May Lessons
Conducting Tami Paskett
May 2 RS Presidency
Teacher Tami Paskett
May 9 Gospel Principles # 8 Praying to Our Heavenly Father
Teacher Ramona Ford
May 16 Gospel Principles #9 Prophets of God
Teacher Myrna Clark
May 23 Teaching for our Times 2010 April General Conference TBA
May 30 Fifth-Sunday lesson topic determined by Bishopric
General Conference
As always, General Conference was terrific. Sister Charlene Robinson kindly consented to give me her summation of the conference. I would appreciate any other contributions concerning your feelings and impressions of the conference.
Sister of the month
This month I thought it would be fun to have a little quiz about all the Sisters that we have presented so far.
Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is a Holiday that is important to all of us. The spirit of motherhood is something that we all have been given as women. Sheri L. Dew’s started her article Are We Not All Mothers Ensign, November 2001, by writing, “Motherhood is more than bearing children. … It is the essence of who we are as women.”
On the internet I came across a humorous anecdote from Reader’s Digest concerning mothers and the importance of the role of women in this world.
Great Minds Think of Mom
After a long, exhausting day, a friend of mine headed home. On the road, he passed an elderly woman who was standing by a car with a flat tire. His conscience got the better of him; if that were his mother, he thought, he would want someone to help her. With a tired sigh, he turned around and drove back.
Just as he reached the stranded woman, a truck pulled up and a burly farmer got out. "Kinda reminds you of your mom, too?" the man asked as the two of them pitched in together to change the tire.
-- Contributed by Katherine L. Houge
Women can bring out the noble feelings in even the roughest men. One attribute of mothers is that we want the best for our children. Part of this is that we not only want others to be nice to our children, we also want out children to be nice and sharing to others (a mother’s version of Matthew 25:40 “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”) There have been more than a few times when mothers have been asked what their child can do for them only to reply that it would be better that the child do something good for someone else instead.
However, even though it almost seems to be second nature to deflect any kindness from our children toward others, one of the best ways to teach our children how to treat others is by how we teach them to treat us. I found a very familiar poem on the internet from A First Presidency Message “Behold thy mother” in the April 1998 issue of the Ensign. In the poem 3 different children express their love for their mother – with only one of them following the words up with actions of love. As women we need to teach children that serving others is the best way to show love. This poem shows how our actions prove love far better than our words.
Mother’s Day Surprises
As part of teaching our children to be kind to others, we teach our children how to be generous and giving. It is hardest for us to teach our children to honor, respect and be generous with us (sometimes this feels contrary to our own need to be humble and not be self serving). However, this is especially important since one of the ways that our sons learn how to treat their wives is by how their mother’s are treat by them and their father’s (so it’s OK to make sure that your husband treats you well during this day). Helping your children with their projects is a bonus – making sure things get cleaned up after should be part of the deal.
May Recipe
Here are some recipes from the ‘Children’s Friend’ that are kid friendly for helping your family help with the cooking. There are also a couple of recipes for us to share with family, friends, neighbors and those who drop by.
Genealogy
There are two holidays in May – both which have ties to Genealogy. On Mother’s Day, as we remember our mother’s it would be a good idea to remember their mothers and their mothers before them. Also, although Memorial Day was originally intended to remember those who have given the ultimate price for our freedom (which is a noble service for which we owe them a GREAT debt) it has evolved into remembering those who have gone on before. With this in mind, here are some more genealogy tips with an interesting poem.
Health tips
Along with helping our children how to honor and respect us, we need to teach by example – respecting ourselves by taking care our health. I have included a couple of tips concerning health from WebMD.
Driving tip
Sister Levinson sent me a couple of tips concerning driving in the rain. I would like to thank her.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Sister Charlene Robinson's thoughts on April 2010 conference
180th General Conference - (also 180 years since church organized)Sister Charlene Robinson Saturday AM Session Pres. Monson – Reach out to new or inactive members. Humanitarian was organized in 1985 - 25 years old. Thanks to all who have helped. Pres. Boyd K. Packer (seated) Don’t fear future. To fathers; be aware of your Priesthood responsibilities. Fathers in charge of family in all blessings to preside & ask for others to help. Let the father’s do their job. Sister Julie B. Beck RS President - Need for great faith. Our responsibility to help others. Don’t be distracted by satin. Improve spiritually through personal reactions. Bishop McMillen PBO God forgives; things can & will improve. We are ased to be more in all needs. Must keep to God Covenants. Pray for what you need with faith. Wilford W. Anderson - He taled about the Saints in Nauvoo and their problems. M. Russel Ballard About women & daughters. Learn from each other & be virtuous in dress, behavior & all. Henry B. Eyring - Heavenly Father needs our help. Get spirit to stay in path. Story of girl who went astray. Needed Faith in Jesus Christ & repent. Family is where 1st get help by bounds of love by bounds of love. Pray with faith. Personal progress/Duty to god programs are designed to develop good habits for the youth in our Church. Saturday PM Session L. Tom Perry - Training of his mother was very important in his life. Parents are most important teachers D. Todd Christopherson - Death of William Tindale – des Pub Battle of Engish 1536. In 1539 could be accepted by common people. A lot about family relationships Bruce Carlson - Short cut to God’s law is a no-no. Must obey what God asks. *David A. Bebnar - Warning signals important. Spiritual signals given. Word of Wisdom. Be vigilant when warned. Read & study Book of Mormon. Bear your testimony of the Gospel spontaneously. Invite people to act, not be acted upon. Don’t give fish but teach them how to fish. Jeffrey R. Holland - Told about 3 different women who had unfaithful husbands. Porno is a problem. He apologized for his boldness of speech. Moral decay around us & esp. in the church with Internet can be destructive. Lust is destructive Separate yourselves from everything what will harm you. Get help – ask for Preisthood Blessing. Pray. Go to temple often. Jesus Christ can rescue us in Repentance & change can occur. Sunday A.M. Pres. Uchtdorf - You are my Hands. Some stop coming to church as tell they don’t fit in. *Love all church members even though they are different. Story of two farm brothers. LOVE for all. Richard G. Scott - Effects of Easter opening graves. Jesus Christ keeps all of his promises. Atonement necessary to put in place in the Plan of Salvation. Appreciate the atonement attend temple. Donald L. Halstrom 70 - Became bitter because of loss of child and left church – 4 generations have turned from God. Turn to the Lord for solace. There is opposition in all things. Cherly Lout former Primary General President - Our Young Children know Jesus. Get to know Jesus Christ & what we are to do. Reviewed North America Jesus Christ appearance Quentin L. Cook - “Follow the Savior” Last 2 days of his life; Last Supper; washing feet * Sacrament to remember me; Love as a principle; Holy Ghost promise; He was our Savior & Redeemer. We testify Jesus Christ is Risen; we must remember & reverence the Sacrament. “Get to the Temple & be sealed.” President Monson - “Thank You” Painting of mother & wife lost man at sea. “A hopeless Dawn” Death comes to all; What lies beyond. God is the designer; Reviewed creation Male/female Sunday P.M. Russell M. Nelson - Love of family. Heavenly bers same love.l Family center to Heavenly Father of plan; Sealed as Families; Family History Robert D. Hales - Help the youth through leaders; Be a good example Take advantage of Teaching moments Branldy Foster 70 - Single parents also must teach their children; Those who stray, we must go bac for them. “Story of cows calves” Neil L. Anderson - Tell the stories of Jesus Each child needs own conversion. Sister Robinson I appreciated the stress given for good family relationships. Also to reach out to the one who is lost & help them come back. I marvel that each apostle reminds us as they bear witness of Jesus Christ that have been called as “Special Withnesses” and so testify each time they talk.
Sister's of the Month Quiz
Clues
1 My husband and I lived in the Springview Ward for over 50 years before he passed away 4 ½ years ago. Our children grew up in the ward with many fond memories. Three of our children no longer live in the ward. Our youngest son is now serving in the Stake Presidency. I have held many callings in the stake and ward; the last before I reluctantly moved was working with the Compassionate Service Committee sisters. I learned to love them because of their charitable acts of kindness they perform daily. I miss them.
2 She was born on February 13th and came into this world with a traumatic birth. A loveable and prayerful child . Although she would never eat anything with sugar, on her birthday she would always want chocolate cake. Even though eating it made her sick, since the kids always liked chocolate best, it was what she wanted.
3 She was named after her Mother, Grandmother and Great great grandmother. All of her family lines go back to the pioneers. After her Parents divorce, her Mother bought a home in Bountiful from Carolyn Mickelsen’ s in laws. She served a mission in Lansing Michigan .
4 I was born here in Salt Lake City, December 20, 1964. I went to school at Roosevelt Elementary, Central Jr. High School, and Granite High School. I have spent most of my life, off and on, in this ward. (I just can’t tear myself away.) I have eight brothers and sisters, and I am the next-to-youngest child in my family.
5 My family lived just above 900 E. on Elgin Ave. when I was born in August 1983. I even remember going down the steps to the primary room in the old building that used to sit where ours does now. I have always loved to sing. I was fortunate enough to travel to New York with a select choir to sing in Carnegie Hall my sophomore year. I started to write my own songs and music in high school.
6 I was born in Trenton, New Jersey in the era of the Baby Boomers, attending school in Trenton. I grew up in an area noted in the American Revolution. One time we came to Salt Lake to see the Mormon Tabernacle. While touring Temple Square, we got the Joseph Smith's story pamphlet which I started to read on the ride home to Jersey.
7 My mother and I bought our house at 744 E. Claybourne in 1942, the year I graduated from East High School. I immediately started to work so I was able to pay for the house. I have been active in the Church all my life and held many positions in all organizations, music director in ward and stake assignments, 8 years as a worker at the Salt Lake LDS Temple, Relief Society President for 5 years and 18 months as ward missionary. I have sung all my life from age 16, “bursting into song” whenever the occasion arises.
8 I grew up singing all the time- in church, with my family, on camping trips around the fire. We were a very musical family. I sang in the West High a’cappella choir and then in the Bingham High madrigals. I graduated from Bingham High School in 1991 & attended Ricks College where I studied Psychology, but still sang in the choirs there as well.
9 This sister has been a member of the Grant Stake for her entire life. She was born and raised in the Grant 12th Ward, which is now the Millstream Ward. Her parents still live there. She is the youngest of 5 children. She met her husband while serving on Seminary Council at Granite High School. They married on Feb. 25, 1987 and rented Charlene Robinson's house.
10 This sister was born January 25, 1922; the fifth child, and third daughter in Spring Canyon, Utah. While she was growing up she lived across the street from Woodrow Wilson. They owned a cow which, even though it was the depression, allowed them to have cakes with delicious whip cream on top.
11 I was born in March of 1959. Dad always worked very hard to get the things we all needed to survive in this life. I met my husband in 1988. I’ve always liked to draw and take art classes. I turned 50 in 2009 and I went to Disneyland by myself on my birthday and had a wonderful time.
12 She was quite the tom-boy in her early years. She liked to hike. She and her friends would hike on the lava rocks near her home. She was daring and would jump over crevices where she could have fallen a long way and gotten hurt quite badly. Someone was watching over her, and nothing ever happened though.
13 I was born in Provo, on January 2nd, 1979. I grew up in American Fork next door to my grandparents. I attended Weber State University in Ogden. I work at Jordan Valley Medical Center part time as an ultrasonographer which I really enjoy. While at school, I worked at the Student Support office where one of my coworkers introduced me to my husband.
14 She is the oldest child in a very large family and was given a lot of responsibilities. Her mother plays the piano, who started giving her piano lessons at the age of 5 and continued until 7th grade. She also started playing the violin in school in the 4th grade. In 7th grade, she changed to viola.
15 This sister was born in Oakland, California, in 1951, the eldest of five children. April 26, 2009 she moved to Utah to help care for her elderly parents. After she moved to Utah she became a Nanny for Melanie Owen’s three little poodle puppies. She is a member of the DUP and enjoys attending meetings.
16 I have lived on 8th East as long as I have been married. I graduated from Westminster as a teacher and later from The College of Phoenix with a Masters Degree. in Curriculum Design. My family wasn't active in the church, the Missionaries worked with me for several years to join the church. It wasn't until they came and taught me about Celestial Marriage and that my family could be with me forever, that I realized that the church is true.
17 From age 7, I grew up in this neighborhood and ward. The ward boundaries and names changed every once in a while, but the neighbors were always the same! The first official church calling I received came when I was 15 years old. I was asked to play the organ in Sunday School. I’ll never forget that experience, as the deacons decided to play a big joke on me. Let’s just say my initiation into that calling was somewhat embarrassing.
Sisters F Ellen Clift L Kristy Gellerson
A Ardell Archibald G Erin Taylor M LaRae Piercy
B Barbara Stout H Jeanine Hedin N Margie Walker
C Barbara Freed I Jenifer Tate O Mary Anne Gudmundsen
D Charlene Robinson J Kaelyn Birch P Sandy Levinson
E Debbie Hedin K Kelly Brown Q Shantell Barlow
Anwers 1-H 2- K 3-F 4-J 5-I
6- P 7- D 8-G 9-E 10-O 11-N
12-A 13-Q 14-B 15-M 16-L 17-C
1 My husband and I lived in the Springview Ward for over 50 years before he passed away 4 ½ years ago. Our children grew up in the ward with many fond memories. Three of our children no longer live in the ward. Our youngest son is now serving in the Stake Presidency. I have held many callings in the stake and ward; the last before I reluctantly moved was working with the Compassionate Service Committee sisters. I learned to love them because of their charitable acts of kindness they perform daily. I miss them.
2 She was born on February 13th and came into this world with a traumatic birth. A loveable and prayerful child . Although she would never eat anything with sugar, on her birthday she would always want chocolate cake. Even though eating it made her sick, since the kids always liked chocolate best, it was what she wanted.
3 She was named after her Mother, Grandmother and Great great grandmother. All of her family lines go back to the pioneers. After her Parents divorce, her Mother bought a home in Bountiful from Carolyn Mickelsen’ s in laws. She served a mission in Lansing Michigan .
4 I was born here in Salt Lake City, December 20, 1964. I went to school at Roosevelt Elementary, Central Jr. High School, and Granite High School. I have spent most of my life, off and on, in this ward. (I just can’t tear myself away.) I have eight brothers and sisters, and I am the next-to-youngest child in my family.
5 My family lived just above 900 E. on Elgin Ave. when I was born in August 1983. I even remember going down the steps to the primary room in the old building that used to sit where ours does now. I have always loved to sing. I was fortunate enough to travel to New York with a select choir to sing in Carnegie Hall my sophomore year. I started to write my own songs and music in high school.
6 I was born in Trenton, New Jersey in the era of the Baby Boomers, attending school in Trenton. I grew up in an area noted in the American Revolution. One time we came to Salt Lake to see the Mormon Tabernacle. While touring Temple Square, we got the Joseph Smith's story pamphlet which I started to read on the ride home to Jersey.
7 My mother and I bought our house at 744 E. Claybourne in 1942, the year I graduated from East High School. I immediately started to work so I was able to pay for the house. I have been active in the Church all my life and held many positions in all organizations, music director in ward and stake assignments, 8 years as a worker at the Salt Lake LDS Temple, Relief Society President for 5 years and 18 months as ward missionary. I have sung all my life from age 16, “bursting into song” whenever the occasion arises.
8 I grew up singing all the time- in church, with my family, on camping trips around the fire. We were a very musical family. I sang in the West High a’cappella choir and then in the Bingham High madrigals. I graduated from Bingham High School in 1991 & attended Ricks College where I studied Psychology, but still sang in the choirs there as well.
9 This sister has been a member of the Grant Stake for her entire life. She was born and raised in the Grant 12th Ward, which is now the Millstream Ward. Her parents still live there. She is the youngest of 5 children. She met her husband while serving on Seminary Council at Granite High School. They married on Feb. 25, 1987 and rented Charlene Robinson's house.
10 This sister was born January 25, 1922; the fifth child, and third daughter in Spring Canyon, Utah. While she was growing up she lived across the street from Woodrow Wilson. They owned a cow which, even though it was the depression, allowed them to have cakes with delicious whip cream on top.
11 I was born in March of 1959. Dad always worked very hard to get the things we all needed to survive in this life. I met my husband in 1988. I’ve always liked to draw and take art classes. I turned 50 in 2009 and I went to Disneyland by myself on my birthday and had a wonderful time.
12 She was quite the tom-boy in her early years. She liked to hike. She and her friends would hike on the lava rocks near her home. She was daring and would jump over crevices where she could have fallen a long way and gotten hurt quite badly. Someone was watching over her, and nothing ever happened though.
13 I was born in Provo, on January 2nd, 1979. I grew up in American Fork next door to my grandparents. I attended Weber State University in Ogden. I work at Jordan Valley Medical Center part time as an ultrasonographer which I really enjoy. While at school, I worked at the Student Support office where one of my coworkers introduced me to my husband.
14 She is the oldest child in a very large family and was given a lot of responsibilities. Her mother plays the piano, who started giving her piano lessons at the age of 5 and continued until 7th grade. She also started playing the violin in school in the 4th grade. In 7th grade, she changed to viola.
15 This sister was born in Oakland, California, in 1951, the eldest of five children. April 26, 2009 she moved to Utah to help care for her elderly parents. After she moved to Utah she became a Nanny for Melanie Owen’s three little poodle puppies. She is a member of the DUP and enjoys attending meetings.
16 I have lived on 8th East as long as I have been married. I graduated from Westminster as a teacher and later from The College of Phoenix with a Masters Degree. in Curriculum Design. My family wasn't active in the church, the Missionaries worked with me for several years to join the church. It wasn't until they came and taught me about Celestial Marriage and that my family could be with me forever, that I realized that the church is true.
17 From age 7, I grew up in this neighborhood and ward. The ward boundaries and names changed every once in a while, but the neighbors were always the same! The first official church calling I received came when I was 15 years old. I was asked to play the organ in Sunday School. I’ll never forget that experience, as the deacons decided to play a big joke on me. Let’s just say my initiation into that calling was somewhat embarrassing.
