HATE IT!!” It is the hardest thing. And then I find myself ashamed, and listening to our leaders speak of the importance of visiting teaching, of its divine mandate, and so, I decide to answer the “WHY.”

Why do we do visiting teaching? Why do I stress and worry so much over these changes? So, that I can see it in the correct light, so that it isn’t a burden, but a sacred task of making sure each one of His daughters is watched and loved by His other daughters, that they are coming to know and love each other—all the while strengthening their ward, their stake, His church. Faith Family and Relief are what we do, and the vast majority of that comes through our visiting teaching. Here is what I wrote down after pondering about it. Maybe each of you could add to it….
#1 Because it is the Lord’s plan of watch-care for each of His precious daughters—in all honesty we may fall short as people and may not love them all the same, BUT He does!! And so provides a way for them ALL to be watched for, to be loved, to give us the chance to know them, so that we may come to love them as He does.



#2 It is a way for us to teach, to share, to spread the gospel and use our testimonies to benefit those around us.



#3 It also helps us to grow and learn from what others can teach us as we come to know them in their homes, in their lives.

 #4 It gives us more opportunity to serve than we would ever have without it.



#5 It gives us precious opportunity to follow promptings of the Spirit as we pray for them and how to meet their needs.


#6 It humbles us, as we overcome selfishness, as we give of our self to others, to serve and love them, especially when it is someone we may at first see as challenging to know and love.

 #7 It humbles us as we see the Lord use us to do His work, and see how much more we are capable of when we turn ourselves over to His plan for us.

 #8 Through it we also gain precious, eternal friendships that strengthen and fortify us through all we face.


#9 WE are acting for Him, doing His work—is there any greater reason than this?


So, I apologize for my bad attitude about the work and effort that goes into it, I pray for the insight and inspiration from the Spirit to make the right companionships, the best routes, to bless all involved. I pray for compassion and understanding amongst the sisters, but most of all I pray for them to desire to get to know and love their sisters—in a busy life sometimes it is a phone call, a note, but if they are in your prayers, they will be in your thoughts, and you will find the time, courage, patience to serve them. This is my prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Hi all,
Just wanted to remind you that the General Relief Society Broadcast is tomorrow night at 5 pm, available at the chapel and online, BYU-TV, etc. Hope you get a chance to listen it only comes once a year, and last years was wonderful!

Also, we had such a wonderful time at the ward party last night--I apologize that I didn't get an email reminder out about it, this week has been CrAzY! On the way home, Stetson said, "That was the best party ever, huh, mom!?!?" I thought that was a pretty good assessment from a 5 year old. Afterwards I was thinking that I learned at new things about at least 4 or 5 people that I have known for a long time, but just having the chance to sit and visit gives you such great opportunities to really get to know and love those we call our 'ward family.' Sorry for those who missed it, we know how hectic it is to find a night that works for everyone, hope we'll see you next time!!
Also, thank you for all who came out to our canning event, we hope you had a wonderful timed and learned fun stuff--I have been canning nuts and choc. chips this week since we realized my grandma had a foodsaver with the vacuum hose that she had never used!! We really enjoyed having all of you out and had such a great time, too!
I have forgot to update the blog, but for those interested, BOOK CLUB is back in session and currently reading "Pride and Prejudice" and will meet the first Wednesday of each month!! So, you still have a little bit of time to read the classic that is one of my all-time favorites!! We are still trying to decide if we will do a movie night or not!
Many of you have received the BEAUTIFUL new books about the history and purpose of the Relief Society, these will be coming to you all, so don't think you have been missed or forgotten if you have yet to receive one. They are to be used for personal study and helps with callings in the church. I would encourage you to read and study them as you have time, but would especially like to invite you all to read the subject on visiting teaching. IT was so interesting to me to learn more of the history and to gain a better understanding of what my role is and I definitely feel I have some room to improve! Some of you exemplify it so well. Again, it is a beautiful book, the 1st presidency was inspired to direct it's making and we would be missing out if it collected dust on our shelves.
And, one final note, we are making changes once again with visiting teaching that will in a small or large way affect about half of you--once the dominoes start to fall, it is very hard to stop them!!! We want to make sure our sisters are being watched and cared for and hope that these changes will really help that to happen. THANK YOU to all who serve so faithfully, to those who try even when it is hard, who are brave even when shy or scared , to all those who even desire, but yet are unable....we know your hearts and love and appreciate your service and have spent much time in prayer and effort to make changes that will be for the best! We will be trying to get them in order for October, so keep up the good work this month and you'll probably be hearing from us!

Love,
Sister Perkins

An "Out of The Box' Canning Activity.....

For many of you, canning is a way of life, and for others, it is a complete unknown......SO, we wanted our canning night to be something that can benefit everyone, come and learn and gain new and fun ideas--vacuum sealing your dried goods, like choco chips and nuts so they last for years and years instead of getting stale and rancid.  What about bottling meat--instead of thawing cooking and then getting it into that casserole, why not just open a bottle and add meat cooked only in a little salt and it's own juices???  Or maybe breads and cakes for some extra treats or sweets when that day comes that you might not be able to get them at the store, or just for a camping trip that you don't want them to go bad before the last day of????  Learn about juicing, pressure canning, and even just quick and easy tips for the  basics!!!  Plus, we are going to have refreshments and sampling of some of them so you can try for yourself!!

