Lesson Summary: May 26, 2013

The Savior Wants to Forgive

BY ELDER CRAIG A. CARDON
Instructor - Talia Deccio

D&C 20:5-6

D&C 64:7

Examples of Forgiveness:

-Forgive them for they know not what they do -

- Jesus forgave the woman taken in adultery

- Woman at the well

- Emma Smith, an elect lady

- With Mary and Martha, forgave busyness

-Woman who washed Christ's feet with tears

-Those he healed- Thy sins are forgiven

Luke 5:17-26       Take up thy bed and walk.

Matt 18:21-22    Forgive 70x7

-As a young girl kept a tally in my closet  of each time I forgave my sister.

D&C 90:1 Even Prophets of the Lord are susceptible to sin.

The scriptures are for our benefit.

Forgiveness requires repentance.

"With regard to repeated serious sexual sin, He makes known the increased difficulty of receiving His forgiveness.29 And He has said that “he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation.”30 Yet, in His mercy, He allows for improvement over time rather than demanding immediate perfection. Even with the multitude of sins occasioned by the weakness of mortality, as often as we repent and seek His forgiveness, He forgives again and again."

2 Nephi 32:8       Prayer is the way to forgiveness

-Forgiveness takes time, save a place in your heart for it, wait.

We need to forgive others and find the positive.  Make goals to improve, little by little.

We need to do our part.

-Desire, not easy make room for forgiveness
"when werepent and obey His gospel, He forgives us.13"
"after we do all we can do,39 His compassionand grace are the means whereby “in process of time”40 we overcomethe world through the enabling power of the Atonement."

Be genuine

Forgive others

- Everyone has their own challenges

-Have patience and love

-We need to forgive others in order to be forgiven

-Someone transporting a fragile cake was driving very carefully and slowly, but other drivers could not understand and honked and road rage.  If only they had known.

Colossians 3:13

Lesson Summary: June 9, 2013

I Seek Not Mine Own Will, but the Will of the Father  

           Instructor- Aimee Roylance

'There is a course that men and women may pursue wherein there will be no failure. Whatever disappointments may arise or seeming failures may result, there will be in reality no failure, as a general thing."

A young child may feel that "Divorce and failure is your fault" 

Need to set your mind on improvement, not failures.

Sometimes we don't see the impact of our efforts to help others. 

                - Spent a week at girls camp trying to help a trouble youth, thought I had failed.  Later she thanked me for the impact I had in her life.

-I felt like a failure as a daughter, when I saw the disappointment in their face when I joined the church.  But in the eternities they will be grateful.

Our weaknesses are often greatest in our own eyes:

                Inability, incompetency, inadequacy, insufficient

We may be confused at the callings of the Lord, but the Lord knows what he is doing

"We cannot always do what we would like to do, but we shall have the power to do that which we should do."

The Lord knows our potential.  The days are long, but if we trust him we can accomplish what he wants us to do.

He helps us in those moments when we try to do what we don't know is possible.

The Lord has a purpose for us.

Lesson Summary: June 16, 2013

  Chapter 12: Tithing, a Law for Our Protection and Advancement

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow, 2011
Instructor: Barbara Neuenswander

When President Lorenzo Snow was 85 he took a trip to St George:

"I know not why..."

He didn't know why he was going until he got there, but was prompted to go, despite his age.

In his 50 yrs previous of sermons to the saints he seldom mentioned Tithes

-He went town to town teaching on tithing

Soon the drought ended

-5 yrs after he died the church was free of all indebtedness

Why do you pay tithing?

 - Afraid of missing out on needed blessings

- Not my money anyway, the Lord gives us all

- It's a cut and dry commandment, either you pay it or not.  You know whether or not you are keeping that commandment.

How did you gain a testimony of tithing?

-We used to stand in line to pay tithing

-Mom's stories of financial tithing blessings during the great depression

-Taught from the missionaries- if you accept the gospel you accept the law of tithing.

-Easier to pay than taxes.

What blessings have you received from paying your tithing?

-Lost my wallet, but was returned.   Info on an old tithing slip helped get it back.

- Greatest blessing is being able to enter the temple.

Summer Newsletters 2013

Here are the missing newsletters:
June 2013 Newsletter
July 2013 Newsletter
August 2013 Newsletter

Enjoy most warmly.