Sisters F Ellen Clift L Kristy Gellerson
A Ardell Archibald G Erin Taylor M LaRae Piercy
B Barbara Stout H Jeanine Hedin N Margie Walker
C Barbara Freed I Jenifer Tate O Mary Anne Gudmundsen
D Charlene Robinson J Kaelyn Birch P Sandy Levinson
E Debbie Hedin K Kelly Brown Q Shantell Barlow
Anwers 1-H 2- K 3-F 4-J 5-I
6- P 7- D 8-G 9-E 10-O 11-N
12-A 13-Q 14-B 15-M 16-L 17-C
Recipes to make and share
Ensign » 1971 » April Today’s Family Conducted by Mabel Jones Gabbott
Webb Dycus, “Recipes: A Sharing of Friendship,” Ensign, Apr. 1971, 78
A recipe can be many things. It can be a new dish, an untried flavor; it can be a delectable combination of familiar ingredients that add up to luscious eating.
A recipe can mean a new friend, a giving of some part of you and your day to brighten mine, a bit of your kitchen experimenting to be experimented now in mine.
A recipe can be a reaching across the miles, a blessing from your home to mine, a seal of friendship given and received.
Webb Dycus, of Duck River, Tennessee, received her apple bread recipe from her friend Erma Lee Stovall in Wichita, Kansas. Aileen Kilgore Henderson, of San Diego, California, says her recipe for pound cake was given to her many years ago by an Alabama relative. They share these recipes with friends of the Ensign.
Apple Bread
3 cups flour 1 1/2 teaspoons soda 1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon 2 cups sugar 1 1/4 cups cooking oil
3 whole eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla 3 cups thinly sliced peeled apples
Sift together flour, soda, salt, and cinnamon. Cream together by hand the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla. (Be sure to add the eggs one at a time and beat well after each addition.)
Add the sifted ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the apple slices. Beat well.
Bake in a loaf pan at 325° F. until lightly browned and done. Wrap bread in foil as soon as cool, and it will keep in the freezer very well.
(I don’t believe one can go by oven temperatures in a standardized way. Perhaps you will want to bake the bread at 350° in a gas oven. However, my electric oven cooks hotter than my sister’s. I cooked my bread, starting at around 300°, until it was well on toward done, then ran it up to 325°. This is one of the best breads I have tasted.)
Aileen Kilgore Henderson, “Social Insurance, Anyone?,” Ensign, Apr. 1971, 78
With an insurance policy to cover nearly every contingency, why not social insurance for homemakers? Master the art of making pound cake and you will be insured for any social emergency.
Serve the pound cake just as it comes from the oven—a slice of golden, fine-textured velvet encased in a thin shell of rich brown crust. Or, serve it with mandarin oranges steeped in chilled Catawba juice, or topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. A wide variety of frostings can be used to enhance the delicate flavor of this cake, and to produce as dramatic a dessert as you might desire.
Pound cake can be baked in an eight-inch spring-form pan or a regular-sized loaf pan. A kugelhupf pan turns out a spirally fluted product, especially beautiful when dusted with confectioner’s sugar. A pound cake mold, should you be fortunate enough to own one, is especially appropriate.
Have all ingredients at room temperature. Butter and flour thoroughly the pan you have chosen. The kugelhupf pan or pound cake mold takes a bit of extra attention to make sure that every bit of the design is well-coated.
Pound Cake
1 cup vegetable shortening (part butter if preferred) 1 2/3 cups sugar
5 eggs 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
Cream until light vegetable shortening (part butter is delectable but not at all necessary) and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Add almond extract and lemon juice. (This combination gives the cake a delightful flavor, but for a subtle Bavarian shading that is guaranteed to pique the taste buds, stir in additionally the grated rind of 1 large lemon. For another change, substitute for these combinations 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and 1/4 teaspoon mace.)
Sift together salt and lightly spooned cake flour. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture. Beat well.
Bake in a preheated oven at 325° F. for 70 minutes or until nicely browned.
The hostess with a pound cake tucked away in her cake box can greet unexpected guests with composure. She knows that an important part of the entertaining is already done.
Don’t you need to bake yourself some social insurance today?
As a side note, having a store bought Pound cake can also be used. Topping it with some ice cream topping (strawberry, caramel, chocolate) which can be kept in the pantry for an emergency, or fresh or canned fruit (bananas and crushed pineapple) with some whipped topping for an elegant treat.
Webb Dycus, “Recipes: A Sharing of Friendship,” Ensign, Apr. 1971, 78
A recipe can be many things. It can be a new dish, an untried flavor; it can be a delectable combination of familiar ingredients that add up to luscious eating.
A recipe can mean a new friend, a giving of some part of you and your day to brighten mine, a bit of your kitchen experimenting to be experimented now in mine.
A recipe can be a reaching across the miles, a blessing from your home to mine, a seal of friendship given and received.
Webb Dycus, of Duck River, Tennessee, received her apple bread recipe from her friend Erma Lee Stovall in Wichita, Kansas. Aileen Kilgore Henderson, of San Diego, California, says her recipe for pound cake was given to her many years ago by an Alabama relative. They share these recipes with friends of the Ensign.
Apple Bread
3 cups flour 1 1/2 teaspoons soda 1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon 2 cups sugar 1 1/4 cups cooking oil
3 whole eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla 3 cups thinly sliced peeled apples
Sift together flour, soda, salt, and cinnamon. Cream together by hand the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla. (Be sure to add the eggs one at a time and beat well after each addition.)
Add the sifted ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the apple slices. Beat well.
Bake in a loaf pan at 325° F. until lightly browned and done. Wrap bread in foil as soon as cool, and it will keep in the freezer very well.
(I don’t believe one can go by oven temperatures in a standardized way. Perhaps you will want to bake the bread at 350° in a gas oven. However, my electric oven cooks hotter than my sister’s. I cooked my bread, starting at around 300°, until it was well on toward done, then ran it up to 325°. This is one of the best breads I have tasted.)
Aileen Kilgore Henderson, “Social Insurance, Anyone?,” Ensign, Apr. 1971, 78
With an insurance policy to cover nearly every contingency, why not social insurance for homemakers? Master the art of making pound cake and you will be insured for any social emergency.
Serve the pound cake just as it comes from the oven—a slice of golden, fine-textured velvet encased in a thin shell of rich brown crust. Or, serve it with mandarin oranges steeped in chilled Catawba juice, or topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. A wide variety of frostings can be used to enhance the delicate flavor of this cake, and to produce as dramatic a dessert as you might desire.
Pound cake can be baked in an eight-inch spring-form pan or a regular-sized loaf pan. A kugelhupf pan turns out a spirally fluted product, especially beautiful when dusted with confectioner’s sugar. A pound cake mold, should you be fortunate enough to own one, is especially appropriate.
Have all ingredients at room temperature. Butter and flour thoroughly the pan you have chosen. The kugelhupf pan or pound cake mold takes a bit of extra attention to make sure that every bit of the design is well-coated.
Pound Cake
1 cup vegetable shortening (part butter if preferred) 1 2/3 cups sugar
5 eggs 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
Cream until light vegetable shortening (part butter is delectable but not at all necessary) and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Add almond extract and lemon juice. (This combination gives the cake a delightful flavor, but for a subtle Bavarian shading that is guaranteed to pique the taste buds, stir in additionally the grated rind of 1 large lemon. For another change, substitute for these combinations 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and 1/4 teaspoon mace.)
Sift together salt and lightly spooned cake flour. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture. Beat well.
Bake in a preheated oven at 325° F. for 70 minutes or until nicely browned.
The hostess with a pound cake tucked away in her cake box can greet unexpected guests with composure. She knows that an important part of the entertaining is already done.
Don’t you need to bake yourself some social insurance today?
As a side note, having a store bought Pound cake can also be used. Topping it with some ice cream topping (strawberry, caramel, chocolate) which can be kept in the pantry for an emergency, or fresh or canned fruit (bananas and crushed pineapple) with some whipped topping for an elegant treat.
Tips for Driving in the rain
Driving in the Rain Who would have thought? GOOD VISION IN A DOWNPOUR
I searched the first one on ‘Snopes’ and it came up undetermined (research in progress). http://www.snopes.com/autos/techno/sunglasses.asp I couldn’t find it on ‘Urban Legand.
I searched the second one on ‘Snopes’ http://www.snopes.com/autos/techno/wetroad.asp and ‘Urban Legands’ http://urbanlegends.about.com/sitesearch.htm?terms=driving%20in%20the%20rain&SUName=urbanlegends&TopNode=99 and it came out true.
#1: How to easily achieve good vision while driving during a heavy downpour…
We are not sure why it is so effective; just try this when it rains heavily. This method was told by a Police friend who had experienced and confirmed it.
Note: It is useful, even when driving at night. Most of the motorists would turn on HIGH or FASTEST SPEED of the wipers during heavy downpour, yet the visibility in front of the windshield is still bad... Don’t do it. Listen:
In the event you face such a situation, just try your SUNGLASSES (any model will do), and miracle of miracles occurs! All of a sudden, your visibility in front of your windshield is perfectly clear, as if there is no rain.
Make sure you always have a pair of SUNGLASSES in your car, as you are not only helping yourself to drive safely with good vision, but also might save your friend's life by giving him this idea. Try it yourself and share it with your friends!
Amazingly you still see the drops on the windshield, but not the sheet of rain falling! You can actually see where the rain bounces off the road. It works to eliminate the "blindness" from passing semi's spraying you too. Or the "kick-up" if you are following a semi or car in the rain.
They ought to teach that “little” tip in driver's training... It really does work! Check out the next one below:
*******************************************
#2:
This warning is another good one! I wonder how many people know about this. A 36 year old female had an accident several weeks ago and totaled her car. A resident of Kilgore , TX and she was traveling between Gladewater & Kilgore. It was raining, though not excessively, when her car suddenly began to hydro-plane and literally flew through the air. She was not seriously injured but very stunned at the sudden occurrence!
When she explained to the highway patrolman what had happened he told her something that every driver should know - NEVER DRIVE IN THE RAIN WITH YOUR CRUISE CONTROL ON. She thought she was being cautious by setting the cruise control and maintaining a safe consistent speed in the rain.
But the highway patrolman told her that if the cruise control is on when your car begins to hydro-plane and your tires lose contact with the pavement, your car will accelerate to a higher rate of speed making you take off like an airplane. She told the patrolman that was exactly what had occurred..
The patrolman said this warning should be listed, on the driver's seat sun-visor -NEVER USE THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE PAVEMENT IS WET OR ICY, along with the airbag warning. We tell our teenagers to set the cruise control and drive a safe speed - but we don't tell them to use the cruise control only when the pavement is dry.
The only person the accident victim found, who knew this (besides the patrolman), was a man who had a similar accident, totaled his car and sustained severe injuries.
NOTE: Some vehicles, like the Toyota Sienna Limited XLE, will not allow you to set the cruise control when the windshield wipers are on. Good for Toyota . Other car manufacturers should integrate this life-saving feature.
*******************************************
Another Tip On The Road I found through ‘Urban Legand’
Driving Tips for Rainy Weather -Following These Driving Tips Will Help You Get There Safely
By Sharon O'Brien, About.com Guide
Even the best drivers can get a little nervous about driving in rain, but it can be a bigger challenge for older adults or people with disabilities, who may have slower reflexes and vision limitations.
Being prepared and taking it slow can help you feel more secure on the road. Start by following these driving tips from the editors at Edmunds.com; they will help you get to your destination safely--and with your nerves intact.
•Turn on your headlights; a good rule to follow to turn on your lights whenever you use your wipers.
•Remember that wet roads are more slippery, so leave extra space between you and other cars.
•If possible, stay in the middle lane. According to the Edmonds.com editors, most American roads are higher in the middle, so there's a greater chance of water runoff and standing water in the side lanes.
•Try to avoid pools of standing water; they could be hiding holes in the pavement.
•Do not try to cross running water.
•After driving through a puddle, tap your brake pedal to help dry your brake rotors.
•Look out for pedestrians.
These are just a few driving tips to increase your safety and security while driving in rainy weather.
I searched the first one on ‘Snopes’ and it came up undetermined (research in progress). http://www.snopes.com/autos/techno/sunglasses.asp I couldn’t find it on ‘Urban Legand.
I searched the second one on ‘Snopes’ http://www.snopes.com/autos/techno/wetroad.asp and ‘Urban Legands’ http://urbanlegends.about.com/sitesearch.htm?terms=driving%20in%20the%20rain&SUName=urbanlegends&TopNode=99 and it came out true.
#1: How to easily achieve good vision while driving during a heavy downpour…
We are not sure why it is so effective; just try this when it rains heavily. This method was told by a Police friend who had experienced and confirmed it.
Note: It is useful, even when driving at night. Most of the motorists would turn on HIGH or FASTEST SPEED of the wipers during heavy downpour, yet the visibility in front of the windshield is still bad... Don’t do it. Listen:
In the event you face such a situation, just try your SUNGLASSES (any model will do), and miracle of miracles occurs! All of a sudden, your visibility in front of your windshield is perfectly clear, as if there is no rain.
Make sure you always have a pair of SUNGLASSES in your car, as you are not only helping yourself to drive safely with good vision, but also might save your friend's life by giving him this idea. Try it yourself and share it with your friends!
Amazingly you still see the drops on the windshield, but not the sheet of rain falling! You can actually see where the rain bounces off the road. It works to eliminate the "blindness" from passing semi's spraying you too. Or the "kick-up" if you are following a semi or car in the rain.
They ought to teach that “little” tip in driver's training... It really does work! Check out the next one below:
*******************************************
#2:
This warning is another good one! I wonder how many people know about this. A 36 year old female had an accident several weeks ago and totaled her car. A resident of Kilgore , TX and she was traveling between Gladewater & Kilgore. It was raining, though not excessively, when her car suddenly began to hydro-plane and literally flew through the air. She was not seriously injured but very stunned at the sudden occurrence!
When she explained to the highway patrolman what had happened he told her something that every driver should know - NEVER DRIVE IN THE RAIN WITH YOUR CRUISE CONTROL ON. She thought she was being cautious by setting the cruise control and maintaining a safe consistent speed in the rain.
But the highway patrolman told her that if the cruise control is on when your car begins to hydro-plane and your tires lose contact with the pavement, your car will accelerate to a higher rate of speed making you take off like an airplane. She told the patrolman that was exactly what had occurred..
The patrolman said this warning should be listed, on the driver's seat sun-visor -NEVER USE THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE PAVEMENT IS WET OR ICY, along with the airbag warning. We tell our teenagers to set the cruise control and drive a safe speed - but we don't tell them to use the cruise control only when the pavement is dry.
The only person the accident victim found, who knew this (besides the patrolman), was a man who had a similar accident, totaled his car and sustained severe injuries.
NOTE: Some vehicles, like the Toyota Sienna Limited XLE, will not allow you to set the cruise control when the windshield wipers are on. Good for Toyota . Other car manufacturers should integrate this life-saving feature.
*******************************************
Another Tip On The Road I found through ‘Urban Legand’
Driving Tips for Rainy Weather -Following These Driving Tips Will Help You Get There Safely
By Sharon O'Brien, About.com Guide
Even the best drivers can get a little nervous about driving in rain, but it can be a bigger challenge for older adults or people with disabilities, who may have slower reflexes and vision limitations.
Being prepared and taking it slow can help you feel more secure on the road. Start by following these driving tips from the editors at Edmunds.com; they will help you get to your destination safely--and with your nerves intact.
•Turn on your headlights; a good rule to follow to turn on your lights whenever you use your wipers.
•Remember that wet roads are more slippery, so leave extra space between you and other cars.
•If possible, stay in the middle lane. According to the Edmonds.com editors, most American roads are higher in the middle, so there's a greater chance of water runoff and standing water in the side lanes.
•Try to avoid pools of standing water; they could be hiding holes in the pavement.
•Do not try to cross running water.
•After driving through a puddle, tap your brake pedal to help dry your brake rotors.
•Look out for pedestrians.
These are just a few driving tips to increase your safety and security while driving in rainy weather.
Cooking Tips for Kids in the Kitchen
Cooking Tips for Kids in the Kitchen from http://homecooking.about.com/od/holidayandpartyrecipes/a/mothersdaykids.htm
You may need an assistant for this project, so make a date to cook with a parent, adult or older teen to help you out with the chopping and stove work. Here are a few chef's safety tips for you:
• Before you start, you have to wash your hands. Awww...I know this is supposed to be fun, but when you prepare food, it is most important that your hands are clean and free of germs. You wouldn't want to make anyone sick, would you?
• Get out all the measuring spoons, measuring cups, pots and pans that you will be using and have them handy.
• Next gather all the ingredients. You wouldn't want to begin and then find out you're missing something.
• Put on an apron to protect your clothes. Tie back your hair if it's long, or wear a cap to keep your hair away from the food. No one likes hairy food!
• Be sure you know where your kitchen fire extinguisher is located, just in case.
• Read the recipe completely and understand the directions before you begin.
• When you're all finished, be a good sport and wash up the dishes. You can leave the sharp knives for an adult to wash.
• Have fun!
Tasty Turkey Chili Recipe
This easy chili made with ground turkey not only tastes good, it's also heart healthy and designed for kids to make. Feel free to make it ahead and reheat. It's even better the next day.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
•1 large onion •2 tablespoons corn oil
•1-1/4 lbs. fresh ground turkey (ground without skin) •2 teaspoons chili powder
•1/2 tsp garlic powder or 2 large cloves garlic, peeled and minced •1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
•1/2 teaspoon ground cumin •1- 15-ounce can pinto beans
•1 15-ounce can black beans •1 (14-1/oz) can diced tomatoes in juice, undrained
•1 (6 oz) can tomato paste •1 (14-1/2 ounces) can chicken broth
•1 cup frozen corn kernels •4 to 5 green onions (scallions)
Preparation:
Peel and chop onion with the help of your assistant.