WHEN:  TUESDAY, SEPT. 20th

TIME: 6:30 PM

WHERE: THE CULTURAL HALL

WHO: ALL Relief Society Sisters and Friends!!

**If you have a favorite tip or a fun recipe for bottling, feel free to bring it and share with us!!

Relief Society, Stake and General....

Panaca 2nd Sisters, if you missed stake conference on Sunday you may not know that we have a new Stake Relief Society President, Sister VaNae Cumming!  She was sustained, along with counselors, Charlene Lameroux, Pearl Hatch, and Donene Mathews.  We are excited to have them leading us and also appreciate Sister Perkins and her presidency for their service over the past few years.  Sister Cumming let me know that there will be no stake activity before the General Meeting, but she asked that we encourage all sisters to attend at the stake center, or watch from home!! 

Here is the info from church headquarters about when to tune in!

General Relief Society Meeting to Be Held on September 24, 2011

Relief Society sisters worldwide are invited to view the satellite broadcast of the general Relief Society meeting, which will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2011, at 6:00 p.m. (MDT) and will be broadcast to many areas of the world. (Panaca 2nd Sisters, this means the broadcast will be at 5:00 at the stake center or online or on BYU-TV!!)
All sisters 18 years of age and older are encouraged to gather together in meetinghouses to view the broadcast.

Video of the broadcast will also be available live in American Sign Language, English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish at conference.lds.org. Additional languages will be available as a live audio broadcast at the same site. Archives of the broadcast will be available in those same languages at the same site within 24 hours. Live audio will also be available in English at mormonchannel.org.

Those wishing to attend in person can contact the ticket office for more information.

WASHINGTON APPLES.....

Sisters,
If you are interested in ordering apples this year, the link to the web page is below!!

WASHINGTON APPLES ! ! !
Here's their information:

JECS Farm

September 10, 2011
Hello,
We are excited to bring you another season of apples. Our goal is to help as many people as possible benefit from these great apples. So please feel free to foreword this email on to others whom you think would love some great apples! Here are the details:
Note: The apple supply in our area is estimated to be 10% less than last year. As orders will be filled in the order received, this means the sooner you place your order, even for Fuji's and Honeycrisp's, the more assured you are of receiving your apples. Last year we barely had enough apples to meet the orders so order now and don't miss out. Don't wait until the deadline or you will miss out. Order here: http://www.applesinaseed.com/apple_order.html

Deadline to order:
Golden's and Honeycrisp: September 21, 2011. Estimated time of delivery: First week of October.
Fuji's: November 21, 2011. Estimated time of delivery: First two weeks of December.
Price: Golden's & Fuji's-- $26/box (.65 cents/lb), Honeycrisp-- $31/box (.78 cents/lb)

To our regret, you may notice the small price increase from last year. This has been unavoidable as many costs have increased for us (and the rest of the economy) this year. The cost of the apples themselves has gone up 15%, shipping is up 20%, cardboard boxes are up 8%, labor is up 5% and so on. We have tried to absorb as much of the increase as possible without passing it on but can only do so much. Thank you for your understanding. Our prices for this farm fresh fruit are still 50% to 75% less than the local grocery store with superior quality.
As in the past, each box will weigh approximately 40 lbs. and are 'field run' apples. This means you will have a variety of sizes, shapes, color and small defects as you would when picking directly from the tree. They are washed and cleaned and we sort through them to get the best apples possible. They are the same apples as you have received from us in the past. Washington State has long been known as one of the best areas to grow apples but these apples are grown on the banks of Lake Chelan, Washington and are the very best; crisp, juicy and great flavor.
Remember that it is very important to watch your email for the delivery information. We will notify you by email of the delivery date and specific location. You must come and pick up your order at the specified time. In many locations we can't store your apples and have someone waiting around to get them to you at a later time. Any leftover boxes will be given to a local charity.
Suggestion: Because of gas prices, the economy and possible time constraints, we encourage people to consolidate your trips to pick up apples. Work with a friend in your area, donate to them a dollar or two for gas and time, and consolidate trips. This should help many of our customers who may have difficulty for one reason or another getting to the apple pick up locations. Because the apples are also prepaid, this will simplify things. This will also help keep the cost down on your apples.
Please order now:
There are two methods of payment: Credit/Debit Card or Check
Just click on the link below:
http://www.applesinaseed.com/apple_order.html
Thank you very much
Ken and Shauna

Aug 2011 PRESIDENCY MESSAGE

(August's Theme from the Releif Society Declaration is: Love Life and Learning)
Dear Sisters:

It seems that sometimes as wives and mothers we are often so buys that our learning opportunities are limited. Maybe schooling is put on hold, or put off completely, or the thought of going back to it seems so far away. But, it is our responsibility to never give up on learning, and to seek chances for it, though they may come in small and sporadic times. Elder Bednar teaches: “You and I are here on the earth to prepare for eternity, to learn how to learn, to learn things that are temporally important and eternally essential, and to assist others in learning wisdom and truth (see D&C 97:1). Understanding who we are, where we came from, and why we are on the earth places upon each of us a great responsibility both to learn how to learn and to learn to love learning.”