Family Memories Desserts

Family Memories Recipes:

Buttermilk Brownies -Patti Jeppson

Brownie Ingredients                                      Frosting Ingredients
2 c all-purpose flour                                      3 T unsweetened cocoa
2 c sugar                                                      3 T buttermilk
1 t baking soda                                              ¼ c butter
¼ t salt                                                         2 ¼ c sifted powdered sugar
1 c butter                                                      ½ t vanilla
1 c water                                                      ¾ coarsely chopped pecans
1/3 c unsweetened cocoa powder
2 eggs
½ c buttermilk
1 ½ t vanilla

Directions: Preheat oven to 350F. Grease and flour jelly roll pan (15 x 10).
Combine flour, sugar, soda and salt. Set aside. Put butter, water and 1/3 c cocoa powder in pan and bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
Remove from heat and add mixture to dry ingredients, beating with electric mixture on medium to high speed until thoroughly combined. Add eggs, ½ c buttermilk and vanilla. Beat 1 minute (batter will be thin). Pour into prepared pan and bake for about 25 minutes until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean.

Meanwhile, combine remaining butter, cocoa powder and buttermilk in small saucepan. Bring to boil, remove from heat and stir in powdered sugar and vanilla and beat until smooth. Stir in nuts and pour warm frosting over warm brownies, spreading evenly. Cool and then cut into bars.


OATMEAL CAKE -Francine Coons
Mix:
1 cup oatmeal
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 3/4 cup flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda

Boil:
1 1/3 cup water
2 sticks butter

Add to dry ingredients and mix

Add and mix:
2 beaten eggs
1 tsp. vanilla

Bake in greased 9x13 pan at 350 degrees for 30 minutes

Cool and sift powdered sugar on top

Cinnamon Rolls - Jennifer Daily
In a medium saucepan heat until medium warm:
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups milk
2 tsp Kosher salt
3 eggs beaten (add last)

Meanwhile in large mixing bowl combine:
4 1/2 tsp yeast
1 Tbsp sugar
2/3 cup hot water (I use the hottest water that comes out of my tap)
Mix together and let brew until bubbly.

Pour liquid mixture from saucepan into mixing bowl and mix in:
2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
6 cups white flour

Knead for 10 minutes and cover with towel and let rise about 1 hour or until double in size. Divide dough in half and roll into a rectangle. Spread butter, brown sugar and cinnamon on top. Roll up starting at long end. Cut with serrated knife into 1 1/2 inch pieces. Put on jelly roll pan that has been sprayed with non-stick spray.
Let rise about half an hour then preheat oven to 350.

Bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Top with your favorite icing or cream cheese frosting.

RAISIN BARS - Connie Lee
1 cup raisins - boil 5 min. in 1 1/2 cups water
(strain and save liquid) add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon soda to liquid.

Mix by hand in bowl:
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup oil
1 egg

Add alternately:
2 cups flour
Raisin liquid
Stir well
Add raisins. Mix well

Spread on greased sheet cake pan.
Bake at 350 for 15 minutes (don't over bake)

When cool frost with butter cream frosting.

BUTTER CREAM FROSTING
4 Tablespoons butter
2 Tablespoons hot milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/4 cups sifted powdered sugar

Stir butter until very soft. Add a small amount of sugar, then milk and vanilla. Beat in remaining sugar until of soft, spreading consistency. Tint if desired. This frosting may be put through a decorator tube.


Grandma's Awle Dumplings - with a Modern Twist - Lezlie Zollinger

My Grandma always said:
"If a little sugar is good then a lot is a lot better"

(Heritage Version)
Sift together: 3 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp. salt
1/8 cup sugar
2 tsp. baking soda

Mix In: 3/4 cup shortening (lard is best)
1 cup or more of cream or milk
Apples dash of cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Sugar
Chunk of butter

Make a dough similar to pie crust. Roll out and cut into squares about the size of a small hankie.
Onto each square put peeled and sliced apples, sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon and sugar and a chunk of butter.

Roll into a bundle.