Pour oil into Dutch oven or large saucepan. Place pot on burner. Turn heat to medium. Heat oil for 1 minute.
Add onions to hot oil. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally with wooden spoon, for 5 minutes, or until onion is almost clear.
Add ground turkey to pot. Stir with a wooden spoon, breaking up large pieces. Brown turkey for 5 minutes, stirring often.
Stir in garlic powder or garlic, chili powder, black pepper, and cumin until well combined.
Open cans of pinto and black beans. Pour both into large strainer. Place strainer under cold running water. Rinse beans thoroughly and drain.
With wooden spoon, stir beans, tomatoes and their juice, tomato paste, chicken broth, and corn into pot. Heat 5 to 7 minutes, or until thoroughly hot, stirring often.
Rinse and slice green portions of green onions. (Save the white part for Mom to use another time.) You should have about 1/2 cup.
Stir green onions into pot. Remove from heat. Ladle hot chili into bowls. Serve with green salad and cornbread.
Yield: 8 one-cup servings.
Let the kids make a Dump Cake for dessert.
Dump Cake Recipe
This recipe is designed for kids to bake. It's incredibly easy with no mixing involved. Canned fruits are dumped into a baking pan, topped with cake mix, butter, and nuts, then baked. The result is something in between a cake and a cobbler, and amazingly delicious. Adults will also love this recipe.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Ingredients:
•1 (20 ounces) can crushed pineapple, undrained •1 (21 ounces) can prepared more fruit cherry pie filling
•1 (18.25 ounces) box yellow cake mix •2 sticks of butter or margarine, each cut into 12 slices
•1/4 cup chopped nuts (your choice - optional)
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (325 for glass baking dish). Have a 9 by 13-inch baking pan ready.
Dump undrained pineapple baking dish or pan and spread it out evenly.
Using a spoon, dump globs of cherry pie filling evenly on top of the pineapple.
Sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the cherry and pineapple layers.
Cut butter into slices with a butter knife and place slices evenly over cake mix.
Sprinkle nuts on top if you're using them.
Bake for one hour. Use heavy oven mitts to remove the dump cake from oven or let your older helper do it.
To serve, scoop cake out with a large spoon like a cobbler, and dump it on a nice plate. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is delicious with dump cake. Serve warm or cold.
Yield: about 10 to 12 servings
You may need an assistant for this project, so make a date to cook with a parent, adult or older teen to help you out with the chopping and stove work. Here are a few chef's safety tips for you:
• Before you start, you have to wash your hands. Awww...I know this is supposed to be fun, but when you prepare food, it is most important that your hands are clean and free of germs. You wouldn't want to make anyone sick, would you?
• Get out all the measuring spoons, measuring cups, pots and pans that you will be using and have them handy.
• Next gather all the ingredients. You wouldn't want to begin and then find out you're missing something.
• Put on an apron to protect your clothes. Tie back your hair if it's long, or wear a cap to keep your hair away from the food. No one likes hairy food!
• Be sure you know where your kitchen fire extinguisher is located, just in case.
• Read the recipe completely and understand the directions before you begin.
• When you're all finished, be a good sport and wash up the dishes. You can leave the sharp knives for an adult to wash.
• Have fun!
Tasty Turkey Chili Recipe
This easy chili made with ground turkey not only tastes good, it's also heart healthy and designed for kids to make. Feel free to make it ahead and reheat. It's even better the next day.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
•1 large onion •2 tablespoons corn oil
•1-1/4 lbs. fresh ground turkey (ground without skin) •2 teaspoons chili powder
•1/2 tsp garlic powder or 2 large cloves garlic, peeled and minced •1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
•1/2 teaspoon ground cumin •1- 15-ounce can pinto beans
•1 15-ounce can black beans •1 (14-1/oz) can diced tomatoes in juice, undrained
•1 (6 oz) can tomato paste •1 (14-1/2 ounces) can chicken broth
•1 cup frozen corn kernels •4 to 5 green onions (scallions)
Preparation:
Peel and chop onion with the help of your assistant.
Pour oil into Dutch oven or large saucepan. Place pot on burner. Turn heat to medium. Heat oil for 1 minute.
Add onions to hot oil. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally with wooden spoon, for 5 minutes, or until onion is almost clear.
Add ground turkey to pot. Stir with a wooden spoon, breaking up large pieces. Brown turkey for 5 minutes, stirring often.
Stir in garlic powder or garlic, chili powder, black pepper, and cumin until well combined.
Open cans of pinto and black beans. Pour both into large strainer. Place strainer under cold running water. Rinse beans thoroughly and drain.
With wooden spoon, stir beans, tomatoes and their juice, tomato paste, chicken broth, and corn into pot. Heat 5 to 7 minutes, or until thoroughly hot, stirring often.
Rinse and slice green portions of green onions. (Save the white part for Mom to use another time.) You should have about 1/2 cup.
Stir green onions into pot. Remove from heat. Ladle hot chili into bowls. Serve with green salad and cornbread.
Yield: 8 one-cup servings.
Let the kids make a Dump Cake for dessert.
Dump Cake Recipe
This recipe is designed for kids to bake. It's incredibly easy with no mixing involved. Canned fruits are dumped into a baking pan, topped with cake mix, butter, and nuts, then baked. The result is something in between a cake and a cobbler, and amazingly delicious. Adults will also love this recipe.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Ingredients:
•1 (20 ounces) can crushed pineapple, undrained •1 (21 ounces) can prepared more fruit cherry pie filling
•1 (18.25 ounces) box yellow cake mix •2 sticks of butter or margarine, each cut into 12 slices
•1/4 cup chopped nuts (your choice - optional)
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (325 for glass baking dish). Have a 9 by 13-inch baking pan ready.
Dump undrained pineapple baking dish or pan and spread it out evenly.
Using a spoon, dump globs of cherry pie filling evenly on top of the pineapple.
Sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the cherry and pineapple layers.
Cut butter into slices with a butter knife and place slices evenly over cake mix.
Sprinkle nuts on top if you're using them.
Bake for one hour. Use heavy oven mitts to remove the dump cake from oven or let your older helper do it.
To serve, scoop cake out with a large spoon like a cobbler, and dump it on a nice plate. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is delicious with dump cake. Serve warm or cold.
Yield: about 10 to 12 servings
Kitchen Krafts
“Kitchen Krafts,” Friend, Apr 2006, 45
Baked Spring Catch
Do you like to go fishing? Do you like to eat fish? Celebrate spring days ahead by helping an older person prepare these fishy, fruity recipes.
6 fish filets, 3/4″ (2 cm) thick
1/3 cup melted butter or margarine
3 tablespoons lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon salt
dill weed to taste
1. If frozen, thaw the fish filets. Wash them well and place in a baking dish.
2. Combine the butter, lemon juice, and salt, and pour the mixture evenly over the filets. Sprinkle with dill weed.
3. Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Serve with Spicy Mango Sauce (below).
Spicy Mango Sauce
1 mango, peeled and diced
1 small peach or nectarine, peeled and diced
1 red pepper, diced
1 small can (4.5 ounces/128 grams) chopped green chiles, drained
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro
Combine the ingredients and refrigerate covered for 8 hours. Serve over fish, poultry, or tortilla chips.
Cinnamon Fruit Snack
2 medium apples, cored and sliced
2 medium oranges, peeled and separated
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1 cup water
cinnamon to taste
Combine the water and pineapple juice. Dip each fruit slice in the juice mixture before arranging in a circle on a plate. Sprinkle fruit with cinnamon.
Kitchen Krafts
“Kitchen Krafts,” Friend, Mar 2006, 48
With permission and help from a parent, you could make these recipes for a family dinner after church. Maybe your Primary activity-day class could prepare this meal for your families to fulfill one of the “Serving Others” requirements in the Faith in God program.
Ham Fettuccine By Julie Wardell
1 pound (.45 kg) fettuccine
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
8 ounces (227 g) fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 1/2 cups half-and-half
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1 cup cubed cooked ham
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1. Cook the fettuccine according to the package directions.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter or margarine on medium-high heat. Add the onion and mushrooms and cook until the onion is tender.
3. Stir in the half-and-half, peas, ham, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 3 minutes.
4. Remove from the heat and mix in the cheese. Serve over the fettuccine.
Makes 6–8 servings.
Spring Bunnies By Margaret Woods
1 package (6 ounces/170 g) lime gelatin
6 canned pear halves, drained
12 whole shelled almonds
1 cup prepared whipped topping fresh parsley
1. Prepare the gelatin according to the package directions. Place the gelatin in a wide round bowl or dish and let it set completely.
2. Arrange the pear halves on top of the gelatin in a circle 1″ (2.5 cm) from the outside edge of the bowl, with the narrow end pointing towards the middle.
3. Carefully push two almonds into the top narrow end of each pear for ears.
4. Place a generous spoonful of whipped topping on each bunny for a tail.
5. Add the parsley to the middle of the bowl so the bunnies can nibble on it.
Makes 6 servings.
Friend » 1974 » October
Meals for Young Cooks by Winnifred and Ann Jardine
Winnifred and Ann Jardine, “Meals for Young Cooks,” Friend, Oct 1974, 6
Before you begin preparing this meal, read through the recipes and be sure you have all of the ingredients and utensils you’ll need.
Supper Menu
Creamed Peas
Cheese Puff
Sliced Tomatoes
Lemon Ice-Cream Pie
Creamed Peas
1/2 cup water
1 chicken or beef bouillon cube
10-ounce package frozen peas
1/2 cup sour cream
1. Dissolve bouillon cube in water and bring to boil in small saucepan.
2. Add peas and bring to boil again. Lower heat, cover, cook 8 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream.
4. Serve immediately.
Cheese Puff
12 slices day-old white bread
1/2 pound sliced cheddar cheese
4 eggs
2 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon dried onion flakes
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1. Arrange half of bread slices to cover bottom of buttered 12″ x 8″ x 2″ baking dish or pan.
2. Arrange cheese slices evenly over bread.
3. Lay remaining bread slices over top of cheese.
4. Combine thoroughly eggs, milk, onion flakes, salt, and pour over bread and cheese. Chill in refrigerator for 1 hour or longer.
5. Bake at 325ยบ for 1 hour. Serve immediately.
Sliced Tomatoes
To give tomatoes a different taste, sprinkle each slice lightly with salt. Then with your thumb crush a little sweet basil into the palm of your other hand until it’s fine, and sprinkle powder on tomatoes.
Note: To save time later and to avoid a hurried feeling at suppertime, make the cheese puff and frozen lemon ice-cream pie early on the day you plan to serve them.
Frozen Lemon Ice-Cream Pie
18 graham crackers (1 1/2 cups crumbs)
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup melted butter or margarine
1/2 6-ounce can lemonade concentrate
1 quart vanilla ice cream
1. Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs with rolling pin.
2. Stir cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter or margarine until well blended.
3. Press mixture firmly and evenly on bottom and sides of 9″ pie pan. Chill in refrigerator 1 hour.
4. Mix ice cream and frozen lemonade concentrate together with wooden spoon or electric mixer.
5. Pile into chilled graham cracker crust, cover with foil, and set in freezer for several hours. For a fancy look, decorate with maraschino cherries and mint leaves just before serving.
Tips for Young Cooks
There are many kitchen appliances that make cooking more fun and less work. But you must know how to use them properly.
1. Have your mother show you how to use the kitchen appliances in your home such as the electric mixer, blender, skillet, waffle iron, griddle, can opener, and popcorn popper.
2. Electric appliances should always be unplugged when not in use.
3. Be sure your hands are dry when you plug in or unplug an appliance.
4. When you are through using an appliance, take the plug and pull it straight out.
5. Always unplug the appliance cord from the wall first, then unplug the cord from the appliance. Store the cord with the appliance so the cord will always be easy to find.
Baked Spring Catch
Do you like to go fishing? Do you like to eat fish? Celebrate spring days ahead by helping an older person prepare these fishy, fruity recipes.
6 fish filets, 3/4″ (2 cm) thick
1/3 cup melted butter or margarine
3 tablespoons lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon salt
dill weed to taste
1. If frozen, thaw the fish filets. Wash them well and place in a baking dish.
2. Combine the butter, lemon juice, and salt, and pour the mixture evenly over the filets. Sprinkle with dill weed.
3. Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Serve with Spicy Mango Sauce (below).
Spicy Mango Sauce
1 mango, peeled and diced
1 small peach or nectarine, peeled and diced
1 red pepper, diced
1 small can (4.5 ounces/128 grams) chopped green chiles, drained
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro
Combine the ingredients and refrigerate covered for 8 hours. Serve over fish, poultry, or tortilla chips.
Cinnamon Fruit Snack
2 medium apples, cored and sliced
2 medium oranges, peeled and separated
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1 cup water
cinnamon to taste
Combine the water and pineapple juice. Dip each fruit slice in the juice mixture before arranging in a circle on a plate. Sprinkle fruit with cinnamon.
Kitchen Krafts
“Kitchen Krafts,” Friend, Mar 2006, 48
With permission and help from a parent, you could make these recipes for a family dinner after church. Maybe your Primary activity-day class could prepare this meal for your families to fulfill one of the “Serving Others” requirements in the Faith in God program.
Ham Fettuccine By Julie Wardell
1 pound (.45 kg) fettuccine
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
8 ounces (227 g) fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 1/2 cups half-and-half
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1 cup cubed cooked ham
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1. Cook the fettuccine according to the package directions.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter or margarine on medium-high heat. Add the onion and mushrooms and cook until the onion is tender.
3. Stir in the half-and-half, peas, ham, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 3 minutes.
4. Remove from the heat and mix in the cheese. Serve over the fettuccine.
Makes 6–8 servings.
Spring Bunnies By Margaret Woods
1 package (6 ounces/170 g) lime gelatin
6 canned pear halves, drained
12 whole shelled almonds
1 cup prepared whipped topping fresh parsley
1. Prepare the gelatin according to the package directions. Place the gelatin in a wide round bowl or dish and let it set completely.
2. Arrange the pear halves on top of the gelatin in a circle 1″ (2.5 cm) from the outside edge of the bowl, with the narrow end pointing towards the middle.
3. Carefully push two almonds into the top narrow end of each pear for ears.
4. Place a generous spoonful of whipped topping on each bunny for a tail.
5. Add the parsley to the middle of the bowl so the bunnies can nibble on it.
Makes 6 servings.
Friend » 1974 » October
Meals for Young Cooks by Winnifred and Ann Jardine
Winnifred and Ann Jardine, “Meals for Young Cooks,” Friend, Oct 1974, 6
Before you begin preparing this meal, read through the recipes and be sure you have all of the ingredients and utensils you’ll need.
Supper Menu
Creamed Peas
Cheese Puff
Sliced Tomatoes
Lemon Ice-Cream Pie
Creamed Peas
1/2 cup water
1 chicken or beef bouillon cube
10-ounce package frozen peas
1/2 cup sour cream
1. Dissolve bouillon cube in water and bring to boil in small saucepan.
2. Add peas and bring to boil again. Lower heat, cover, cook 8 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream.
4. Serve immediately.
Cheese Puff
12 slices day-old white bread
1/2 pound sliced cheddar cheese
4 eggs
2 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon dried onion flakes
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1. Arrange half of bread slices to cover bottom of buttered 12″ x 8″ x 2″ baking dish or pan.
2. Arrange cheese slices evenly over bread.
3. Lay remaining bread slices over top of cheese.
4. Combine thoroughly eggs, milk, onion flakes, salt, and pour over bread and cheese. Chill in refrigerator for 1 hour or longer.
5. Bake at 325ยบ for 1 hour. Serve immediately.
Sliced Tomatoes
To give tomatoes a different taste, sprinkle each slice lightly with salt. Then with your thumb crush a little sweet basil into the palm of your other hand until it’s fine, and sprinkle powder on tomatoes.
Note: To save time later and to avoid a hurried feeling at suppertime, make the cheese puff and frozen lemon ice-cream pie early on the day you plan to serve them.
Frozen Lemon Ice-Cream Pie
18 graham crackers (1 1/2 cups crumbs)
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup melted butter or margarine
1/2 6-ounce can lemonade concentrate
1 quart vanilla ice cream
1. Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs with rolling pin.
2. Stir cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter or margarine until well blended.
3. Press mixture firmly and evenly on bottom and sides of 9″ pie pan. Chill in refrigerator 1 hour.
4. Mix ice cream and frozen lemonade concentrate together with wooden spoon or electric mixer.
5. Pile into chilled graham cracker crust, cover with foil, and set in freezer for several hours. For a fancy look, decorate with maraschino cherries and mint leaves just before serving.
Tips for Young Cooks
There are many kitchen appliances that make cooking more fun and less work. But you must know how to use them properly.
1. Have your mother show you how to use the kitchen appliances in your home such as the electric mixer, blender, skillet, waffle iron, griddle, can opener, and popcorn popper.
2. Electric appliances should always be unplugged when not in use.
3. Be sure your hands are dry when you plug in or unplug an appliance.
4. When you are through using an appliance, take the plug and pull it straight out.
5. Always unplug the appliance cord from the wall first, then unplug the cord from the appliance. Store the cord with the appliance so the cord will always be easy to find.
Health Tips
Occasional High Blood Pressure Risky, Too?
Study Finds Episodes of High Blood Pressure, Often Ignored, Boost Stroke Risk
By Kathleen Doheny WebMD Medical News Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD
March 11, 2010 -- Occasional high blood pressure readings are often dismissed as nothing to worry about, but a new study suggests this episodic high blood pressure is a strong predictor of strokes.
''We have shown that it is variations in people's blood pressure rather than the average level that predicts stroke most powerfully," says study lead author Peter Rothwell, MD, professor of clinical neurology at the Stroke Prevention Research Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, England.