Our theme for August, from the Relief Society Declaration is: Love life and learning. They seem to go hand-in-hand. I truly believe that the more we learn, the more we see and understand our Father’s plan, and with this learning comes the desire to know more, and as great wisdom and knowledge open before us, we will have greater love for life and living.

As always, we must remember there is a balance. The things that are ESSENTIAL to our eternal salvation come first, the things NECESSARY to daily survival and responsibilities come next, and then the NICE things we fit in as time allows. And if we follow this order, we will find time, happiness, and love of life and learning.
Love,
Jamie, Cindy, Loree, and Kathy

The Results of our Sewing Service.......

A Day of Service, With Great Results!

I just wanted to share with all of our Sisters the results of our day of sewing service.  For all those who attended in person, and in spirit, for those who pinned and cut and ironed, and those who sewed, those who stayed for the day, for an hour, and those who took projects home to finish--THANK YOU!!  And to Sister Maughan who found this project for us, spearheaded it all, and put in so many hours of preparation--THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!  What wonderful results came. 

This service project came in response to President Eyring's April Conference message, "To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Church welfare program, members worldwide will be invited to participate in a day of service. Leaders and members will seek revelation as they design whatever the projects will be.

I will make three suggestions as you plan your service project.

First, prepare yourself and those you lead spiritually. Only if hearts are softened by the Savior’s Atonement can you see clearly the goal of the project as blessing both spiritually and temporally the lives of the children of Heavenly Father.

My second suggestion is to choose as recipients of your service people within the kingdom or in the community whose needs will touch the hearts of those who will give the service. The people they serve will feel their love. That may do more to make them feel glad, as the song promised, than will meeting only their temporal needs.

My last suggestion is to plan to draw on the power of the bonds of families, of quorums, of auxiliary organizations, and of people you know in your communities. The feelings of unity will multiply the good effects of the service you give. And those feelings of unity in families, in the Church, and in communities will grow and become a lasting legacy long after the project ends."

As our presidency met and discussed what we could do to fill this call to serve, Sister Maughan contacted the hospital to see if there were needs we could meet in our own community.  Jerralyn Smith, the activities director had had in mind the idea of getting clothing protectors for the long-term care patients for three years now, but the cost was too much.  With our volunteer efforts, and the donation of money for materials from the Thrift store, we were able to provide them at half the cost they had found them to be.  With all of your help, we were able to finish 34 clothing protectors and Cindy, Kathy and I were able to take them down one day in time for lunch!

Cindy, explaining how the new clothing protectors/aprons worked.

Sister Cathy Povis from our ward who is an RN at the hospital was excited to see the knew clothing protectors and help the patients all get them on.  Cathy's mom, Sister Barr, was a huge help in sewing!

Jerralyn Smith, helping "Shorty' get ready for his lunch.  A few days ago I ran into Jerralyn and she told me that the patients love them.  She said that they try to keep them clean so that they can wear them all day.  She found one lady carrying all kinds of things in the pocket and using it all day long.  She wanted you all to know how much they truly appreciated your efforts, this had fulfilled her dream of three years.  They felt that the clothing protectors were more like the aprons that most of the women had grown up wearing, and that they gve so much more dignity than a towel or 'bib' wrapped around them.

The bright colors helped cheer up the place.  The service helped cheer up our hearts.  Thank you all for your willingness to serve and to help fulfill such a great need in our little community to many of our dear and sweet little friends like Sister Jones!

All in all, we recorded AT LEAST 90 HOURS of service from all involved! 

In closing, President Eyring's words reflect our appreciation to each of you, "The Lord’s way to help those in temporal need requires people who out of love have consecrated themselves and what they have to God and to His work."  Thank you for your consecration to God and His work.

Welcome August!

Summer is racing by, though not quick enough for some mom's who have fun out of entertainment and patience, and too quickly for those still trying fo figure out where it actually went!!  I hope that you have found moments of fun and joy and peace amidst the rush of summer. 

 We especially want to thank all who helped donate over 90 hours of service for our sewing service project!! It gives me a goosebumps just thinking aobut it--we are so excited to take these clothes protectors to the hospital and give to the patients there and will hopefully get some pictures to share with all of you--we know they are going to love them!!  What an awesome time it was to share our efforts, talents, and time as sisters in the gospel.  This makes me think of the August visiting teaching message : "A Society of Holy Women"  What an honor to be a part of such society.  Thank you again--especially Sister Maughan for her hours of dedicated preparation to this project, we could never have managed it without her!

We do have hopes for a couple of things this month, but do not have them scheduled yet--we are looking a having another SERVICE AUCTION, since our last one was so great and we are hoping to get more people out.  We are also looking to maybe do some canning for provident living this month or next.  We will let you know as they come up!!

Thanks again for all you do!!