Make a simple syrup with sugar and water and pour over dumplings until about 1/2 inch or more deep.
Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Makes 18 small

(Modern Twist)
Instead of making the dough, use Pillsbury Pop and Fresh Crescent Rolls
2 pkgs of Crescent rolls and 2 - 3 small to medium apples
Cover with:
1 cup melted butter, 1 V2 cup sugar, I tsp. vanilla, Stir gently over low heat until sugar
and butter are melted and mixed together - don't over stir. Pour over apple bundles
and then gently pour around the edges 12 ounces of Sprite
Bake at 350 for 40 minutes.
Serve warm with Ice Cream

Enjoy once every Decade!! For Good Health!!

Lesson Summary April 28, 2013

“Lord, I Believe”
BY ELDER JEFFREY R. HOLLAND
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Taught by: Talia Deccio

The Little engine that could would have never made it up the mountain if he hadn't believed in himself. "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can."

Doubt is a tool of Satan.  When we doubt our self worth, we doubt our potential as a child of God.
We must put faith before doubt
-Sometimes doubt seems safer
-We must rise to the occation
-The scriptures can help us

The Lord won't give us anything we can't handle

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is perfect as he is.  People are human, and are imperfect as such.
"So be kind regarding human frailty—your own as well as that of those who serve with you in a Church led by volunteer, mortal men and women. Except in the case of His only perfect Begotten Son, imperfect people are all God has ever had to work with. That must be terribly frustrating to Him, but He deals with it. So should we."

Joseph Smith: “I never told you I was perfect—but there is no error in the revelations which I have taught” (The Words of Joseph Smith, ed. Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook [1980], 369).

2 Nephi 31:13

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins,witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism—yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel."

"When doubt or difficulty come, do not be afraid to ask for help. If we want it as humbly and honestly as this father did, we can get it. The scriptures phrase such earnest desire as being of “real intent,”pursued “with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God.”11 I testify that in response to that kind of importuning, God will send help from both sides of the veil to strengthen our belief."

Sometimes we think we can do it on our own, and then we stumble and fall.

The Apostles must have the constant guidance of the Lord to do what they do.

Gratitude helps

Ordinances must be perfect (practice makes perfect)

The Lord loves us even being imperfect.  God is perfect, and has a perfect understanding.

"A 14-year-old boy recently said to me a little hesitantly, 'Brother Holland, I can’t say yet that I know the Church is true, but I believe it is.' I hugged that boy until his eyes bulged out. I told him with all the fervor of my soul that belief is a precious word, an even more precious act, and he need never apologize for 'only believing.' I told him that Christ Himself said, 'Be not afraid, only believe,'12 a phrase which, by the way, carried young Gordon B. Hinckley into the mission field.13 I told this boy that belief was always the first step toward conviction and that the definitive articles of our collective faith forcefully reiterate the phrase 'We believe.'14 And I told him how very proud I was of him for the honesty of his quest."

It's ok to start with a little seed of faith.  We must learn line upon line.

Other scriptures: Mark 9:17-24, Alma 32:27, Matthew 17:20, D&C 122:9

April and May 2013 Newsletters

Two newsletters twice as fun:

April 2013

May 2013

Lesson Summary: April 21, 2013

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow
Chapter 8: “Search Me, O God, and Know My Heart”

1 Nephi 2:4-

And it came to pass that he departed into the wilderness. And he left his house, and the land of his inheritance, and his gold, and his silver, and his precious things, and took nothing with him, save it were his family, and provisions, and tents, and ^adeparted into the wilderness.

When we apply for employment or other opportunities we often need to produce a resume, and/or letters of recommendation that shows some of our work experiences, skills, community service, character, and other items to show our qualifications for employment.  

"It is, however, comparatively easy to obtain a written character, as it is termed, a character that one can put in his pocket; and, indeed, according to my observation it is not infrequently the case that people are the bearers of written characters which their real and true character fails to attest."

On the resume of our life, we don't get to omit the failures and short comings, nor can it be embellished or falsified.  What will be on our resume when we apply for the celestial kingdom.  What will be written on our hearts?

What are some of the things that keeps us from having our hearts right with the Lord?

-Obsessions/idolatry (cleaning house, addictions, too much computer, etc.) that take time that should be spent elsewhere. 

-The way, tone of voice, we speak with, or of (gossip), others, especially our families, can drive away the Spirit.

-Procrastinating temple work or other essential gospel activities.

- Pride

- Low self-esteem or self-worth (you can't do it, you aren't worthy of love).  Remember you really are precious in Gods eyes.

- Going through the motions:  kind of doing what you should, but not putting your heart and soul into it.