The study, published in The Lancet, followed more than 2,000 patients who had a transient ischemic attack or TIA, a ''mini-stroke'' predictive of a larger stroke, and validated the results with results from three other studies, in finding the link between occasional high blood pressure and stroke risk.
The researchers focused on the systolic blood pressure reading, the top number in the measurement, reflecting the pressure when the heart contracts while pumping blood. Normal blood pressure readings are below 120/80 millimeters of mercury, or mmHg.
How much variability predicts stroke risk? ''One certainly sees an increased risk of stroke when the systolic blood pressure fluctuates 40 mmHg or more (say between 120 mmHg and 160 mmHg) even when mean [or average] blood pressure is very well controlled," Rothwell tells WebMD in an email interview.
Occasional High Blood Pressure and Stroke Risk: Study Details
Rothwell and his colleagues evaluated data from 2,435 patients who had been enrolled in the UK-TIA aspirin trial, which assigned patients with a recent TIA or ischemic stroke to take aspirin or a placebo. Rothwell's team evaluated only the 2,006 patients from this study who had TIAs but no strokes, to avoid compromising the results due to the effect of a recent stroke on blood pressure.
Blood pressure in these patients was measured once at every four-month follow-up visit during the study, which ran from 1979 to 1985.
The results from this study were validated by Rothwell's team with results from three other large studies, each involving more than 2,000 patients.
Occasional High Blood Pressure Predicts Stroke
Patients with the most variation in their systolic blood pressure over seven clinic visits were found six times more likely to have a stroke, Rothwell found.
The highest blood pressure readings were also associated with higher stroke risk. Those with the highest readings over the seven visits were 15 times more likely to have a stroke during the follow-up period.
Not all the patients were being treated for hypertension, Rothwell tells WebMD. "Variability was predictive of stroke in both groups," he says, treated and untreated. "Some had stable hypertension, some had episodic hypertension and some had stable normal blood pressure. The episodic hypertension group had the highest risk of stroke.''
In one of the studies, variability in blood pressure also predicted the risk of heart attacks .
Blood Pressure Study Findings: Implications
The new research isn't the first to evaluate the risks of episodic high blood pressure, Rothwell notes. Although some variability in blood pressure is normal, the new research, he says, should inspire a change in thinking.
"I think that the risk associations, and other evidence, are sufficiently strong for us to stop reassuring patients with variable blood pressure that they don't have hypertension and don't need treatment, which is what current guidelines argue if their [average] blood pressure is OK,'' Rothwell says. " We should be concerned about episodic hypertension in patients who are not on treatment and about residual variability in patients who are already on treatment."
Some variability is normal, he tells WebMD. How much depends on age (typically increasing with age) and gender, with women more likely to have more variability. African-American people, too, tend to have more variability, he says. And other factors, such as the stiffness of the arteries, can affect the amount of variability, he says.
For patients who have high blood pressure and take their pressure at home to monitor it, Rothwell offers this advice based on his findings: "I think that they should consult their doctor if the systolic blood pressure is variable, particularly if they find that it is sometimes 150 mmHg or higher, even if it is well controlled at other times.''
Blood Pressure Study: Second Opinion
The suspected link between episodes of high blood pressure and stroke risk is not new, says Patrick Lyden, MD, chair of neurology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and a 30-year stroke researcher who reviewed the new research for WebMD.
But the new findings, he says, are ''the most important demonstration ... that the attacks of high blood pressure really are bad for you."
Lyden says he is aggressive about treating high blood pressure in his patients, whether the pressure is up some time or all the time. But not all physicians are as aggressive, he suspects. "I would say there is a widespread practice on both continents (UK and here) that occasional high blood pressure is ignored."
"This data teaches us how foolish that is," he says.
"This is still a hypothesis," Lyden tells WebMD. But "I think he's showing us it's critically important to pay attention to this."
Cancer Linked to Other Chronic Illnesses
People With High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Heart Attack More Likely to Have Cancer
By Jennifer Warner
WebMD Medical News Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD
April 2, 2010 -- Having a heart attack or chronic illness may raise the risk of being diagnosed with cancer , according to a new survey.
Researchers found that people with high blood pressure , high cholesterol , or diabetes were about twice as likely to have cancer as healthy people without these chronic illnesses.
In addition, the survey found that people who had suffered a heart attack were nearly three times more likely to have a cancer diagnosis than those who hadn't.
The survey was conducted as part of the Gallup Healthways Well-Being Index and based on telephone interviews with more than 350,000 adults in the U.S. conducted between Jan. 2- Dec. 30, 2008, and Jan. 2- Dec. 29, 2009. It has a sampling error of no more than 1 percentage point.
The survey showed the relationship between a cancer diagnosis and the following health conditions:
Health Condition % Diagnosed With Cancer
High blood pressure 11.8
No high blood pressure 5.0
High cholesterol 11.7
No high cholesterol 5.3
Diabetes 12.7
No diabetes 6.4
Heart attack 18.1
No heart attack 6.5
The risk of developing any of these chronic illnesses increases with advancing age, but researchers say the link between these illnesses and cancer remained significant within every age bracket. The relationship between cancer and some of the conditions, such as heart attack, were especially pronounced under age 45.
Researchers point out that the results do not necessarily mean any of these chronic illnesses cause cancer, but they do show that cancer and chronic conditions share many risk factors and may be interrelated.
For example, smoking cigarettes is a risk factor for both heart attack and lung cancer , and cholesterol itself is not a cancer-causing substance but can enhance the effects of other carcinogens in the body.
Study Finds Episodes of High Blood Pressure, Often Ignored, Boost Stroke Risk
By Kathleen Doheny WebMD Medical News Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD
March 11, 2010 -- Occasional high blood pressure readings are often dismissed as nothing to worry about, but a new study suggests this episodic high blood pressure is a strong predictor of strokes.
''We have shown that it is variations in people's blood pressure rather than the average level that predicts stroke most powerfully," says study lead author Peter Rothwell, MD, professor of clinical neurology at the Stroke Prevention Research Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, England.
The study, published in The Lancet, followed more than 2,000 patients who had a transient ischemic attack or TIA, a ''mini-stroke'' predictive of a larger stroke, and validated the results with results from three other studies, in finding the link between occasional high blood pressure and stroke risk.
The researchers focused on the systolic blood pressure reading, the top number in the measurement, reflecting the pressure when the heart contracts while pumping blood. Normal blood pressure readings are below 120/80 millimeters of mercury, or mmHg.
How much variability predicts stroke risk? ''One certainly sees an increased risk of stroke when the systolic blood pressure fluctuates 40 mmHg or more (say between 120 mmHg and 160 mmHg) even when mean [or average] blood pressure is very well controlled," Rothwell tells WebMD in an email interview.
Occasional High Blood Pressure and Stroke Risk: Study Details
Rothwell and his colleagues evaluated data from 2,435 patients who had been enrolled in the UK-TIA aspirin trial, which assigned patients with a recent TIA or ischemic stroke to take aspirin or a placebo. Rothwell's team evaluated only the 2,006 patients from this study who had TIAs but no strokes, to avoid compromising the results due to the effect of a recent stroke on blood pressure.
Blood pressure in these patients was measured once at every four-month follow-up visit during the study, which ran from 1979 to 1985.
The results from this study were validated by Rothwell's team with results from three other large studies, each involving more than 2,000 patients.
Occasional High Blood Pressure Predicts Stroke
Patients with the most variation in their systolic blood pressure over seven clinic visits were found six times more likely to have a stroke, Rothwell found.
The highest blood pressure readings were also associated with higher stroke risk. Those with the highest readings over the seven visits were 15 times more likely to have a stroke during the follow-up period.
Not all the patients were being treated for hypertension, Rothwell tells WebMD. "Variability was predictive of stroke in both groups," he says, treated and untreated. "Some had stable hypertension, some had episodic hypertension and some had stable normal blood pressure. The episodic hypertension group had the highest risk of stroke.''
In one of the studies, variability in blood pressure also predicted the risk of heart attacks .
Blood Pressure Study Findings: Implications
The new research isn't the first to evaluate the risks of episodic high blood pressure, Rothwell notes. Although some variability in blood pressure is normal, the new research, he says, should inspire a change in thinking.
"I think that the risk associations, and other evidence, are sufficiently strong for us to stop reassuring patients with variable blood pressure that they don't have hypertension and don't need treatment, which is what current guidelines argue if their [average] blood pressure is OK,'' Rothwell says. " We should be concerned about episodic hypertension in patients who are not on treatment and about residual variability in patients who are already on treatment."
Some variability is normal, he tells WebMD. How much depends on age (typically increasing with age) and gender, with women more likely to have more variability. African-American people, too, tend to have more variability, he says. And other factors, such as the stiffness of the arteries, can affect the amount of variability, he says.
For patients who have high blood pressure and take their pressure at home to monitor it, Rothwell offers this advice based on his findings: "I think that they should consult their doctor if the systolic blood pressure is variable, particularly if they find that it is sometimes 150 mmHg or higher, even if it is well controlled at other times.''
Blood Pressure Study: Second Opinion
The suspected link between episodes of high blood pressure and stroke risk is not new, says Patrick Lyden, MD, chair of neurology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and a 30-year stroke researcher who reviewed the new research for WebMD.
But the new findings, he says, are ''the most important demonstration ... that the attacks of high blood pressure really are bad for you."
Lyden says he is aggressive about treating high blood pressure in his patients, whether the pressure is up some time or all the time. But not all physicians are as aggressive, he suspects. "I would say there is a widespread practice on both continents (UK and here) that occasional high blood pressure is ignored."
"This data teaches us how foolish that is," he says.
"This is still a hypothesis," Lyden tells WebMD. But "I think he's showing us it's critically important to pay attention to this."
Cancer Linked to Other Chronic Illnesses
People With High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Heart Attack More Likely to Have Cancer
By Jennifer Warner
WebMD Medical News Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD
April 2, 2010 -- Having a heart attack or chronic illness may raise the risk of being diagnosed with cancer , according to a new survey.
Researchers found that people with high blood pressure , high cholesterol , or diabetes were about twice as likely to have cancer as healthy people without these chronic illnesses.
In addition, the survey found that people who had suffered a heart attack were nearly three times more likely to have a cancer diagnosis than those who hadn't.
The survey was conducted as part of the Gallup Healthways Well-Being Index and based on telephone interviews with more than 350,000 adults in the U.S. conducted between Jan. 2- Dec. 30, 2008, and Jan. 2- Dec. 29, 2009. It has a sampling error of no more than 1 percentage point.
The survey showed the relationship between a cancer diagnosis and the following health conditions:
Health Condition % Diagnosed With Cancer
High blood pressure 11.8
No high blood pressure 5.0
High cholesterol 11.7
No high cholesterol 5.3
Diabetes 12.7
No diabetes 6.4
Heart attack 18.1
No heart attack 6.5
The risk of developing any of these chronic illnesses increases with advancing age, but researchers say the link between these illnesses and cancer remained significant within every age bracket. The relationship between cancer and some of the conditions, such as heart attack, were especially pronounced under age 45.
Researchers point out that the results do not necessarily mean any of these chronic illnesses cause cancer, but they do show that cancer and chronic conditions share many risk factors and may be interrelated.
For example, smoking cigarettes is a risk factor for both heart attack and lung cancer , and cholesterol itself is not a cancer-causing substance but can enhance the effects of other carcinogens in the body.
Geneology Tip
Genealogical Journals in Time
Tips on Gathering your family Information “Research Guidelines”
From: http://www.genealogicaljourneys.com/index.htm
1. Let's begin by learning that you must organizing yourself. For as time goes on you will find yourself with so much paperwork that you will be lost. For each person make a Family Group Sheet, a Research Log of where you obtained your information and Research Questions you might have on this person along with a checklist. Remember to document everything you find on your ancestors. We will discuss each of these in further details below. Also remember that you certainly want to look into purchasing a genealogy software program to store your family data as paperwork can become overwhelming as you will see.
2.The Family Group Sheet is a very simple way to keep track of family groups. Take the information that you receive on each ancestor and make a Family Group Sheet (an example is shown at end of this page) on each person in your family. Start with yourself, then your parents and their children, your grandparents and their children, etc. As you go back further in time you may contact relatives or other researchers. Ask them to please fill out your FGS (Family Group Sheet) and return them to you. It is always welcomed if you enclosed a SASE.
3. The Research Log is very important for in the future when you share you data or decide possibly to publish your work you will need to know your sources for obtaining the information on your family lines. It is always nice to keep a log for each ancestor. Show their name, birth, death, married, spouse. For instance if you found the persons birth certificate show the date you found it, birth certificate, the source (quoting file#, etc.), source name & address. Wherever you obtain information be VERY specific with the information quoting authors, titles, pages, publishers, etc.
4. Research Questions can sometimes be personal questions you have on a certain ancestor other than birth, death and marriage. Again make a chart for each ancestor with their name, birth, death, married, spouse. You might have a list of questions for example, Immigration, Occupation, Religion, Adoption, Military Service, Spoke Foreign Language, Family Stories about this Person. These questions could also add some color into your gathering of materials on your family as time goes by. After all genealogy is not just about birth, death and marriage. We want to know about the history of our family. You might just find some interesting facts on your family lines.
5. Now to get into the real fun part of genealogy. Do interviews with your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins in your family lines. Even talk to your families friends. Tell them you are researching your family roots. Ask them birth and death dates and places, marriage dates and places and who the person married. Always begin with the current year and work backwards. When you get stuck move to the next line or investigate the brothers or sisters of your ancestor. I have found some of my best information by researching the brother or sister of my direct line of ancestry. Also ask them to check their homes for information they might have on ancestors and family members.
6. Check all your family members for family bibles, genealogies and histories, an excellent resource for family lineage. Sometimes the dates might not be exact but you can always correct them later after you obtain birth, death, marriage and baptism records. You can order Birth, Death, Marriage & Divorce Certificates by clicking here.
7. Ask family members if they have available baby and wedding books, divorce papers, funeral cards, awards, diplomas, school yearbooks, employment records, military records, medical records. It also could be that your family kept journals or diaries. Check the attic.
8. Get birth certificates on individuals. These most always show parents and sometimes other valuable information including where the parents were both born, their occupations, etc.
9. Get marriage licenses and certificates. These show ages, parents, witnesses and other various pieces information including in some cases where the bride, groom, and parents were born and their occupations, etc.
10. Get death certificates. Of course these show death dates, birth dates, parents, who reported the death, where the deceased person was residing and much more info including causes of death, etc.
11. Go to your local newspaper and get copies of obituary notices. Obituary notices are a wealth of knowledge. Look at an obituary in today's newspaper and you will see all the information that can be obtained from one. In the older obituaries, longer write-ups are given on family members when they died telling about not only the person but about their life and in some cases about when their family line settled in a certain area of the country. Or you can Search the Obituary Collection at Ancestry.com by clicking here.
12. Get church records on your family. Baptismal, Christening, Marriage, Membership, etc. These will show as much, in some cases, as vital records.
13. Go to the cemeteries that you know your ancestors are buried in and look for other family members. Write down all information off of tombstones even those that may not necessarily apply to your current direct family members. You might not visit this cemetery for awhile and you will have the necessary information right in front of you for future reference.
14. Ask all your family members to gather family picture albums out check for data, names, etc. You never know what you might find on the back of an old photo. Or who might have something hiding in their attic, garage or basement that has long since been forgotten.
15. Get Census records. Begin with the latest census available and work backwards. Census records have been take since 1790. Before 1790 you can use Tax Lists and other local lists that might have been compiled according to the state you are researching in. This will help you fill in the missing pieces and find family members. Some libraries and historical societies have census records on microfilm at their branches. Of course, today with the advent of the Internet and CDs, it is convenient for us to do our research in the privacy of our own home! Check Census Records for the US from 1790 to 1930 at Ancestry.com by clicking here. Search the 1930 US Census at Ancestry.com by clicking here.
16. Go to your local library, historical society or LDS center. This is where I began my research on my own family line and found many of my ancestors in local history books, resource files and collections of family related material. Click on the banner below for the Ancestry Book Store, where they offer over 3,700 different genealogy related books. Some of their book categories include: Ancestry Publishing, Custom, Genealogy, History, Reference and Pictorial, Ancestry Magazine, Biography and Memoir, Family and Heritage Cookbooks.
17. Some other sources to look for might be these records: Adoptions, divorce, emigration, medical, ownership of land, naturalization, school, biographies in history books, wills, etc.
18. Go to Court Houses and check records for your ancestors. Check deeds, probate (wills, estate, intestate), voters records, indenture, marriage, court proceedings, any kind of legal papers that would have been filed in a courthouse.
19. Post your surnames (maximum of 10 surnames) to our Researchers Pages by filling out our Post my Surnames Request Form. Over 500 fellow researcher's visit our pages every day. It only takes one person to make a connection with someone in your family line. That one person may hold the key to opening up a wealth of information on your family.
20. Visit Over 40,000 Genealogy Links where you will find links to some of the top genealogy sites on the internet. These links are great for beginners. Featured are major links and surname sites, genealogy tools and services, coats of arms and family crests, new and used books, CDs, software, web rings, search engines, message boards, chat, genealogy shopping and much more.
21. Post your information including the family or families you are searching on our Family Tree Message Board. Family Researcher's will gather not only on our board but on other genealogy boards across the Internet to exchange information and try to connect family lines. You might get lucky and find a cousin or missing family link! So post on as many Message Boards on the Internet as possible. Although, be very careful what you post. Take some friendly advise and do not post your home address or home phone online. Always use common sense when posting personal information online. Our fellow genealogists are wonderful individuals but you never know who else is looking at these boards.
22. Use the search engines (MSN, AOL, Google, Yahoo, Excite, Lycos, AltaVista, AskJeeves, etc.) on the Internet to put in the names you are looking for. I have found many connections using this method. You will find Web sites and also individuals listed. Also use the Internet White Pages to look for current generations that have the same last name as you. Remember, missing cousins!