July 2011 PRESIDENCY MESSAGE

(July'sTheme from the Releif Society Declaration is: Delight in Service and Good Works)
Dear Sisters:
Our Relief Society theme for July is "delight in service and good works". We have a great example of this principle in our beloved prophet, President Monson. It seems that oftentimes the message of his general conference addresses is service. Many times we've heard from him of the joy he felt when he had the opportunity to bless and serve the many widows of his ward as a young bishop. He also recounts the story of when he was a boy, and his mother provided Sunday dinner to an elderly man in the ward. It was his duty to hand-carry the plate over to this man's house. Although at first he was somewhat dismayed that the family had to wait until he returned from his delivery before they could eat, he has said, "that Sunday dinner seemed to taste a bit better after I had returned from my errand." His mother was a wise women to provide this opportunity to teach her son of the happiness that can be felt from helping others. The Savior was the most perfect example of service. His life was filled with blessing others. He said in Matthew: "Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

We hope that we can all seek for the joy that we can get through serving our brothers and sisters. Let's open our eyes and hearts to the many opportunities that come to serve others daily. We love you all.
Love,

Jamie, Cindy, Loree, and Kathy

June 2011 PRESIDENCY MESSAGE

(June'sTheme from the Releif Society Declaration is: Find Nobility in Motherhood and Joy in Womanhood)
Dear Sisters:
“The Nobility of Motherhood and Joy of Womanhood” is the topic for our Presidency lesson this month. While preparing, I noticed Elder Carl B. Cook, a recently called general authority, mentioned the influence of his mother in a church news article.

“When he was six and his youngest sister just three months old, his mother was left to raise five young children. Watching his mother go to work, go to night school and juggle the demands of raising a family while faithfully fulfilling her church calling had a definite impact on Elder Cook. Besides teaching him how to mow the lawn, saddle the horses and make repairs around the house, she taught him to ‘trust in the Lord, work hard and serve others.’ Now when he is faced with a challenge or daunting task, he thinks about the example of his mother and says, ‘OK, Mom, I’ll try it. I can do it’.”
Another such example I read was from Steve Mikita. He has spent his life in a wheelchair being born with spinal muscular atrophy. He has been very successful in his life; he has served as Utah’s assistant attorney general since 1982. “When I looked back on my earlier years, I soon realized my understanding Christ’s love came through my mother’s love.” . . . ”My mother helped me interpret the meaning and

purpose of life, and the meaning and purpose behind suffering.” Steve’s mother inspired him to achieve his dream of going to college. She was instrumental in his conversion to the LDS Church and taught him how to laugh at life.
Sister Sheri Dew clearly describes our important role in our Heavenly Father’s plan. “Motherhood is not what was left over after our Father blessed His sons with priesthood ordination. It was the most ennobling endowment He could give His

daughters, a sacred trust that gave women an unparalleled role in helping His children keep their second estate.” (Nov. 2001 Ensign)
Love,

Jamie, Cindy, Loree, and Kathy

July.....Sewing Service

I just wanted to post information about the Relief Society Service project for July!  While I am desperately behind and unsure of when I won't be behind, I did want to let you know about the wonderful project we will be working on to sew clothing protectors for the long term care patients at the hospital in Caliente.

Not only is this a great project, but one that directly blesses our own community and often times friends and family, since that is who many of the long-term patients are.

On Wendesday, July 27th, from 1-5 pm at the church we will be cutting, sewing, ironing, hand-sewing buttons.  During this time a nursery will be provided.  After a one hour break we will resume form 6-8.  IF you can do any or all of those thigns, if you have a sewing machine to bring and use, or that you would let someone else use, please let us know.  Our focus for July has been service, and we are excited for this opportunity--please feel free to spread the word or bring a friend!!

Just a Little Behind......

I am not sure how many of you may check out the blog for changes in the monthly calendar or birthdays, or the visiting teaching message, or presidency message, but I do try really hard to get it updated at the beginning of each month and I am failing miserably for July.  The summer has caught up to me, along with several unexpected events, so as soon as I get the chance to update, I will.  thanks for your patience.

Evening of Fun!

Join us for a Wonderful Womanhood, Evening of Fun!

This month we are celebrating Nobility in Motherhood and Joy in Womanhood.  Join us for a fun night of remembering the value and beauty of being a woman!

Wednesday, June 29th, 2011

6:30 pm

at the Cultural Hall

Light refreshments served

(don't forget your cookies if you signed up!)

Compete in the 'Motherhood Marathon'

(or cheer on those who do)

Lots of fun--all young women are invited also, along with daughters, sisters, friends or mothers!!

It seems as this theme of womanhood was coming up, I was guided to read many things about our role and importance as woman, that strengthened me and made me feel truly loved and valued as a woman in a world where so much emphasis is put on being equal to man, or better, or able to stand alone.  The following struck me with it's power and it's beauty, and how simple Bible stories that we have been taught all of our lives can have new and profound meaning when seen from the eyes of someone else....