- Environmental pressures: we may still be doing what worked before, but things in our lives have changed (external stresses, kids especially difficult, deadlines at work) requiring a reevaluation of our commitment to the Lord.

What can we do to bring us back in line with his will?

- Recommit to do his will and stay in tune to the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

- Start your day with fervent prayer and ask for opportunities to serve the Savior

- Prayer of Thanksgiving

- Having an attitude of Gratitude.

- Set right your priorities, take time for things that matter most.

- Remove those things in your life that are distancing you from the Lord.

- Remember you are a child of God, and the Savoir atoned for your sins, because you are worth it.

"There is no doubt, speaking of the people as a whole, that we are greatly improving in the sight of God. But although this is undoubtedly the case, I am convinced there are persons among us endowed with spiritual gifts and susceptible of cultivation, that could be exercised, if they chose, to a far greater extent than they are, and who could move much faster in the ways of holiness and get much nearer to the Lord. But the spirit which attends the things of this world is operating upon them to that extent that they do not increase those spiritual powers and blessings; they do not place themselves in that close relationship to the Lord that it is their privilege.⁶

Our character, as Latter-day Saints, should be preserved inviolate, at whatever cost or sacrifice. Character, approved of God is worth securing, even at the expense of a life-time of constant self-denial.

While thus living we may look forward … , with full assurance that … we shall be crowned with the sons and daughters of God, and possess the wealth and glory of a Celestial kingdom.^7"

Lesson Summary: April 14, 2013

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow
Chapter 7: Faithfulness in Times of Trial: “From the Shadows into the Glorious Sunshine”

Instructor: Aimee Roylance

Trials and Tribulation

Think of two women, one went for a walk on a warm sunny day with clear skies in the forecast.  The other saw that the forecasted weather showed rain was imminent and the clouds were grey, but as it wasn't raining at the moment decided to go for a walk.  Both were caught in a downpour.

Sometimes trials and tribulations arise unexpectedly, other times they come as consequences to choices we have made.  

When they do come, as they will we have to decide how we will weather them.  Lets sing in the Rain.

"There is no other way in which the Saints can make spiritual improvement and be prepared for an inheritance in the celestial kingdom than through tribulation. It is the process by which knowledge is increased and peace will ultimately be established universally. It [has] been said that if all our surroundings were peaceful and prosperous now, we would become indifferent. It would be a condition that would be all that would be desired by a good many natures; they would not stretch out after the things of eternity.^6"

^{Kennon shared some of her challenges and how she over comes them:}

^{Lots of trials are brought on by choices made, but some come as a surprise even so.}

^{He won't let us suffer anything we can't handle}

^{Her mom would say -"you can learn something from anybody, even a fool.  Even if it's not to be a fool."}

She tries to mentor others, to keep them from making the same mistakes she made.

Kaye shared with us her experience of driving peacefully with her family and waking up in the hospital, being informed her husband was dead and having to choose whether her son would loose his arm and leg or his life.

Was God punishing me?

Turned to the church and the ward for survival. Ward members came to take care of us and play with my son as he recovered in the hospital.

God is in each of you through your service.

I was not alone, my Father in Heaven loved me.

I had to go on for the kids.

Turn your eyeballs around.  See how much you're blessed not how much you suffer.  And make memories.

When there is overwhelming opposition think: Why not me?  God knows you better than you know yourself.  He is well aware of your capabilities.

"When we contemplate what the Lord has done for us in the past, our present surroundings, and our future prospects, what a blest people we are! I have thought sometimes that one of the greatest virtues the Latter-day Saints could possess is gratitude to our Heavenly Father for that which He has bestowed upon us and the path over which He has led us. It may be that walking along in that path has not always been of the most pleasant character; but we have afterwards discovered that those circumstances which have been very unpleasant have often proved of the highest advantage to us.^13"

^{What pulls us through these trials?:}

^{-I will not leave you comfortless, John 14:18}

^{-Master the Tempest is Raging, Hymn #105}

^{-Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel, Hymn #252}

^{-Count Your Many Blessings, Hymn #241}

^{-I Need Thee Every Hour, Hymn # 98}

^{-Be Still My Soul, Hymn #124}

-"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; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes." D&C 121:7-8

-I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13

-Trust in the Lord

-Spirit of courage, not fear

-Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

-If Joe can do it I can. 