23. Remember, in order to receive family information you have to share your family genealogy with others. That includes telling others where you obtained your information. If you received your data from a specific person, please give them credit for providing you with their research findings. It might not only have cost them a lot of their valuable time and patience in deciphering records, microfilm, etc. but additional expenses such as gas, copying & research fees and travel expenses. When I first began researching my family lines and I visited my local library I remember an elderly lady helping me find tons of information in books. I asked her why she was assisting a total stranger and she told me, "That is what genealogy is all about, helping others to find their roots".
24. Most important, look into buying a good "Genealogy Software Program" so you can keep track of all your findings. Check out some of the genealogy programs available by going to our Genealogy Software Program Shop. You will find programs such as: Legacy Family Tree, Family Tree Maker and more.
25. And finally, after researching your family roots, gathering your research materials and documents, entering your data into your "new" genealogy program, sharing your finds with family, friends and fellow family researchers, well then.... how about thinking about a Genealogy Site on the Web!
We have just touched on a few of the many tips and guidelines necessary to begin the quest for your ancestors. There are many different charts that are used in genealogical research such as Pedigree Charts, Descendants Charts, GEDCOM, Genealogy Reports, Ancestors Trees, etc. but for now as a beginner you have to start your "Genealogical Journey" one step at a time.
Wishing you all the best in finding your "Roots"
Tips on Gathering your family Information “Research Guidelines”
From: http://www.genealogicaljourneys.com/index.htm
1. Let's begin by learning that you must organizing yourself. For as time goes on you will find yourself with so much paperwork that you will be lost. For each person make a Family Group Sheet, a Research Log of where you obtained your information and Research Questions you might have on this person along with a checklist. Remember to document everything you find on your ancestors. We will discuss each of these in further details below. Also remember that you certainly want to look into purchasing a genealogy software program to store your family data as paperwork can become overwhelming as you will see.
2.The Family Group Sheet is a very simple way to keep track of family groups. Take the information that you receive on each ancestor and make a Family Group Sheet (an example is shown at end of this page) on each person in your family. Start with yourself, then your parents and their children, your grandparents and their children, etc. As you go back further in time you may contact relatives or other researchers. Ask them to please fill out your FGS (Family Group Sheet) and return them to you. It is always welcomed if you enclosed a SASE.
3. The Research Log is very important for in the future when you share you data or decide possibly to publish your work you will need to know your sources for obtaining the information on your family lines. It is always nice to keep a log for each ancestor. Show their name, birth, death, married, spouse. For instance if you found the persons birth certificate show the date you found it, birth certificate, the source (quoting file#, etc.), source name & address. Wherever you obtain information be VERY specific with the information quoting authors, titles, pages, publishers, etc.
4. Research Questions can sometimes be personal questions you have on a certain ancestor other than birth, death and marriage. Again make a chart for each ancestor with their name, birth, death, married, spouse. You might have a list of questions for example, Immigration, Occupation, Religion, Adoption, Military Service, Spoke Foreign Language, Family Stories about this Person. These questions could also add some color into your gathering of materials on your family as time goes by. After all genealogy is not just about birth, death and marriage. We want to know about the history of our family. You might just find some interesting facts on your family lines.
5. Now to get into the real fun part of genealogy. Do interviews with your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins in your family lines. Even talk to your families friends. Tell them you are researching your family roots. Ask them birth and death dates and places, marriage dates and places and who the person married. Always begin with the current year and work backwards. When you get stuck move to the next line or investigate the brothers or sisters of your ancestor. I have found some of my best information by researching the brother or sister of my direct line of ancestry. Also ask them to check their homes for information they might have on ancestors and family members.
6. Check all your family members for family bibles, genealogies and histories, an excellent resource for family lineage. Sometimes the dates might not be exact but you can always correct them later after you obtain birth, death, marriage and baptism records. You can order Birth, Death, Marriage & Divorce Certificates by clicking here.
7. Ask family members if they have available baby and wedding books, divorce papers, funeral cards, awards, diplomas, school yearbooks, employment records, military records, medical records. It also could be that your family kept journals or diaries. Check the attic.
8. Get birth certificates on individuals. These most always show parents and sometimes other valuable information including where the parents were both born, their occupations, etc.
9. Get marriage licenses and certificates. These show ages, parents, witnesses and other various pieces information including in some cases where the bride, groom, and parents were born and their occupations, etc.
10. Get death certificates. Of course these show death dates, birth dates, parents, who reported the death, where the deceased person was residing and much more info including causes of death, etc.
11. Go to your local newspaper and get copies of obituary notices. Obituary notices are a wealth of knowledge. Look at an obituary in today's newspaper and you will see all the information that can be obtained from one. In the older obituaries, longer write-ups are given on family members when they died telling about not only the person but about their life and in some cases about when their family line settled in a certain area of the country. Or you can Search the Obituary Collection at Ancestry.com by clicking here.
12. Get church records on your family. Baptismal, Christening, Marriage, Membership, etc. These will show as much, in some cases, as vital records.
13. Go to the cemeteries that you know your ancestors are buried in and look for other family members. Write down all information off of tombstones even those that may not necessarily apply to your current direct family members. You might not visit this cemetery for awhile and you will have the necessary information right in front of you for future reference.
14. Ask all your family members to gather family picture albums out check for data, names, etc. You never know what you might find on the back of an old photo. Or who might have something hiding in their attic, garage or basement that has long since been forgotten.
15. Get Census records. Begin with the latest census available and work backwards. Census records have been take since 1790. Before 1790 you can use Tax Lists and other local lists that might have been compiled according to the state you are researching in. This will help you fill in the missing pieces and find family members. Some libraries and historical societies have census records on microfilm at their branches. Of course, today with the advent of the Internet and CDs, it is convenient for us to do our research in the privacy of our own home! Check Census Records for the US from 1790 to 1930 at Ancestry.com by clicking here. Search the 1930 US Census at Ancestry.com by clicking here.
16. Go to your local library, historical society or LDS center. This is where I began my research on my own family line and found many of my ancestors in local history books, resource files and collections of family related material. Click on the banner below for the Ancestry Book Store, where they offer over 3,700 different genealogy related books. Some of their book categories include: Ancestry Publishing, Custom, Genealogy, History, Reference and Pictorial, Ancestry Magazine, Biography and Memoir, Family and Heritage Cookbooks.
17. Some other sources to look for might be these records: Adoptions, divorce, emigration, medical, ownership of land, naturalization, school, biographies in history books, wills, etc.
18. Go to Court Houses and check records for your ancestors. Check deeds, probate (wills, estate, intestate), voters records, indenture, marriage, court proceedings, any kind of legal papers that would have been filed in a courthouse.
19. Post your surnames (maximum of 10 surnames) to our Researchers Pages by filling out our Post my Surnames Request Form. Over 500 fellow researcher's visit our pages every day. It only takes one person to make a connection with someone in your family line. That one person may hold the key to opening up a wealth of information on your family.
20. Visit Over 40,000 Genealogy Links where you will find links to some of the top genealogy sites on the internet. These links are great for beginners. Featured are major links and surname sites, genealogy tools and services, coats of arms and family crests, new and used books, CDs, software, web rings, search engines, message boards, chat, genealogy shopping and much more.
21. Post your information including the family or families you are searching on our Family Tree Message Board. Family Researcher's will gather not only on our board but on other genealogy boards across the Internet to exchange information and try to connect family lines. You might get lucky and find a cousin or missing family link! So post on as many Message Boards on the Internet as possible. Although, be very careful what you post. Take some friendly advise and do not post your home address or home phone online. Always use common sense when posting personal information online. Our fellow genealogists are wonderful individuals but you never know who else is looking at these boards.
22. Use the search engines (MSN, AOL, Google, Yahoo, Excite, Lycos, AltaVista, AskJeeves, etc.) on the Internet to put in the names you are looking for. I have found many connections using this method. You will find Web sites and also individuals listed. Also use the Internet White Pages to look for current generations that have the same last name as you. Remember, missing cousins!
23. Remember, in order to receive family information you have to share your family genealogy with others. That includes telling others where you obtained your information. If you received your data from a specific person, please give them credit for providing you with their research findings. It might not only have cost them a lot of their valuable time and patience in deciphering records, microfilm, etc. but additional expenses such as gas, copying & research fees and travel expenses. When I first began researching my family lines and I visited my local library I remember an elderly lady helping me find tons of information in books. I asked her why she was assisting a total stranger and she told me, "That is what genealogy is all about, helping others to find their roots".
24. Most important, look into buying a good "Genealogy Software Program" so you can keep track of all your findings. Check out some of the genealogy programs available by going to our Genealogy Software Program Shop. You will find programs such as: Legacy Family Tree, Family Tree Maker and more.
25. And finally, after researching your family roots, gathering your research materials and documents, entering your data into your "new" genealogy program, sharing your finds with family, friends and fellow family researchers, well then.... how about thinking about a Genealogy Site on the Web!
We have just touched on a few of the many tips and guidelines necessary to begin the quest for your ancestors. There are many different charts that are used in genealogical research such as Pedigree Charts, Descendants Charts, GEDCOM, Genealogy Reports, Ancestors Trees, etc. but for now as a beginner you have to start your "Genealogical Journey" one step at a time.
Wishing you all the best in finding your "Roots"
Mother's Day Crafts
Corliss Clayton, “Mother’s Day Crafts,” Friend, May 1990, 23
Treasure Box
To make your mother, grandmother, or a friend a beautiful box to hold family pictures, letters, or other treasures, you will need: a sturdy, light-colored, rectangular box with a lid; a ruler; a pencil; white, water-soluble glue; medium-weight cotton fabric (heavy enough that you can’t see through it, but thin enough that it will easily wrap around a box); and scissors. If the box lid completely conceals the sides of the box, cover only the lid. If the lid only covers the top part of the box, cover both parts.
1. Remove the lid from the box. Measure the length and width of the box from edge to edge. This will include the length or width of the box base plus two times the depth of the sides of the box. Add 2″ (5 cm) to each of your measurements.
2. Using a pencil, draw a rectangle the size of your measurements on the wrong side of your fabric. Cut out the rectangle.
3. Measure in from each side along the width of the fabric the depth of the box plus one inch, then cut a 1″ (2.5 cm) slit. Repeat on the opposite side of that edge. Cut two identical slits on the opposite edge of the fabric (see illustration).
4. Spread glue evenly over the bottom and the two ends of the box with your fingers. Quickly wash your hands so that the glue won’t get on the fabric, then center the fabric on the box and gently press onto the glued surfaces. If you don’t get the fabric centered just right, carefully adjust it. If the glue dries too quickly, moisten slightly with water.
5. Fold the ends of the fabric into the box, and glue them in place.
6. Spread glue on the sides of the box, wash your hands, and fold corners in, as illustrated. Fold the fabric up over the sides, press it into place, then glue the inside edges.
7. Repeat the steps to cover the lid.
Mother’s Day Card
To make a Mother’s Day card, you will need: a 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ (14 cm x 22 cm) piece of heavyweight paper, fabric, glue, scissors, and a pencil.
1. Fold the paper in half to make the card.
2. Draw simple designs on the back of the fabric and cut them out.
3. Glue the fabric designs to the front of the card.
4. Write a Mother’s Day poem or message on the inside of the card, and sign your name.
“Mother’s Day Crafts,” Friend, May 1992, 47
Fingerprint Flowers
By Clare Mishica
To make fingerprint flowers, you will need: old newspaper, food coloring, facial tissues, water, paper plates, white (writing) paper, and envelopes.
1. Cover your work area with the newspapers. Put tissues on the paper plates and dampen them slightly. Add a drop or two of food coloring to each damp tissue. (Try a different color on each one.) To prevent the colors from running together, keep the tissues from touching each other.
2. Make a few trial flowers on a scrap of paper by pressing a section of a dyed tissue onto the scrap with your fingertip. Start with the flower centers and work outward. Wash your hands between using different colors and allow each color to dry on the paper before adding the next color. Add more food coloring or water to the tissues if needed.
3. When you are satisfied with your practice flowers, put down clean newspaper then make flowers along the edges of a sheet of the white paper, still being careful to let each color dry before continuing and to wash your hands between colors. Decorate the flap of an envelope to match.
4. Write a special note to your mother or some other special person and enclose it in the envelope. Or decorate several sheets of paper and envelopes as notepaper and give them as a present.
Greenhouse
By Tami S. Mesenbourg
To make this fun and easy greenhouse for Mother’s Day, you will need: an empty clear-plastic two-liter soda bottle, an old plate or pie tin, scissors, small stones, dirt, and a small plant or a packet of seeds for small plants.
1. Fill the empty soda bottle with hot water. Let it stand for five minutes, then empty out the water and peel off the label.
2. Pull off, in one piece, the plastic coating around the bottom of the bottle to use as the base of the greenhouse.
3. Place the base on the plate, put several small stones into the base for drainage.
4. Remove the small plant from its container, place it on the stones, and pack dirt around it; or, fill the base 3/4 full with dirt and plant the seeds according to package directions. Water well.
5. Cut off the top of the bottle 1/2″ (12.5 mm) above where it reaches its greatest diameter. Discard the top of the bottle.
6. Cut five 1″ (2.5 cm) slits in the top of the dome. Place the dome over the base, fitting it inside the base.
7. Put your finished greenhouse in a sunny area and watch your plants grow. Water the plants as needed.
Julie Wardell, “Mother’s Day Crafts,” Friend, May 1995, 26
Scent-sational Handkerchief Sachet
To make this sachet, you will need: 3 large vanilla beans,* 3 teaspoons whole cloves, a small plastic bag, a hammer, 5 teaspoons dried sweet basil, a small bowl, a lace-edged handkerchief, a needle, thread to match the handkerchief, and polyester stuffing.
1. Put the beans and cloves into a small plastic bag and pound them with a hammer just hard enough to break them apart.
2. Mix the beans, cloves, and sweet basil together in a small bowl.
3. Fold the handkerchief in half with right sides out and then in half again. With small hand stitches, sew two of the open sides together just below the lace (see illustration).
4. Lightly stuff the middle of the handkerchief sachet, then add the spice mixture. Sew the opening closed.
I [Love] You Card
To make this card, you will need: a 9 1/4″ x 4″ (23.5 cm x 10 cm) piece of colored paper, a ruler, a pencil, scissors, a felt-tip pen, and ribbon or yarn.
1. Accordion-fold the paper in 1 1/2″ (4 cm) folds (see illustration).
2. With the paper folded, draw half a heart, leaving about a 1″ (2.5 cm) space at the top, bottom, and side (see illustration).
3. With the paper still folded, cut out the heart.
4. Unfold the paper and write “I” above each heart and “you, Mom” below each heart.
5. Refold the card and tie the hearts together with a piece of ribbon or yarn.
“Mother’s Day Crafts,” Friend, May 1994, 19
Gardening Gloves
To make some fun, personalized gardening gloves, you will need: solid-color cloth gardening gloves (make sure you have the right size) and waterproof felt-tip pens.
1. Lay the gloves on a table and draw a flower on each fingertip.
2. Draw a flowerpot or a big bow at the wrist of each glove. Draw leafy stems connecting the flowers to pot or bow, Personalize your gift by writing “Mom” or your mom’s name on the flowerpot or near the bow.
“Stained-Glass” Window Hanging
To make a picture your mom can hang in a window, you will need: scratch paper, 2 pieces of black construction paper, scissors, different colors of tissue paper, glue, and string.
1. Sketch a simple drawing, with large sections to cut out (see illustration) on the scratch paper. You might want to try a butterfly, the sun, a star, hearts, or an abstract design.
2. Trace the drawing onto both pieces of black construction paper. Cut the shapes out, including the hole sections (see illustration).
3. Using one of the shapes, cut pieces of tissue paper a little larger than the holes, then glue the tissues over the holes.
4. Glue a piece of string to the top of the shape (on the tissue-paper side), place the other shape against the tissue-paper side (matching up the holes), and glue them together.
Recipe Holder
by Shirlee R. Jackson
You will need: clothespin, glue, beads, paint, fabric, dry seeds, felt, lace trim, or colored paper.
Decide how you are going to decorate the recipe holder. If you want to paint and decorate the clothespin, paint the entire pin and let dry thoroughly before putting sparkles or beads in place with glue.
When using dry seeds, glue them to clothespin before painting. Be sure to let seeds and glue dry thoroughly before painting.
If you use fabric, you will not need to paint the clothespin. Glue fabric in place.
Use your imagination in decorating more recipe holders.
Treasure Box
To make your mother, grandmother, or a friend a beautiful box to hold family pictures, letters, or other treasures, you will need: a sturdy, light-colored, rectangular box with a lid; a ruler; a pencil; white, water-soluble glue; medium-weight cotton fabric (heavy enough that you can’t see through it, but thin enough that it will easily wrap around a box); and scissors. If the box lid completely conceals the sides of the box, cover only the lid. If the lid only covers the top part of the box, cover both parts.
1. Remove the lid from the box. Measure the length and width of the box from edge to edge. This will include the length or width of the box base plus two times the depth of the sides of the box. Add 2″ (5 cm) to each of your measurements.
2. Using a pencil, draw a rectangle the size of your measurements on the wrong side of your fabric. Cut out the rectangle.
3. Measure in from each side along the width of the fabric the depth of the box plus one inch, then cut a 1″ (2.5 cm) slit. Repeat on the opposite side of that edge. Cut two identical slits on the opposite edge of the fabric (see illustration).
4. Spread glue evenly over the bottom and the two ends of the box with your fingers. Quickly wash your hands so that the glue won’t get on the fabric, then center the fabric on the box and gently press onto the glued surfaces. If you don’t get the fabric centered just right, carefully adjust it. If the glue dries too quickly, moisten slightly with water.
5. Fold the ends of the fabric into the box, and glue them in place.
6. Spread glue on the sides of the box, wash your hands, and fold corners in, as illustrated. Fold the fabric up over the sides, press it into place, then glue the inside edges.