I recently read an excerpt from a book by an LDS woman who spent many years as a marriage and family counselor.  She tells a story of being taken to a restaurant deep in the heart of Beijing, China that had beautiful gardens and art with ancient, traditional, symbolic features.  On two opposing walls of the interior were 'magnificent' murals, about five feet high and seven feet wide.  These are her descriptions of them:

'In one mural, a heroic figure was rending the darkness with a bolt of brilliant light.  (remember that before Adam was created physically, he was 'Michael' and assisted the Savior in the creation of the earth?)The artist had strewn "matter unorganized" about, suggesting the use of those elements as the world was coming together.  The other mural showed a walled garden, inhabited by two people.  Central to that work were a glorious woman and a magnificent tree laden with fruit.  It was a peach tree and near the tree was a monkey.'

She asked about their meaning and the host said that he did not know much, that they dated from another time and belief system.  He did say 'that in the "lore" there was a story of a man from heaven who rends, with light and attendant sound, the darkness separating heaven and earth.  This heroic creature was on assignment to create a new world.  As to the second mural, he said that it depicted a glorious garden where a majestic woman was created to be a queen and a companion to this man.' 

She asked about the peach and the monkey, and he told her that in their culture the monkey indicated mischief and trickery, the peach was a mystical fruit believed to contain elements of a spiritual nature. 'The woman, he told, needed to eat the peach because she was the one who had to take the next step in the journey of creation--a step equal in importance to rending the darkness.  He understood that it was her job to save those waiting to come through that rent veil by giving them bodies.'  He believed that the depiction of the man as the central figure in on mural and the woman as the central figure in the other represented the 'yin and yang" of Creation, and in ancient lore, both were heroes.

(From "You Don't Need to Slay My Dragons, Just take out the Trash" by: Beverly Campbell)

Doesn't this story make you feel beautiful and valued as a woman, as a 'daughter of Eve'--I hope so, because you are. 

Ward Service Project Coming Up.....

Panaca 2nd Ward Community Service Night

July 6, 2011

Time: 5-9 pm

Meet at the Church parking lot!

Bring hoes, shovels, rakes, gloves, water bottles, weed eaters.

We were asked in our last general conference to help celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Church Welfare Program by participating in service throughout the year....as we have tried to come up with areas for our ward members and sisters to serve in, we decided that there were many around town in need of help in their yards, and chose to try a mid-week evening instead of a weekend when many are gone.  We hope you can make it, but if you  cannot, don't feel bad, we are working on more opportunities for service to come!!

Let us serve with open hearts, and remember what we have been counselled:

Seventy-five years ago a system devoted to the spiritual and temporal salvation of mankind rose from humble beginnings. Since that time it has ennobled and blessed the lives of tens of millions of people throughout the world. The prophetic welfare plan is not merely an interesting footnote in the history of the Church. The principles upon which it is based define who we are as a people. It is the essence of who we are as individual disciples of our Savior and Exemplar, Jesus the Christ.

The work of caring for one another and being “kind to the poor” is a sanctifying work, commanded of the Father and divinely designed to bless, refine, and exalt His children. May we follow the Savior’s counsel to the certain lawyer in the parable of the good Samaritan: “Go, and do thou likewise.”

--Presiding Bishop H. David Burton

For all you do, Thank you.....

I have been contemplative this past weekend (well, as much as I could be with a houseful of family to visit with, cook for, and try to keep some semblance of order). Sunday was the one-year anniversary of my call from the Bishop to serve in this calling. Sometimes I cannot believe that a year has gone by. As I look back I once again see that my Heavenly Father provided that weekend for me—a quiet contemplative time, when my husband was able to take the kids to visit family and leave me with silence, a somewhat rare treasure in our home. He also opened the way for me to be in the temple as soon as possible after that call, the Tuesday after Memorial Day. I gained strength, focus, and comfort as I spent time in the Celestial room to prepare me to meet the challenges ahead. This year I once again found myself back in the temple on that same Tuesday—this time it was also a privilege to support a friend receiving her endowment for the first time, but also, again, I see the Lord providing the way for me to accomplish the thing which he has asked. That just struck me even as I typed it and could hear Nephi’s words saying something so similar, though his case was a little more intimidating than mine—he didn’t get to work with the amazing sisters of this ward!
I just want to let you all know what a privilege and honor this past year has been, and though I fear greatly that I may have missed needs, neglected times of service because I was not all that I needed to be, yet you have blessed my life. Your examples and influences, and most of all your love and willingness to support me have meant so much. As we arranged the visiting teaching again this past month and made some needed changes, I waited nervously to see how things would go. And then I rejoiced as sisters who had not been in a great while went. And sisters who had never gone had chance to and though the seed is only being planted, I know that if we will continue faithful, we will have a great harvest as we come to love and know those whom we serve. Thank you, thank you, thank you. The time you spend, the effort you put in will bless your family, will teach them of your love for the Lord and your priority to put him first. The other day Tatelyn was given a little purse from a friend and Bryson was being silly and trying to bite it—she got upset with him and said, “Bryson, don’t bite my Relief Society Bag!!” And even though they were fighting, I had a small glimpse that they were learning and I said a quick prayer of gratitude that my children are being blessed through my service.
Your visits to those you serve help me so much more than most of you know—I worry and I stress because I know that there are sisters in need of help. My kids end up sick, or we are gone, or I am busy with the necessities of home and family and I feel I cannot do it all, and the spirit tries again to remind me—that is what the visiting teachers are for. When you help by visiting your sisters, my load is eased and my gratitude great. You are amazing daughters of our Father in Heaven who have so many incredible gifts and talents to use, and I am so thankful that He trusts me to serve you.
Love,
Sister Perkins