-"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven" Ecclesiastes 3:1

What do we learn from trials?
-To be submissive, and humble.  I need the Lord's strength
-Accept service
-Not my will, but thine be done
- To forgive ourselves

There is no other way to get nearer to God than through trials and tribulations.

________________________________________________

Journal study help:

Trials and Tribulation

Def: a cause or state of great trouble or suffering.  A person, thing or situation that tests a person's endurance or forbearance

(Middle English, via old french, from ecclesiastical Latin: tribulare- to press, oppress)

Scriptures:                                         What they say to me:

Acts 14:22

2 Corinthians 1:4

Romans 12:12

Mosiah 24:9-16

Psalm 46:1

D&C 58:2-4

Modern Day Teachings

"Trial of Your Faith" by Elder Anderson, Oct 12

"Tears, Trials, Trust and Testimony" by President Monson, April 87

"Hope Ya Know, We Had a Hard Time" by Elder Cook, Oct 08 Mormon Message

"All Things Work Together for Good" Elder Martino, Oct 10

"The Hope of God's Light" by President Uchtdorf, April 2013

Quotes and Thoughts: 

Lesson Summary: March 31, 2013

Review of the Stake Emergency Preparedness Plan
explained by Bro. Latham

The Stake Emergency Preparedness Plan was recently review and renewed.  It can be found on the Stake website under Newsletters.

It outlines the responsibilities and plan of action of the members in the stake when an emergency should  happen.  How to account for all the members and how to report and assist with needs that will arise.

Our ward is striving for a goal of each family having a disaster plan.

Be sure you have access to a land line with a simple phone that does not require electricity or batteries to operate.  Only thing that is going to work if there is a major disaster.
- Once you pick up the headset you are added to the queue, hanging up will loose your place.
- Only out of Stake calls will be placed.  BE SURE YOU HAVE AN OUT OF STATE CONTACT.  This person acts as relay between you and any separated family members.

14 days is the new 72 hour kit.  Hurricane Katrina has taught us that it is more likely 10-14 days before you can expect emergency shelters/services to be in place.  So you really will need a toothbrush and soap.

Be aware of your neighborhood.  Which of your neighbors might require additional assistance?

Prepare your children.  Teach them what to do in different emergencies.

Lesson Summary: March 24, 2013

Is Faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ Written in Our Hearts?

By Linda K. Burton

Relief Society General President

Instructor- Talia Deccio

"Making, keeping, and rejoicing in our covenants will be the evidence that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is truly written in our hearts."
“All that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”⁵

Perspective - your are not a victim, every thing has a purpose - attitude

"There is power in the Atonement to enable us to overcome the natural man or woman and become true disciples of Jesus Christ.^9"

Happiness is in no way correlated to worldly status
It is good to have moments of quiet

“A [woman] walking along a road fell into a pit so deep [she] could not climb out. No matter what [she] did, [she] could not get out by [herself]. The [woman] called for help and rejoiced when a kind passerby heard [her] and lowered a ladder down into the pit. This allowed [her] to climb out of the pit and regain [her] freedom.

“We are like the [woman] in the pit. Sinning is like falling into the pit, and we can’t get out by ourselves. Just as the kind passerby heard the [woman’s] cry for help, Heavenly Father sent his Only Begotten Son to provide the means of escape. Jesus Christ’s atonement could be compared to lowering a ladder into the pit; it gives us the means to climb out.”¹⁰ But the Savior does more than lower the ladder, He “comes down into the pit and makes it possible for us to use the ladder to escape.”¹¹ “Just as the [woman] in the pit had to climb up the ladder, we must repent of our sins and obey the gospel principles and ordinances to climb out of our pit and make the Atonement work in our lives. Thus, after all we can do, the Atonement makes it possible for us to become worthy to return to Heavenly Father’s presence.”¹²

^{The Lord will direct us and empower us to overcome anything in our path.}

"The Atonement is the greatest evidence we have of the Father’s love for His children."

The Atonement is the perfect "No Child Left Behind" idea.

A wrinkle battered and scuffed twenty dollar bill is still worth $20

Savior was surrounded by sinners, 

" Behold, I came into the world not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance; the whole need no physician, but they that are sick;" - Moroni 8:8

The Savior will be the friend we need, whenever we need him.