7. Repeat the steps to cover the lid.
Mother’s Day Card
To make a Mother’s Day card, you will need: a 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ (14 cm x 22 cm) piece of heavyweight paper, fabric, glue, scissors, and a pencil.
1. Fold the paper in half to make the card.
2. Draw simple designs on the back of the fabric and cut them out.
3. Glue the fabric designs to the front of the card.
4. Write a Mother’s Day poem or message on the inside of the card, and sign your name.
“Mother’s Day Crafts,” Friend, May 1992, 47
Fingerprint Flowers
By Clare Mishica
To make fingerprint flowers, you will need: old newspaper, food coloring, facial tissues, water, paper plates, white (writing) paper, and envelopes.
1. Cover your work area with the newspapers. Put tissues on the paper plates and dampen them slightly. Add a drop or two of food coloring to each damp tissue. (Try a different color on each one.) To prevent the colors from running together, keep the tissues from touching each other.
2. Make a few trial flowers on a scrap of paper by pressing a section of a dyed tissue onto the scrap with your fingertip. Start with the flower centers and work outward. Wash your hands between using different colors and allow each color to dry on the paper before adding the next color. Add more food coloring or water to the tissues if needed.
3. When you are satisfied with your practice flowers, put down clean newspaper then make flowers along the edges of a sheet of the white paper, still being careful to let each color dry before continuing and to wash your hands between colors. Decorate the flap of an envelope to match.
4. Write a special note to your mother or some other special person and enclose it in the envelope. Or decorate several sheets of paper and envelopes as notepaper and give them as a present.
Greenhouse
By Tami S. Mesenbourg
To make this fun and easy greenhouse for Mother’s Day, you will need: an empty clear-plastic two-liter soda bottle, an old plate or pie tin, scissors, small stones, dirt, and a small plant or a packet of seeds for small plants.
1. Fill the empty soda bottle with hot water. Let it stand for five minutes, then empty out the water and peel off the label.
2. Pull off, in one piece, the plastic coating around the bottom of the bottle to use as the base of the greenhouse.
3. Place the base on the plate, put several small stones into the base for drainage.
4. Remove the small plant from its container, place it on the stones, and pack dirt around it; or, fill the base 3/4 full with dirt and plant the seeds according to package directions. Water well.
5. Cut off the top of the bottle 1/2″ (12.5 mm) above where it reaches its greatest diameter. Discard the top of the bottle.
6. Cut five 1″ (2.5 cm) slits in the top of the dome. Place the dome over the base, fitting it inside the base.
7. Put your finished greenhouse in a sunny area and watch your plants grow. Water the plants as needed.
Julie Wardell, “Mother’s Day Crafts,” Friend, May 1995, 26
Scent-sational Handkerchief Sachet
To make this sachet, you will need: 3 large vanilla beans,* 3 teaspoons whole cloves, a small plastic bag, a hammer, 5 teaspoons dried sweet basil, a small bowl, a lace-edged handkerchief, a needle, thread to match the handkerchief, and polyester stuffing.
1. Put the beans and cloves into a small plastic bag and pound them with a hammer just hard enough to break them apart.
2. Mix the beans, cloves, and sweet basil together in a small bowl.
3. Fold the handkerchief in half with right sides out and then in half again. With small hand stitches, sew two of the open sides together just below the lace (see illustration).
4. Lightly stuff the middle of the handkerchief sachet, then add the spice mixture. Sew the opening closed.
I [Love] You Card
To make this card, you will need: a 9 1/4″ x 4″ (23.5 cm x 10 cm) piece of colored paper, a ruler, a pencil, scissors, a felt-tip pen, and ribbon or yarn.
1. Accordion-fold the paper in 1 1/2″ (4 cm) folds (see illustration).
2. With the paper folded, draw half a heart, leaving about a 1″ (2.5 cm) space at the top, bottom, and side (see illustration).
3. With the paper still folded, cut out the heart.
4. Unfold the paper and write “I” above each heart and “you, Mom” below each heart.
5. Refold the card and tie the hearts together with a piece of ribbon or yarn.
“Mother’s Day Crafts,” Friend, May 1994, 19
Gardening Gloves
To make some fun, personalized gardening gloves, you will need: solid-color cloth gardening gloves (make sure you have the right size) and waterproof felt-tip pens.
1. Lay the gloves on a table and draw a flower on each fingertip.
2. Draw a flowerpot or a big bow at the wrist of each glove. Draw leafy stems connecting the flowers to pot or bow, Personalize your gift by writing “Mom” or your mom’s name on the flowerpot or near the bow.
“Stained-Glass” Window Hanging
To make a picture your mom can hang in a window, you will need: scratch paper, 2 pieces of black construction paper, scissors, different colors of tissue paper, glue, and string.
1. Sketch a simple drawing, with large sections to cut out (see illustration) on the scratch paper. You might want to try a butterfly, the sun, a star, hearts, or an abstract design.
2. Trace the drawing onto both pieces of black construction paper. Cut the shapes out, including the hole sections (see illustration).
3. Using one of the shapes, cut pieces of tissue paper a little larger than the holes, then glue the tissues over the holes.
4. Glue a piece of string to the top of the shape (on the tissue-paper side), place the other shape against the tissue-paper side (matching up the holes), and glue them together.
Recipe Holder
by Shirlee R. Jackson
You will need: clothespin, glue, beads, paint, fabric, dry seeds, felt, lace trim, or colored paper.
Decide how you are going to decorate the recipe holder. If you want to paint and decorate the clothespin, paint the entire pin and let dry thoroughly before putting sparkles or beads in place with glue.
When using dry seeds, glue them to clothespin before painting. Be sure to let seeds and glue dry thoroughly before painting.
If you use fabric, you will not need to paint the clothespin. Glue fabric in place.
Use your imagination in decorating more recipe holders.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
April 2010 Conference Talk Mothers Teaching Children in the Home
Mothers Teaching Children in the Home
Elder L. Tom Perry Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
I believe it is by divine design that the role of motherhood emphasizes the nurturing and teaching of the next generation.
I recently had the opportunity to travel with Elder Donald L. Hallstrom to visit five cities in the great central area of the United States. In each city we visited, we would hold a meeting with the full-time missionaries, followed by a meeting with the stake and ward leaders regarding missionary work. Between each of the two meetings, the stake Relief Society would prepare a light dinner for us to afford us time to meet with the stake presidents. When we reached Milwaukee, Wisconsin, two young families appealed to the Relief Society to let them prepare and serve the dinner. The two husbands manned the kitchen. The two mothers supervised the table arrangements and the serving of the food. Three young children handled the table setting and the serving of the food under the supervision of their mothers. This was an opportunity for the mothers to have a teaching opportunity with their children. It was very special to watch the children respond to every detail as they were taught by their mothers. They carried out their assignments completely and fully.
The experience caused me to reflect on the training I had received from my mother. Like the prophet Nephi and also like so many of you, I was born of goodly parents (see 1 Nephi 1:1).
One of my nieces recently shared with me four notebooks my mother had filled with notes as she prepared to teach her class in Relief Society. I would imagine these notebooks—and there are others I have not yet examined—represent hundreds of hours of preparation by my mother.
Mother was a great teacher who was diligent and thorough in her preparation. I have distinct memories of the days preceding her lessons. The dining room table would be covered with reference materials and the notes she was preparing for her lesson. There was so much material prepared that I’m sure only a small portion of it was ever used during the class, but I’m just as sure that none of her preparation was ever wasted. How can I be sure about this? As I flipped through the pages of her notebooks, it was as if I were hearing my mother teach me one more time. Again, there was too much in her notebooks on any single topic to ever share in a single class session, but what she didn’t use in her class she used to teach her children.
I believe it is even safe to say that while my mother was an enormously effective teacher among the sisters at Relief Society, her best teaching occurred with her children in the home. Of course, this was largely due to the greater amount of time she had to teach her children compared to teaching the Relief Society sisters, but I also like to think she prepared so thoroughly, first, to be an example to her children of diligent Church service and, second, because she recognized that what she learned from preparing her lessons could be used repeatedly for a higher purpose—teaching her sons and her daughters.
Please allow me to reminisce for a few moments and share a few of the lessons I learned from my mother about teaching the gospel in the home. My mother understood the value of teaching her children about standards, values, and doctrine while they were young. While she was grateful to others who taught her children outside the home at either school or church, she recognized that parents are entrusted with the education of their children and, ultimately, parents must ensure that their children are being taught what their Heavenly Father would have them learn. My siblings and I were quizzed very carefully by our mother after we had been taught away from the home to be certain the correct lessons were reaching our ears and shaping our minds.
I used to think some days as I ran home from school that I was through learning for the day, but this illusion was quickly destroyed when I saw my mother standing at the door waiting for me. When we were young, we each had a desk in the kitchen where we could continue to be taught by her as she performed household duties and prepared supper. She was a natural teacher and far more demanding of us than our teachers at school and church.
The scope of Mother’s teaching included both secular and spiritual lessons. She made sure none of us were falling behind in our schoolwork, which she would often supplement. She also would practice her Relief Society lessons with us. We, of course, received the unabridged versions found in her notebooks, not the abridged versions that had to fit in a single class period.
Part of our learning at home also involved memorizing scriptures, including the Articles of Faith, and the words of prophets, seers, and revelators. My mother was someone who believed a mind would become weak if it was not constantly exercised. She taught us as we would wash the dishes, churn the butter, and help in many other ways. She did not believe in letting idle thoughts enter her children’s minds, even when they were engaged in physical labor.
I am not using my mother as a role model for parents in today’s world. Times are very different today, but while times may change, a parent’s teaching must never be devalued. Many activities link the values of one generation to the next, but perhaps the most central of these activities is parents teaching children in the home. This is especially true when we consider the teaching of values, moral and ethical standards, and faith.
Teaching in the home is becoming increasingly important in today’s world, where the influence of the adversary is so widespread and he is attacking, attempting to erode and destroy the very foundation of our society, even the family. Parents must resolve that teaching in the home is a most sacred and important responsibility. While other institutions, such as church and school, can assist parents to “train up a child in the way he [or she] should go” (Proverbs 22:6), ultimately this responsibility rests with parents. According to the great plan of happiness, it is parents who are entrusted with the care and development of our Heavenly Father’s children. Our families are an integral part of His work and glory—“to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). On God’s eternal stage, it is usually intended that parents act as the central cast members in their children’s lives. Fortunately, there are understudies involved in the production who may step in when parents can’t. It, however, is parents who have been commanded by the Lord to bring up their children in light and truth (see D&C 93:40).
Parents must bring light and truth into their homes by one family prayer, one scripture study session, one family home evening, one book read aloud, one song, and one family meal at a time. They know that the influence of righteous, conscientious, persistent, daily parenting is among the most powerful and sustaining forces for good in the world. The health of any society, the happiness of its people, their prosperity, and their peace all find common roots in the teaching of children in the home.
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith taught: “It is the duty of parents to teach their children these saving principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ, so that they will know why they are to be baptized and that they may be impressed in their hearts with a desire to continue to keep the commandments of God after they are baptized, that they may come back into his presence. Do you, my good brethren and sisters, want your families, your children; do you want to be sealed to your fathers and your mothers before you . . . ? If so, then you must begin by teaching at the cradle-side. You are to teach by example as well as precept” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1948, 153).
The example of my mother as a teacher in the home invites another thought, more generally about teaching. The leaders of the Church spend a great deal of time thinking about how to improve teaching in the Church. Why do we invest this time and effort? It is because we believe in the immense power of teaching to increase the faith of individuals and strengthen families. It is my belief that one of the most effective things we can do to improve teaching in the Church is to improve teaching in our homes. Our teaching in the home prepares us to teach more effectively at church, and our teaching at church helps us to teach more effectively at home. Throughout the Church there are dining room tables covered with reference materials and notebooks filled with ideas for lessons to be taught. There is no such thing as overpreparing to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, for gospel insights, whether or not they are used during class time, can always be taught in the home.
The inspired document “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” states:
“Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. ‘Children are an heritage of the Lord’ (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. . . .
“ . . . By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners” (Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49; Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102).
According to “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” the principles I have taught about teaching in the home apply to both parents, but they are especially crucial to the role of a mother. Fathers most often spend much of their day away from home in their employment. That is one of the many reasons so much of the responsibility for teaching the child in the home falls on mothers. While circumstances do vary and the ideal isn’t always possible, I believe it is by divine design that the role of motherhood emphasizes the nurturing and teaching of the next generation. We see so many challenges today from distracting and destructive influences intended to mislead God’s children. We are seeing many young people who lack the deep spiritual roots necessary to remain standing in faith as storms of unbelief and despair swirl around them. Too many of our Father in Heaven’s children are being overcome by worldly desires. The onslaught of wickedness against our children is at once more subtle and more brazen than it has ever been. Teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ in the home adds another layer of insulation to protect our children from worldly influences.
God bless you wonderful mothers and fathers in Zion. He has entrusted to your care His eternal children. As parents we partner, even join, with God in bringing to pass His work and glory among His children. It is our sacred duty to do our very best. Of this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Elder L. Tom Perry Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
I believe it is by divine design that the role of motherhood emphasizes the nurturing and teaching of the next generation.
I recently had the opportunity to travel with Elder Donald L. Hallstrom to visit five cities in the great central area of the United States. In each city we visited, we would hold a meeting with the full-time missionaries, followed by a meeting with the stake and ward leaders regarding missionary work. Between each of the two meetings, the stake Relief Society would prepare a light dinner for us to afford us time to meet with the stake presidents. When we reached Milwaukee, Wisconsin, two young families appealed to the Relief Society to let them prepare and serve the dinner. The two husbands manned the kitchen. The two mothers supervised the table arrangements and the serving of the food. Three young children handled the table setting and the serving of the food under the supervision of their mothers. This was an opportunity for the mothers to have a teaching opportunity with their children. It was very special to watch the children respond to every detail as they were taught by their mothers. They carried out their assignments completely and fully.
The experience caused me to reflect on the training I had received from my mother. Like the prophet Nephi and also like so many of you, I was born of goodly parents (see 1 Nephi 1:1).
One of my nieces recently shared with me four notebooks my mother had filled with notes as she prepared to teach her class in Relief Society. I would imagine these notebooks—and there are others I have not yet examined—represent hundreds of hours of preparation by my mother.
Mother was a great teacher who was diligent and thorough in her preparation. I have distinct memories of the days preceding her lessons. The dining room table would be covered with reference materials and the notes she was preparing for her lesson. There was so much material prepared that I’m sure only a small portion of it was ever used during the class, but I’m just as sure that none of her preparation was ever wasted. How can I be sure about this? As I flipped through the pages of her notebooks, it was as if I were hearing my mother teach me one more time. Again, there was too much in her notebooks on any single topic to ever share in a single class session, but what she didn’t use in her class she used to teach her children.
I believe it is even safe to say that while my mother was an enormously effective teacher among the sisters at Relief Society, her best teaching occurred with her children in the home. Of course, this was largely due to the greater amount of time she had to teach her children compared to teaching the Relief Society sisters, but I also like to think she prepared so thoroughly, first, to be an example to her children of diligent Church service and, second, because she recognized that what she learned from preparing her lessons could be used repeatedly for a higher purpose—teaching her sons and her daughters.
Please allow me to reminisce for a few moments and share a few of the lessons I learned from my mother about teaching the gospel in the home. My mother understood the value of teaching her children about standards, values, and doctrine while they were young. While she was grateful to others who taught her children outside the home at either school or church, she recognized that parents are entrusted with the education of their children and, ultimately, parents must ensure that their children are being taught what their Heavenly Father would have them learn. My siblings and I were quizzed very carefully by our mother after we had been taught away from the home to be certain the correct lessons were reaching our ears and shaping our minds.
I used to think some days as I ran home from school that I was through learning for the day, but this illusion was quickly destroyed when I saw my mother standing at the door waiting for me. When we were young, we each had a desk in the kitchen where we could continue to be taught by her as she performed household duties and prepared supper. She was a natural teacher and far more demanding of us than our teachers at school and church.
The scope of Mother’s teaching included both secular and spiritual lessons. She made sure none of us were falling behind in our schoolwork, which she would often supplement. She also would practice her Relief Society lessons with us. We, of course, received the unabridged versions found in her notebooks, not the abridged versions that had to fit in a single class period.
Part of our learning at home also involved memorizing scriptures, including the Articles of Faith, and the words of prophets, seers, and revelators. My mother was someone who believed a mind would become weak if it was not constantly exercised. She taught us as we would wash the dishes, churn the butter, and help in many other ways. She did not believe in letting idle thoughts enter her children’s minds, even when they were engaged in physical labor.
I am not using my mother as a role model for parents in today’s world. Times are very different today, but while times may change, a parent’s teaching must never be devalued. Many activities link the values of one generation to the next, but perhaps the most central of these activities is parents teaching children in the home. This is especially true when we consider the teaching of values, moral and ethical standards, and faith.
Teaching in the home is becoming increasingly important in today’s world, where the influence of the adversary is so widespread and he is attacking, attempting to erode and destroy the very foundation of our society, even the family. Parents must resolve that teaching in the home is a most sacred and important responsibility. While other institutions, such as church and school, can assist parents to “train up a child in the way he [or she] should go” (Proverbs 22:6), ultimately this responsibility rests with parents. According to the great plan of happiness, it is parents who are entrusted with the care and development of our Heavenly Father’s children. Our families are an integral part of His work and glory—“to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). On God’s eternal stage, it is usually intended that parents act as the central cast members in their children’s lives. Fortunately, there are understudies involved in the production who may step in when parents can’t. It, however, is parents who have been commanded by the Lord to bring up their children in light and truth (see D&C 93:40).
Parents must bring light and truth into their homes by one family prayer, one scripture study session, one family home evening, one book read aloud, one song, and one family meal at a time. They know that the influence of righteous, conscientious, persistent, daily parenting is among the most powerful and sustaining forces for good in the world. The health of any society, the happiness of its people, their prosperity, and their peace all find common roots in the teaching of children in the home.