May Presidency Message

May 2011 PRESIDENCY MESSAGE



Another month has flown by and the May Presidency Message is heading to the archives!
(May'sTheme from the Releif Society Declaration is: Seek Spiritual Strength by Following the Promptings of the Holy Ghost)

Dear Sisters:
If you could compare your spiritual strength to your physical strength would you find that it is growing? Fading, hanging in there, or going up and down?
It is through the scriptures that we gain access to spiritual strength, revelation, and joy in this life. Our spiritual strength needs to be increasing, and this can only be done through time and effort spent in study and prayer.
Pres Benson said, “I urge you to recommit yourselves to a study of the scriptures. Immerse yourselves in them daily so you will have the power of the spirit to attend you in your callings. Read them in your families and teach your children to love and treasure them.....When Individual members and families immerse themselves in the scriptures regularly and consistently, …other areas of activity will automatically come. Testimonies will increase. Commitment will be strengthened. Families will be fortified. Personal revelation will flow….”
And, as Elder Bednar told us in April conference-- “As you appropriately seek for and apply unto the spirit of revelation, I promise you will “walk in the light of the Lord” (Isaiah 2:5; 2 Nephi 12:5). Sometimes the spirit of revelation will operate immediately and intensely, other times subtly and gradually, and often so delicately you may not even consciously recognize it. But regardless of the pattern whereby this blessing is received, the light it provides will illuminate and enlarge your soul, enlighten your understanding (see Alma 5:7; 32:28), and direct and protect you and your family.”
Aren't those great blessings worth a little of your time each day?

Love,
Jamie, Cindy, Loree, and Kathy

Book Club for May

It is the last of month of the Book CLub until after the summer is over.  We are reading "The Five People You Meet in Heaven"  by Mitch Albom, so if you are interested, contact Loree or Dana and they can help you get a book--the club will mee the first Tuesday of June to review and I am not sure if we will just have discussion, or if it  will be another movie night......let you know when I know!

April 2011 PRESIDENCY MESSAGE

(April'sTheme from the Releif Society Declaration is: Dedicate ourselves to strengthening our homes.)
Dear Sisters,

I was behind this month, which meant that I listened to conference before I wrote this message for the month. But, as I listened to conference I seemed to hear over and over the recurring theme of welfare, of temporal needs, and of our ability to meet those needs ofr others. But, it was also strongly pointed out that it is easier for us, and we are better able to do so when our own homes and families are in order.

As members of the church, we are taught to be self-reliant, that our families need to be provided for as much as possible so that we can then go out and serve those who cannot be or are not. Bishop Burton told us that the work of welfare is a 'sanctifying work', one that will 'bless, refine, and perfect' us as we strive to meet the needs of those around us. And, that as we are able to meet those needs, and we do not, we will be held under condemnation.

Sisters, let us get our homes in order, and do all we can to meet the temporal needs of ourselves and our families, but do not forget the joy, the blessings, that come from serving those around us. We have a work to do as Sisters, we are the natural nurturers, the homemakers, the comforters. If we can spare fast offerings, if we can relieve suffering, if we can be a friend, we can hear those quiet whispers that prompt us to act and not be afraid to reach out to someone.
Let us follow the example of our great prophets and leaders, That we may not miss some of the greatest spiritual blessings of our lives.
Love,
Jamie, Cindy, Loree, Kathy

MARCH 2011 PRESIDENCY MESSAGE

MARCH 2011 PRESIDENCY MESSAGE
(March'sTheme from the Releif Society Declaration is: Dedicate ourselves to strengthening our families.)

Dear Sisters,
What is our Role in the Work of Salvation and where does it begin?
President Joseph F. Smith taught, "He that sent his Only Begotten Son into the world to accomplish the mission which he did, also sent every soul within the sound of my voice, and indeed every man and woman in the world, to accomplish a mission, and that mission cannot be accomplished by neglect; nor by indifference; nor can it be accomplished in ignorance." He went on to teach that we need to learn our duty, we are here to labor to bring our families, our friends, and of course, oursleves back to our Father in Heaven.
He continued with, "We have a glorious destiny before us....it is worth all our attention....our lives and everything the Lord has put into our posessions and then ten thousand times more.....The gospel is salvation, and without it there is nothing worth having."
Our role in the work of salvation is great. No, we cannot save our family, we cannot save our friends, or neighbors, BUT we can teach them how to be saved. We set the example, we share our testimony--and that begins first and foremost in our homes. That is our first duty. As we begin to strengthen our homes and our families, we will be better prepared to share with our friends, neighbors, and those whom the Lord places within our path.
Love,
Jamie, Cindy, Loree, Kathy

A Lot to Think About.....