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith taught: “It is the duty of parents to teach their children these saving principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ, so that they will know why they are to be baptized and that they may be impressed in their hearts with a desire to continue to keep the commandments of God after they are baptized, that they may come back into his presence. Do you, my good brethren and sisters, want your families, your children; do you want to be sealed to your fathers and your mothers before you . . . ? If so, then you must begin by teaching at the cradle-side. You are to teach by example as well as precept” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1948, 153).
The example of my mother as a teacher in the home invites another thought, more generally about teaching. The leaders of the Church spend a great deal of time thinking about how to improve teaching in the Church. Why do we invest this time and effort? It is because we believe in the immense power of teaching to increase the faith of individuals and strengthen families. It is my belief that one of the most effective things we can do to improve teaching in the Church is to improve teaching in our homes. Our teaching in the home prepares us to teach more effectively at church, and our teaching at church helps us to teach more effectively at home. Throughout the Church there are dining room tables covered with reference materials and notebooks filled with ideas for lessons to be taught. There is no such thing as overpreparing to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, for gospel insights, whether or not they are used during class time, can always be taught in the home.
The inspired document “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” states:
“Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. ‘Children are an heritage of the Lord’ (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. . . .
“ . . . By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners” (Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49; Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102).
According to “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” the principles I have taught about teaching in the home apply to both parents, but they are especially crucial to the role of a mother. Fathers most often spend much of their day away from home in their employment. That is one of the many reasons so much of the responsibility for teaching the child in the home falls on mothers. While circumstances do vary and the ideal isn’t always possible, I believe it is by divine design that the role of motherhood emphasizes the nurturing and teaching of the next generation. We see so many challenges today from distracting and destructive influences intended to mislead God’s children. We are seeing many young people who lack the deep spiritual roots necessary to remain standing in faith as storms of unbelief and despair swirl around them. Too many of our Father in Heaven’s children are being overcome by worldly desires. The onslaught of wickedness against our children is at once more subtle and more brazen than it has ever been. Teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ in the home adds another layer of insulation to protect our children from worldly influences.
God bless you wonderful mothers and fathers in Zion. He has entrusted to your care His eternal children. As parents we partner, even join, with God in bringing to pass His work and glory among His children. It is our sacred duty to do our very best. Of this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
April 2010 Conference Talk “And upon the Handmaids in Those Days Will I Pour Out My Spirit”
“And upon the Handmaids in Those Days Will I Pour Out My Spirit”
Julie B. Beck
Relief Society General President
We know we are successful if we live so that we qualify for, receive, and know how to follow the Spirit.
In the past year I have met thousands of Latter-day Saint women in many countries. The list of challenges these sisters face is lengthy and sobering. There are family troubles, economic tests, calamities, accidents, and illnesses. There is much distraction and not enough peace and joy. Despite popular media messages to the contrary, no one is rich enough, beautiful enough, or clever enough to avoid a mortal experience.
The questions sisters ask are serious and insightful. They articulate uneasiness about the future, sorrow for unrealized expectations, some indecision, and diminished feelings of self-worth. They also reflect a deep desire to do what is right.
There has grown in me an overwhelming testimony of the value of daughters of God. So much depends on them. In my visits with the sisters, I have felt that there has never been a greater need for increased faith and personal righteousness. There has never been a greater need for strong families and homes. There has never been more that could be done to help others who are in need. How does one increase faith, strengthen families, and provide relief?1 How does a woman in our day find answers to her own questions and stand strong and immovable against incredible opposition and difficulty?
Personal Revelation
A good woman knows that she does not have enough time, energy, or opportunity to take care of all of the people or do all of the worthy things her heart yearns to do. Life is not calm for most women, and each day seems to require the accomplishment of a million things, most of which are important. A good woman must constantly resist alluring and deceptive messages from many sources telling her that she is entitled to more time away from her responsibilities and that she deserves a life of greater ease and independence. But with personal revelation, she can prioritize correctly and navigate this life confidently.
The ability to qualify for, receive, and act on personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life. Qualifying for the Lord’s Spirit begins with a desire for that Spirit and implies a certain degree of worthiness. Keeping the commandments, repenting, and renewing covenants made at baptism lead to the blessing of always having the Lord’s Spirit with us.2 Making and keeping temple covenants also adds spiritual strength and power to a woman’s life. Many answers to difficult questions are found by reading the scriptures because the scriptures are an aid to revelation.3 Insight found in scripture accumulates over time, so it is important to spend some time in the scriptures every day. Daily prayer is also essential to having the Lord’s Spirit with us.4 Those who earnestly seek help through prayer and scripture study often have a paper and pencil nearby to write questions and record impressions and ideas.
Revelation can come hour by hour and moment by moment as we do the right things. When women nurture as Christ nurtured, a power and peace can descend to guide when help is needed. For instance, mothers can feel help from the Spirit even when tired, noisy children are clamoring for attention, but they can be distanced from the Spirit if they lose their temper with children. Being in the right places allows us to receive guidance. It requires a conscious effort to diminish distractions, but having the Spirit of revelation makes it possible to prevail over opposition and persist in faith through difficult days and essential routine tasks. Personal revelation gives us the understanding of what to do every day to increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and seek those who need our help. Because personal revelation is a constantly renewable source of strength, it is possible to feel bathed in help even during turbulent times.
We are told to put our trust in that Spirit which leads us “to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously.”5 We are also told that this Spirit will enlighten our minds, fill our souls with joy, and help us know all things we should do.6 Promised personal revelation comes when we ask for it, prepare for it, and go forward in faith, trusting that it will be poured out upon us.
Relief Society—Teaching, Inspiring, and Strengthening
Additionally, the Lord in His wisdom has provided a Relief Society to help His daughters in these latter days. When Relief Society functions in an inspired way, it lifts women up and out of a troubled world and into a way of living that prepares them for the blessings of eternal life. This society has at its very core the responsibility to help sisters increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and seek out and help others who are in need. Through Relief Society, sisters can receive answers to their questions and be blessed by the combined spiritual power of all the sisters. Relief Society validates the true and eternal nature of daughters of God. It is a sacred trust, a guiding light, and a system of watchcare that teaches and inspires women to be strong and immovable. Its motto, “Charity never faileth,”7 is embodied in all good women.
When a girl advances into Relief Society or when a woman is baptized into the Church, she becomes part of a sisterhood that strengthens her in her preparation for eternal life. Entrance into Relief Society signifies that a woman can be trusted and relied upon to make a significant contribution in the Church. She continues to progress as an individual without receiving much outward credit or praise.
The second general Relief Society president, Eliza R. Snow, said this to the sisters: “We want to be ladies in very deed, not according to the term of the word as the world judges, but fit companions of the Gods and Holy Ones. In an organized capacity we can assist each other in not only doing good but in refining ourselves, and whether few or many come forward and help to prosecute this great work, they will be those that will fill honorable positions in the Kingdom of God. . . . Women should be women and not babies that need petting and correction all the time. I know we like to be appreciated but if we do not get all the appreciation which we think is our due, what matters? We know the Lord has laid high responsibility upon us, and there is not a wish or desire that the Lord has implanted in our hearts in righteousness but will be realized, and the greatest good we can do to ourselves and each other is to refine and cultivate ourselves in everything that is good and ennobling to qualify us for those responsibilities.”8
Measuring Success
Good women always have a desire to know if they are succeeding. In a world where the measures of success are often distorted, it is important to seek appreciation and affirmation from proper sources. To paraphrase a list found in Preach My Gospel, we are doing well when we develop attributes of Christ and strive to obey His gospel with exactness. We are doing well when we seek to improve ourselves and do our best. We are doing well when we increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and seek out and help others who are in need. We know we are successful if we live so that we qualify for, receive, and know how to follow the Spirit. When we have done our very best, we may still experience disappointments, but we will not be disappointed in ourselves. We can feel certain that the Lord is pleased when we feel the Spirit working through us.9 Peace, joy, and hope are available to those who measure success properly.
A revelation in the book of Joel states that in the last days, sons and daughters of God will prophesy and the Lord will pour out His Spirit upon His servants and His handmaids.10 President Spencer W. Kimball echoed this prophecy when he said:
“Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world (in whom there is often such an inner sense of spirituality) will be drawn to the Church in large numbers. This will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that the women of the Church are seen as distinct and different—in happy ways—from the women of the world. . . .
“Thus it will be that female exemplars of the Church will be a significant force in both the numerical and spiritual growth of the Church in the last days.”11
I bear my witness that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. The Lord depends on His daughters to do their part to strengthen the homes of Zion and build His kingdom on the earth. As they seek and qualify for personal revelation, the Lord will pour out His Spirit upon His handmaids in these latter days. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Julie B. Beck
Relief Society General President
We know we are successful if we live so that we qualify for, receive, and know how to follow the Spirit.
In the past year I have met thousands of Latter-day Saint women in many countries. The list of challenges these sisters face is lengthy and sobering. There are family troubles, economic tests, calamities, accidents, and illnesses. There is much distraction and not enough peace and joy. Despite popular media messages to the contrary, no one is rich enough, beautiful enough, or clever enough to avoid a mortal experience.
The questions sisters ask are serious and insightful. They articulate uneasiness about the future, sorrow for unrealized expectations, some indecision, and diminished feelings of self-worth. They also reflect a deep desire to do what is right.
There has grown in me an overwhelming testimony of the value of daughters of God. So much depends on them. In my visits with the sisters, I have felt that there has never been a greater need for increased faith and personal righteousness. There has never been a greater need for strong families and homes. There has never been more that could be done to help others who are in need. How does one increase faith, strengthen families, and provide relief?1 How does a woman in our day find answers to her own questions and stand strong and immovable against incredible opposition and difficulty?
Personal Revelation
A good woman knows that she does not have enough time, energy, or opportunity to take care of all of the people or do all of the worthy things her heart yearns to do. Life is not calm for most women, and each day seems to require the accomplishment of a million things, most of which are important. A good woman must constantly resist alluring and deceptive messages from many sources telling her that she is entitled to more time away from her responsibilities and that she deserves a life of greater ease and independence. But with personal revelation, she can prioritize correctly and navigate this life confidently.
The ability to qualify for, receive, and act on personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life. Qualifying for the Lord’s Spirit begins with a desire for that Spirit and implies a certain degree of worthiness. Keeping the commandments, repenting, and renewing covenants made at baptism lead to the blessing of always having the Lord’s Spirit with us.2 Making and keeping temple covenants also adds spiritual strength and power to a woman’s life. Many answers to difficult questions are found by reading the scriptures because the scriptures are an aid to revelation.3 Insight found in scripture accumulates over time, so it is important to spend some time in the scriptures every day. Daily prayer is also essential to having the Lord’s Spirit with us.4 Those who earnestly seek help through prayer and scripture study often have a paper and pencil nearby to write questions and record impressions and ideas.
Revelation can come hour by hour and moment by moment as we do the right things. When women nurture as Christ nurtured, a power and peace can descend to guide when help is needed. For instance, mothers can feel help from the Spirit even when tired, noisy children are clamoring for attention, but they can be distanced from the Spirit if they lose their temper with children. Being in the right places allows us to receive guidance. It requires a conscious effort to diminish distractions, but having the Spirit of revelation makes it possible to prevail over opposition and persist in faith through difficult days and essential routine tasks. Personal revelation gives us the understanding of what to do every day to increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and seek those who need our help. Because personal revelation is a constantly renewable source of strength, it is possible to feel bathed in help even during turbulent times.
We are told to put our trust in that Spirit which leads us “to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously.”5 We are also told that this Spirit will enlighten our minds, fill our souls with joy, and help us know all things we should do.6 Promised personal revelation comes when we ask for it, prepare for it, and go forward in faith, trusting that it will be poured out upon us.
Relief Society—Teaching, Inspiring, and Strengthening
Additionally, the Lord in His wisdom has provided a Relief Society to help His daughters in these latter days. When Relief Society functions in an inspired way, it lifts women up and out of a troubled world and into a way of living that prepares them for the blessings of eternal life. This society has at its very core the responsibility to help sisters increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and seek out and help others who are in need. Through Relief Society, sisters can receive answers to their questions and be blessed by the combined spiritual power of all the sisters. Relief Society validates the true and eternal nature of daughters of God. It is a sacred trust, a guiding light, and a system of watchcare that teaches and inspires women to be strong and immovable. Its motto, “Charity never faileth,”7 is embodied in all good women.
When a girl advances into Relief Society or when a woman is baptized into the Church, she becomes part of a sisterhood that strengthens her in her preparation for eternal life. Entrance into Relief Society signifies that a woman can be trusted and relied upon to make a significant contribution in the Church. She continues to progress as an individual without receiving much outward credit or praise.
The second general Relief Society president, Eliza R. Snow, said this to the sisters: “We want to be ladies in very deed, not according to the term of the word as the world judges, but fit companions of the Gods and Holy Ones. In an organized capacity we can assist each other in not only doing good but in refining ourselves, and whether few or many come forward and help to prosecute this great work, they will be those that will fill honorable positions in the Kingdom of God. . . . Women should be women and not babies that need petting and correction all the time. I know we like to be appreciated but if we do not get all the appreciation which we think is our due, what matters? We know the Lord has laid high responsibility upon us, and there is not a wish or desire that the Lord has implanted in our hearts in righteousness but will be realized, and the greatest good we can do to ourselves and each other is to refine and cultivate ourselves in everything that is good and ennobling to qualify us for those responsibilities.”8
Measuring Success
Good women always have a desire to know if they are succeeding. In a world where the measures of success are often distorted, it is important to seek appreciation and affirmation from proper sources. To paraphrase a list found in Preach My Gospel, we are doing well when we develop attributes of Christ and strive to obey His gospel with exactness. We are doing well when we seek to improve ourselves and do our best. We are doing well when we increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and seek out and help others who are in need. We know we are successful if we live so that we qualify for, receive, and know how to follow the Spirit. When we have done our very best, we may still experience disappointments, but we will not be disappointed in ourselves. We can feel certain that the Lord is pleased when we feel the Spirit working through us.9 Peace, joy, and hope are available to those who measure success properly.
A revelation in the book of Joel states that in the last days, sons and daughters of God will prophesy and the Lord will pour out His Spirit upon His servants and His handmaids.10 President Spencer W. Kimball echoed this prophecy when he said:
“Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world (in whom there is often such an inner sense of spirituality) will be drawn to the Church in large numbers. This will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that the women of the Church are seen as distinct and different—in happy ways—from the women of the world. . . .
“Thus it will be that female exemplars of the Church will be a significant force in both the numerical and spiritual growth of the Church in the last days.”11
I bear my witness that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. The Lord depends on His daughters to do their part to strengthen the homes of Zion and build His kingdom on the earth. As they seek and qualify for personal revelation, the Lord will pour out His Spirit upon His handmaids in these latter days. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
April 2010 Newsletter
April Lessons
Erin Taylor Conducting
April 4 General Conference
April 11 Gospel Principles #6 The Fall of Adam and Eve
April 18 Gospel Principles #7 The Holy Ghost
Teacher Ramona Ford
April 25 2009 October General Conference: “Repent..That I May Heal You.” Elder Neil A. Andersen
Teacher Myrna Clark
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=fa8d56627ab94210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD
Visiting Teaching Message
The April 2010 Visiting Teaching is “Seeking and Receiving Personal Revelation,” Ensign, Apr 2010 and can be found @ http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=51ec06c7b9097210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD
Ward Choir
Practice for the ward choir is now being held right after our block meetings (about 2:15 pm) Sundays. For those who have participated they say this is a fun and worthwhile activity. If anyone would like to contribute a testimonial concerning how much they enjoy the choir, please let me know, and I will put it in the next newsletter.
I have asked the outgoing Relief Society Presidency if they would like to say anything about their experience – and they graciously agreed.
From Sister Karen Brown Thank you for your love, service and genuine faithfulness. The compassion you demonstrate to the sisters of our ward is so like our Savior would want.
It was my joy to serve as a Relief Society President. I will treasure the experience of working with each of you as a gift from our Heavenly Father. I thank Him and look forward to working by you still.
Special thanks to those who sat beside me – Linda – Sandy – Kristy. I am strengthened because of them.
The lessons – the music will abide in my heart.
Love you all before – and love you now and the eternity to come.
May the Lord’s choicest blessings continue to be with you. - Karen
From Sister Sandy Levinson Thanks to the sisters of the Relief Society for putting up with me. I really enjoyed being there especially on my teaching days when everyone made it so comfortable. Best wishes to the new presidency.
From Sister Linda Owen I was blessed to be called, sustained and set apart as first counselor in the Relief Society Presidency 2 years ago. I loved working with Karen, Sandy and Kristy. We worked hard and enjoyed it very much. The teachers and music sisters were very special to me, they never let us down. Each Sunday they were prepared and ready. They made my job easy. I love all the sisters in our Ward and I am deeply grateful for all the opportunities to serve that came my way during my calling.
From Sister Kristy Gellerson It has been my pleasure to serve in the Relief Society the last couple of years. I have grown to love you sisters and have learned about service from you. I am glad I have so many friends in the Springview ward and wish you sisters the best in all you do! With Love, Kristy
Sister of the Month
This month we are spotlighting Sister Taylor. She has also provided us with a story about a couple her ancestors. I would like to thank her for doing this!
Scripture Thought
As Easter is coming up, I thought that it would be a good topic for the Scripture thought.
Bible Dictionary
This word occurs only once in the Bible (Acts 12: 4) and then would be better translated passover. The word Easter is from Eastre, a Norse goddess whose pagan festival was observed at the spring equinox. The association of this pagan goddess with the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ was only by adaptation and synthesis. There is no real connection. Jesus, being the Lamb of God, was crucified at passover time and is the true Passover (see 1 Cor. 5: 7). He was raised from the grave on the third day thereafter. It thus became a springtime anniversary, and has come to be called Easter in the Christian world.