This morning I had a converstaion with someone about the price of hay.  By the end I was in a bit of a doomsday mood, though we know better than 'doomsday' as members of the church, we are also very well informed about the last days and what they will entail.  And, as we see abundant sign around us, we still don't know if it means years and years, or not very long.  So, what does the price of hay have to do with it all?  Well, the price of hay is looking to skyrocket this summer, possibly up to $300 a ton.  Market prices fluctuate between 100-200 a ton in a more stable economy.  Great for farmers selling the hay.  Horrible for the Dairy Farmers buying it to feed their cows--which passes on to the supermarket and you and me.  There are strong rumors about the effects of Japan's struggles on  an already weak US economy--two world powers with major economic issues will have severe effects on the rest of the world economy.  Struggles in warring countries, fuel prices consistently rising, lead to more fears about what lies ahead in the future.  Are we ready for hard times?  Harder than we have faced?  Will it really be so bad?  Will it be worse? 
And then comfort comes from the place where it always does--scripture, the word of the Lord through ancient and modern prophets--reminding us what we have been taught all along.
President Ezra taft Benson taught, using the people of Israel, under Joshua's leadership as an example,

“Now during this critical period, and it is a critical period that we are passing through, I hope that we will keep ever burning in our hearts the spirit of this great work which we represent. If we do so, we’ll have no anxiety; we’ll have no fear; we’ll not worry about the future because the Lord has given us the assurance that if we live righteously, if we keep his commandments, if we humble ourselves before him, all will be well. I turn to two passages of scripture today which I’d like to read:


“‘. . . Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.’ ( Joshua 1:9 .)
“This was the Lord’s admonition to his son, Joshua, encouraging him to trust in God. Joshua answered that admonition in counsel to his people in these words:
“‘. . . choose you this day whom ye will serve; . . . but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.’ ( Ibid., 24:15.)
“Embodied in these two passages of scripture are the two principal essentials for security and peace: first, trust in God; and second, a determination to keep the commandments, to serve the Lord, to do that which is right. Latter-day Saints who live according to these two admonitions—trust in God and keep the commandments—have nothing to fear.
“The Lord has made it very clear in the revelations that even though times become perilous, even though we be surrounded by temptation and sin, even though there be a feeling of insecurity, even though men’s hearts may fail them and anxiety fill their souls, if we only trust in God and keep his commandments we need have no fear.” (In Conference Report, Oct. 1950, pp. 145–46.)

Don't you just love the peace the gospel brings? 

At it Again....

It's afternoon and I am eating ice cream.  Way more ice cream than I should.  BUT, I am slo working on restructuring visiting teaching routes and partnerships, so I feel pretty justified in eating as much ice cream as I want ;)  Hey, it's challenging work, and sometimes it seems it is a never ending work, but even as I think that, I know in my heart that it is a worthwhile work.  If the formation of these companionships happen under the right direction they may have power to reach and bless and change lives in ways that we will only see in years to come. That is why it becomes such a heavy load to me, because I want so much for it to be done under the right direction, that of our Father in Heaven, because He is the only one who truly knows the needs of each of our sisters, and only He truly knows the gifts and strengths that we may individually have to share with them. 

“We must seek out those among us with need and, using our God-given talents for charity and our means for relieving others, coordinate the two. This has been the charge from the beginning. It is the charge today. We should go personally into each other’s homes, and we should tune our souls to the point that we may find those in need and offer friendship, help as needed, and courage to meet each day’s challenges” (Ensign, March 1997, 37).



So, as we again make a few changes here and there, and try to do a few more interviews on Sunday, my challenge to you is to pray for those you serve in visiting teaching and the sister you serve with.  I have gained great friendships with those that I didn't always expect to find it in from visiting teaching.  I have struggled and still struggled at times to get to know some of them, felt inadequate, self-conscious, or afraid to make even a simple phone call.  And, yet, at the same time, I am so grateful for those times when I have been able to be His hands, to offer friendship, comfort, maybe a meal, to listen, to serve and know that in that moment I knew true charity, which seems to be a hard thing to hold on to in busy days and hectic lives.  I am so thankful for those who have taught me of visiting teaching through their patience and great examples, for those who have served me through it, and for the Lord knowing what I need even better than I do. 

Have you had a chance to visit teach this month?  You might be missing something wonderful.

The Family.....

"This generation will be called upon to defend the doctrine of the family as never before. If they don’t know the doctrine, they can’t defend it."

 --Sister Beck



If you have had a chance to read the Ensign for March, there is a great article in it from our General Relief Society President, Sister Julie B. Beck, if you haven't here is the link: http://lds.org/ensign/2011/03/teaching-the-doctrine-of-the-family?lang=eng ,I really recommend reading it.  Today as I was trying to get a few things done on the computer, a yahoo news article grabbed my attention and so I stopped to read the article.  Many of you may have heard of the'seven year slump' that is said to be the time when most marriages have the hardest time or where the most marriages end in divorce.  Well, now studies are showing that you are 'lucky' to get to the seven--because the 'three-year itch' is taking over.  While there was nothing really new or impressive in the article to me, I had a thought to read the comments below it.  Bad idea.  I made it through about ten before I told myself to stop and get out of there before the discouragement ate away at me and turned to anger.  I could not believe how trite the comments were about marriage.  Someone said that the idea of the home with the white picket fence and the kid was basically a joke, that mortgages, credit card debt, divorce and misery were all that awaited.  I thought one might be positive at the beginning, but turned out to be about divorce and returning to a first love after a 35 year absence. 

"We are preparing our youth for the temple and for eternal families. Many threats are coming to them that can discourage them from forming an eternal family. Our role in this is to teach them so they don’t misunderstand."

--Sister Beck

Suddenly, Sister Beck's article seemed so much more powerful.  Oh, the importance of teaching our future generations about the importance, the joy, the sacredness of marriage and family.  As someone who grew up in the church and thought I knew the importance of those things, I still wanted to put a education, mission, and career before marriage and family.  Thank heavens the Lord knew what I needed.  I used to go to the first day of a college class and listen to the girls introduced themselves, "Hi, I am so and so and I am majoring in (whatever), but I don't know if I will ever use my degree, because I really just want to be a wife and mother."  And, I, in my stubborness would think, "Really, so you are just here shopping for a husband?  "  I was very critical, because I thought I knew what I wanted and was determined to do just that--I remember Coach Walker telling me at the end of my senior year that I would be married in a year and being somewhat furious and bound and determined to prove him wrong (He was Grant and I's first home teacher after we were married--a year and a HALF after graduation ;) ).  But, when it came to it, I tried to be in tune with the Lord, and I knew that marriage was an important decision--I didn't want to look back some day and say--well, I never knew for sure if it was right or not.  So, I fasted and prayed and over the years there have been many bumps, some larger than others--but, I had gained my answer and knew that come what may, this is where I was supposed to be.  So, when I look back, I am humbled by my attitude about such an importnat role.  And through those years I also learned that the choice to marry and have a family was the best I ever made--I can't imagine having passed it up, or put it on hold any longer, even when somedays it takes everything just to survive it. ;) 

"The story of Isaac and Rebekah is an example of the man, who has the keys, and the woman, who has the influence, working together to ensure the fulfillment of their blessings. Their story is pivotal. The blessings of the house of Israel depended on a man and a woman who understood their place in the plan and their responsibilities to form an eternal family, to bear children, and to teach them."

--Sister Beck

I also try to teach my children the importance of them being parents someday--once the thought of a girly daughter who loved pink was intimidating to me, since I was somewhat of a tomboy--but even then I dragged my dolls out to play in the dirt, and I am trying to encourage her to do the same--let her follow me when I clean, even though it is sometimes so much more work--let all of them take a turn adding ingredients when I bake...let them be part of a family and know the joy that comes from it.  We all have different homes, different challenges, different ways we do things, but there is one thing that must be the same--we must be teaching our children the gospel, we msut be showing future generations how important marriage and family are.  Sometimes it seems hard to balance--we are encouraged to pursue education in case we need to fall back on it, we are challenged to be the best at all we do, to compete in a man's world and home-making is no longer placed at the height of honorable work, but if we who know it's eternal importance, don't share that with our children, then it will continue to lose imortance in our society.

"Live in your home so that you’re brilliant in the basics, so that you’re intentional about your roles and responsibilities in the family. Think in terms of precision not perfection. If you have your goals and you are precise in how you go about them in your homes, youth will learn from you. They will learn that you pray, study the scriptures together, have family home evening, make a priority of mealtimes, and speak respectfully of your marriage partner. Then from your example the rising generation will gain great hope."

--Sister Beck

Don't you just love that last bit?  It's not about being perfect, it's about being our best in the areas the Lord has asked us--and He wouldn't ask us if He didn't know we could.

Sister Perkins



FEBRUARY 2011 PRESIDENCY MESSAGE

(February's Theme from the Releif Society Declaration is: Dedicate ourselves to strengthening marriages.)
Dear Sisters,

As Sister Perkins has stated before, this year in Relief Society we are discussing priorities. The Relief Society proclamation has outlined the primary areas that we as sisters should be emphasizing. The presidency lesson each month will focus on a different one. February's focus will be on strengthening marriages.

As I've been thinking about what to teach regarding this topic, something occurred to me. Brother Babcock spoke on this issue last week in Sacrament meeting. Not only will we be discussing marriage in Relief Society, but Bishop Poteet has directed the organizations to teach about strengthening marriages for the fifth week Sunday lesson. The Marriage and Family Relations class is currently being presented during Sunday School. I don't think that it is at all a coincidence that the ward leadership is being inspired to focus efforts on this subject at this time. Obviously, the Lord needs us step up our efforts to build strong marriages and families.

As President David O. McKay said, “No other success can compensate for failure in the home." I believe that this statement relates to marriage as well as child-rearing. With so much turmoil in the world today, let us strive to strengthen our marriages, which will lead to stronger family units, making our homes places of refuge and peace.
Love,
Jamie, Cindy, Loree, Kathy