CORINTHIANS 5: 7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
GUIDE TO THE SCRIPTURES - Resurrection
The reuniting of the spirit body with the physical body of flesh and bones after death. After resurrection, the spirit and body will never again be separated, and the person will become immortal. Every person born on earth will be resurrected because Jesus Christ overcame death (1 Cor. 15: 20-22).
1 Cor. 15: 20-22
20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept.
21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
Easter
I have included a word search, a coloring page, and a picture story for kids. I have included an item about ‘Emphasizing the Spiritual Events of Easter’; along with an Easter Poem. I have also included some secular Easter activities. In addition I have included some Easter
April Fool’s Day
Since the first day in April is April Fool’s day, I have included some fun things to do to enjoy the humor of the occasion. As part of that, I have included fun recipes for faux (fake) foods.
2010 Cencus
As has been announced in our various meeting, the 2010 Census is upon us. We have been encouraged to participate in this. Although many of you may have received this, I thought I would mention a flyer I received concerning working with the 2010 Census. The benefits include (according to the brochure) good pay, close to home, flexible hours and paid training. It gave a local # (801-736-5060), as well as a toll free # (1-800-8610-2010), and a website (www.2010censusjobs.gov).
Erin Taylor Conducting
April 4 General Conference
April 11 Gospel Principles #6 The Fall of Adam and Eve
April 18 Gospel Principles #7 The Holy Ghost
Teacher Ramona Ford
April 25 2009 October General Conference: “Repent..That I May Heal You.” Elder Neil A. Andersen
Teacher Myrna Clark
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=fa8d56627ab94210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD
Visiting Teaching Message
The April 2010 Visiting Teaching is “Seeking and Receiving Personal Revelation,” Ensign, Apr 2010 and can be found @ http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=51ec06c7b9097210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD
Ward Choir
Practice for the ward choir is now being held right after our block meetings (about 2:15 pm) Sundays. For those who have participated they say this is a fun and worthwhile activity. If anyone would like to contribute a testimonial concerning how much they enjoy the choir, please let me know, and I will put it in the next newsletter.
I have asked the outgoing Relief Society Presidency if they would like to say anything about their experience – and they graciously agreed.
From Sister Karen Brown Thank you for your love, service and genuine faithfulness. The compassion you demonstrate to the sisters of our ward is so like our Savior would want.
It was my joy to serve as a Relief Society President. I will treasure the experience of working with each of you as a gift from our Heavenly Father. I thank Him and look forward to working by you still.
Special thanks to those who sat beside me – Linda – Sandy – Kristy. I am strengthened because of them.
The lessons – the music will abide in my heart.
Love you all before – and love you now and the eternity to come.
May the Lord’s choicest blessings continue to be with you. - Karen
From Sister Sandy Levinson Thanks to the sisters of the Relief Society for putting up with me. I really enjoyed being there especially on my teaching days when everyone made it so comfortable. Best wishes to the new presidency.
From Sister Linda Owen I was blessed to be called, sustained and set apart as first counselor in the Relief Society Presidency 2 years ago. I loved working with Karen, Sandy and Kristy. We worked hard and enjoyed it very much. The teachers and music sisters were very special to me, they never let us down. Each Sunday they were prepared and ready. They made my job easy. I love all the sisters in our Ward and I am deeply grateful for all the opportunities to serve that came my way during my calling.
From Sister Kristy Gellerson It has been my pleasure to serve in the Relief Society the last couple of years. I have grown to love you sisters and have learned about service from you. I am glad I have so many friends in the Springview ward and wish you sisters the best in all you do! With Love, Kristy
Sister of the Month
This month we are spotlighting Sister Taylor. She has also provided us with a story about a couple her ancestors. I would like to thank her for doing this!
Scripture Thought
As Easter is coming up, I thought that it would be a good topic for the Scripture thought.
Bible Dictionary
This word occurs only once in the Bible (Acts 12: 4) and then would be better translated passover. The word Easter is from Eastre, a Norse goddess whose pagan festival was observed at the spring equinox. The association of this pagan goddess with the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ was only by adaptation and synthesis. There is no real connection. Jesus, being the Lamb of God, was crucified at passover time and is the true Passover (see 1 Cor. 5: 7). He was raised from the grave on the third day thereafter. It thus became a springtime anniversary, and has come to be called Easter in the Christian world.
CORINTHIANS 5: 7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
GUIDE TO THE SCRIPTURES - Resurrection
The reuniting of the spirit body with the physical body of flesh and bones after death. After resurrection, the spirit and body will never again be separated, and the person will become immortal. Every person born on earth will be resurrected because Jesus Christ overcame death (1 Cor. 15: 20-22).
1 Cor. 15: 20-22
20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept.
21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
Easter
I have included a word search, a coloring page, and a picture story for kids. I have included an item about ‘Emphasizing the Spiritual Events of Easter’; along with an Easter Poem. I have also included some secular Easter activities. In addition I have included some Easter
April Fool’s Day
Since the first day in April is April Fool’s day, I have included some fun things to do to enjoy the humor of the occasion. As part of that, I have included fun recipes for faux (fake) foods.
2010 Cencus
As has been announced in our various meeting, the 2010 Census is upon us. We have been encouraged to participate in this. Although many of you may have received this, I thought I would mention a flyer I received concerning working with the 2010 Census. The benefits include (according to the brochure) good pay, close to home, flexible hours and paid training. It gave a local # (801-736-5060), as well as a toll free # (1-800-8610-2010), and a website (www.2010censusjobs.gov).
About Erin Taylor:
I am the middle child of three with an older brother and a younger sister. Being the middle child, I had to fight for every bit of attention I could get! I did my fair share of teasing my sister while we were growing up. She was a spitfire and gave me a run for my money, but I made up for it in psychological warfare! I loved to scare her with stories that her toys were haunted, that there was a green hand under the bed and if you hung your toes off the end it would grab them, (which, of course I did while hiding under the bed!) and faked my own death more times than I can count. (Complete with ketchup and a kitchen knife, of course.) Luckily our relationship made it through those formative years and we are best friends now.
I grew up singing all the time- in church, with my family, on camping trips around the fire. We were a very musical family. I sang in the West High a’cappella choir and then in the Bingham High madrigals. I graduated from Bingham High School in 1991 and attended Ricks College where I studied Psychology, but still sang in the choirs there as well. When I was offered a scholarship to Utah State University in voice, however, I decided to accept it with the stipulation that I would have to change my major to music. Reluctantly I did so, but a few years later I was glad because it was outside the choir room doors in the music building that I met my husband, Merritt.
We were married on a beautiful October day 10 years ago and had Eason a year and a half later. I never imagined myself as a stay-at-home mom when I was growing up. My mom worked as a single mother providing for our family, and I always imagined the life of a working mom was sophisticated and cool. However, when I had my own baby, I found my priorities changing and I have a very high-powered job now, but in a very different way!
I am always busy doing things, though. I love to sew, and have designed many wedding dresses. I started my own business called Saucy Frocks two years ago, and enjoy making fun aprons and selling them on the internet. I’m not afraid to jump in and replace a whole light fixture or do a little plumbing. My mantra is “How hard can it be?” I also love to cook and love creating new recipes. My family gets tired of all the “new” dishes, though, and sometimes wish I’d just make a casserole!
A few more tidbits about me:
Favorite color: red, (but pink is creeping up there)
Favorite food: Japanese or Italian, and chocolate!
Books : Jane Austen, mysteries, historical fiction- anything that takes me far from reality!
Favorite places: Yellowstone, Wales, and the Biltmore Mansion in Ashville, NC
What I dream about: Counter space, and not being able to find the math class on the day of finals!
Basically, I love to be up-beat and think life is too short not to try new things and do what you love. I hope I am doing what the Lord wants me to do, and enjoy being a part of this ward that loves me for who I am, warts and all!
I grew up singing all the time- in church, with my family, on camping trips around the fire. We were a very musical family. I sang in the West High a’cappella choir and then in the Bingham High madrigals. I graduated from Bingham High School in 1991 and attended Ricks College where I studied Psychology, but still sang in the choirs there as well. When I was offered a scholarship to Utah State University in voice, however, I decided to accept it with the stipulation that I would have to change my major to music. Reluctantly I did so, but a few years later I was glad because it was outside the choir room doors in the music building that I met my husband, Merritt.
We were married on a beautiful October day 10 years ago and had Eason a year and a half later. I never imagined myself as a stay-at-home mom when I was growing up. My mom worked as a single mother providing for our family, and I always imagined the life of a working mom was sophisticated and cool. However, when I had my own baby, I found my priorities changing and I have a very high-powered job now, but in a very different way!
I am always busy doing things, though. I love to sew, and have designed many wedding dresses. I started my own business called Saucy Frocks two years ago, and enjoy making fun aprons and selling them on the internet. I’m not afraid to jump in and replace a whole light fixture or do a little plumbing. My mantra is “How hard can it be?” I also love to cook and love creating new recipes. My family gets tired of all the “new” dishes, though, and sometimes wish I’d just make a casserole!
A few more tidbits about me:
Favorite color: red, (but pink is creeping up there)
Favorite food: Japanese or Italian, and chocolate!
Books : Jane Austen, mysteries, historical fiction- anything that takes me far from reality!
Favorite places: Yellowstone, Wales, and the Biltmore Mansion in Ashville, NC
What I dream about: Counter space, and not being able to find the math class on the day of finals!
Basically, I love to be up-beat and think life is too short not to try new things and do what you love. I hope I am doing what the Lord wants me to do, and enjoy being a part of this ward that loves me for who I am, warts and all!
Ancestors of Erin Taylor
Thomas Luker and Caleb Luker
Ancestors of Erin Taylor
I decided to tell two ancestral stories; that of my 8th great grandfather, Thomas Luker, and his great-great grandson, Caleb on my mother’s side.
Thomas Luker was born about 1660 in England, and later came across the “pond” to settle in New Jersey, near Dover. He earned his living operating a ferry across Goose Creek (now called Toms River, assumedly named for him).
He was a young unmarried man then, probably in his late teens or early twenties, but he befriended the local Indian tribe in the area. He apparently helped them on many occasions and earned their trust and friendship. They came to admire him so much the Indian chief gave him his daughter, Unami Ann, as his bride. This was an offer Tom couldn’t refuse and they were married.
They continued to live there on the river and raised their son, also named Thomas, there among the Indians. He also married an Indian princess named Ann, and had two children. A few generations later came my great-great grandfather Caleb into the picture.
Caleb had come to the Salt Lake Valley in the late 1860’s and was following in his families footsteps by running a ferry from Blackrock, near Tooele, to Antelope Island. He would take cattle back and forth to graze on the island, and made many friends doing this. The prophet of the church at that time was Brigham Young, and he told Caleb if he ran that ferry for 5 years, he would give him the land around Blackrock for his own.
At that time, however, there were land developers interested in the land around the Great Salt Lake. They saw it as a great place to make a resort, and pressured Caleb to move off the land. He refused, stating that the land was his by rights, if not in writing, and wouldn’t budge. Of course, the developers did not believe that Brigham Young had given him that land, and since it wasn’t officially written anywhere, they decided it was free for the taking.
One cold winter day, Caleb had been out taking cattle across the lake and returned home to find the windows and doors all boarded up, and his wife and children out in the snow! He was so angry and disgusted by this he pronounced a curse on the land right then and there! Oddly enough, there never has been a resort able to thrive on that piece of land to this day. Whether you believe the curse was true or not, it is certainly a colorful tale!
Ancestors of Erin Taylor
I decided to tell two ancestral stories; that of my 8th great grandfather, Thomas Luker, and his great-great grandson, Caleb on my mother’s side.
Thomas Luker was born about 1660 in England, and later came across the “pond” to settle in New Jersey, near Dover. He earned his living operating a ferry across Goose Creek (now called Toms River, assumedly named for him).
He was a young unmarried man then, probably in his late teens or early twenties, but he befriended the local Indian tribe in the area. He apparently helped them on many occasions and earned their trust and friendship. They came to admire him so much the Indian chief gave him his daughter, Unami Ann, as his bride. This was an offer Tom couldn’t refuse and they were married.
They continued to live there on the river and raised their son, also named Thomas, there among the Indians. He also married an Indian princess named Ann, and had two children. A few generations later came my great-great grandfather Caleb into the picture.
Caleb had come to the Salt Lake Valley in the late 1860’s and was following in his families footsteps by running a ferry from Blackrock, near Tooele, to Antelope Island. He would take cattle back and forth to graze on the island, and made many friends doing this. The prophet of the church at that time was Brigham Young, and he told Caleb if he ran that ferry for 5 years, he would give him the land around Blackrock for his own.
At that time, however, there were land developers interested in the land around the Great Salt Lake. They saw it as a great place to make a resort, and pressured Caleb to move off the land. He refused, stating that the land was his by rights, if not in writing, and wouldn’t budge. Of course, the developers did not believe that Brigham Young had given him that land, and since it wasn’t officially written anywhere, they decided it was free for the taking.
One cold winter day, Caleb had been out taking cattle across the lake and returned home to find the windows and doors all boarded up, and his wife and children out in the snow! He was so angry and disgusted by this he pronounced a curse on the land right then and there! Oddly enough, there never has been a resort able to thrive on that piece of land to this day. Whether you believe the curse was true or not, it is certainly a colorful tale!
Visiting Teaching Message April 2010
“Seeking and Receiving Personal Revelation,” Ensign, Apr 2010
Teach these scriptures and quotations or, if needed, another principle that will bless the sisters you visit. Bear testimony of the doctrine. Invite those you visit to share what they have felt and learned.
How Can I Seek Personal Revelation?
“We prepare to receive personal revelation as the prophets do, by studying the scriptures, fasting, praying, and building faith. Faith is the key. Remember Joseph’s preparation for the First Vision:
“‘If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God. …
“‘But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.’”1 Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
“Prayer is your personal key to heaven. The lock is on your side of the veil.
“But that is not all. To one who thought that revelation would flow without effort, the Lord said:
“‘You have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me.
“‘But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.’”2 President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
How Can I Receive Personal Revelation?
“In its more familiar forms, revelation or inspiration comes by means of words or thoughts communicated to the mind (see Enos 1:10; D&C 8:2–3), by sudden enlightenment (see D&C 6:14–15), by positive or negative feelings about proposed courses of action, or even by inspiring performances, as in the performing arts. As President Boyd K. Packer, … President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, has stated, ‘Inspiration comes more as a feeling than as a sound.’”3 Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
“The temple is a house of learning. Much of the instruction imparted in the temple is symbolic and learned by the Spirit. This means we are taught from on high. … Our understanding of the meaning of the ordinances and covenants will increase as we return to the temple often with the attitude of learning and contemplating the eternal truths taught. … Let us enjoy the spiritual strength and the revelation we receive as we attend the temple regularly.”4 Silvia H. Allred, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency.
Helps for Visiting Teaching
As a visiting teacher, you can receive impressions of the Spirit as to the needs of your sisters and how to meet those needs. As you teach this message, share, as appropriate, any inspiration or help you have received regarding visiting teaching.
Personal Preparation
1 Samuel 3:10 1 Kings 19:11–12
Alma 5:46; 26:22 3 Nephi 19:19–23
D&C 8:2–3; 9:8–9; 88:63–64
Notes
1. “Personal Revelation: The Teachings and Examples of the Prophets,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2007, 88.
2. “Personal Revelation: The Gift, the Test, and the Promise,” Ensign, Nov. 1994, 59–60.
3. “Eight Reasons for Revelation,” Liahona, Sept. 2004, 8; “Eight Ways God Can Speak to You,” New Era, Sept. 2004, 4.
4. “Holy Temples, Sacred Covenants,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2008, 113, 114.
Teach these scriptures and quotations or, if needed, another principle that will bless the sisters you visit. Bear testimony of the doctrine. Invite those you visit to share what they have felt and learned.
How Can I Seek Personal Revelation?
“We prepare to receive personal revelation as the prophets do, by studying the scriptures, fasting, praying, and building faith. Faith is the key. Remember Joseph’s preparation for the First Vision:
“‘If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God. …
“‘But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.’”1 Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
“Prayer is your personal key to heaven. The lock is on your side of the veil.
“But that is not all. To one who thought that revelation would flow without effort, the Lord said:
“‘You have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me.
“‘But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.’”2 President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
How Can I Receive Personal Revelation?
“In its more familiar forms, revelation or inspiration comes by means of words or thoughts communicated to the mind (see Enos 1:10; D&C 8:2–3), by sudden enlightenment (see D&C 6:14–15), by positive or negative feelings about proposed courses of action, or even by inspiring performances, as in the performing arts. As President Boyd K. Packer, … President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, has stated, ‘Inspiration comes more as a feeling than as a sound.’”3 Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
“The temple is a house of learning. Much of the instruction imparted in the temple is symbolic and learned by the Spirit. This means we are taught from on high. … Our understanding of the meaning of the ordinances and covenants will increase as we return to the temple often with the attitude of learning and contemplating the eternal truths taught. … Let us enjoy the spiritual strength and the revelation we receive as we attend the temple regularly.”4 Silvia H. Allred, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency.
Helps for Visiting Teaching
As a visiting teacher, you can receive impressions of the Spirit as to the needs of your sisters and how to meet those needs. As you teach this message, share, as appropriate, any inspiration or help you have received regarding visiting teaching.
Personal Preparation
1 Samuel 3:10 1 Kings 19:11–12
Alma 5:46; 26:22 3 Nephi 19:19–23
D&C 8:2–3; 9:8–9; 88:63–64
Notes
1. “Personal Revelation: The Teachings and Examples of the Prophets,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2007, 88.
2. “Personal Revelation: The Gift, the Test, and the Promise,” Ensign, Nov. 1994, 59–60.
3. “Eight Reasons for Revelation,” Liahona, Sept. 2004, 8; “Eight Ways God Can Speak to You,” New Era, Sept. 2004, 4.
4. “Holy Temples, Sacred Covenants,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2008, 113, 114.
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