July 2010 Newsletter

July Lessons
July 4 RS Presidency/Group Leadership Sherrie Marriott
July 11 Gospel Principles #12 The Atonement Myrna Clark
July 18 Gospel Principles #13 The Priesthood Ramona Ford
July 25 Teaching for our Times General Talk from April 2010 General Conference talk “The Blessing of Scripture” Elder D. Todd Christofferson
The Sister of the Month
This month’s sister of the month was going to be Sister Maridian Toufi. She has been a wonderful member of our Relief Society and our Ward. Her current assignment is with her husband as the leaders of the Stake Single Adults. I can tell from personal experience that they are doing an excellent job. However, she has had such a very busy few months that we are going to have her do it next month (hopefully she may give us a few of the behind the scene details – like how the two new missionaries are doing). I have almost felt that it would be self serving to write my own story in. On the other hand, anytime you ask someone else to do something, you should be willing to do it yourself. Also, one of the things that I wanted to show is that each sister’s story is exactly what she wants it to be. You can tell us about your family – your parents and siblings, your extended family, your husband and children. Especially if you grew up somewhere that is unfamiliar to the rest of us, it would be interesting if you would give us some insights. Sister Taylor included a list she titled “A few more tidbits about me” that included favorite color, favorite food books, favorite places, and what I dream about. This is a fun and offers a neat insight. I really appreciated Sister Mary Gallagher giving a plug for being a sister of the month. I do want it to be something that is fun. If anyone would be interested, I would appreciate it if you would let me know. One problem I have is that, since this is my 21st edition (a proud tradition since November 2008 ☺) I sometimes forget who has been sister of the month and who hasn’t. Even harder is to remember which sisters have already politely declined. Also, if there is a less active sister that is on your visiting teaching route, or is a neighbor, that you think would be interested in sharing her story, please ask her if she would like to share her story – it’s even more important to get to know these sisters.
I have also included a story about my Great Great Grandfather John Solomon Fullmer – including a small portion of two articles that he had published, “John Solomon Fullmer's account of the expulsion of the Saints from Nauvoo (1846-published 1855).
Holidays in July
July has two holidays – both having something in common. Both the starting of this nation and the ushering in of this dispensation were both prophesied of in the Book of Mormon. Celebrating these holidays reminds us of their significance in our lives.
It Josephs Smith’s first vision, and subsequent actions, that brought the gospel to us. In the D&C it states:
"Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. (D&C 135:3).
After the church was established, it needed a place to grow into what it is today. Brigham Young was the right person to do it and, to paraphrase him; this was the right place to establish the headquarters of the church. Celebrating Pioneer Day is a way to honor all those who paid such a dear price (both those who suffered at the hands of the mobs and those who made the long journey to get here) for us to have such a tremendous gift.
It is interesting to me that the reason for the other holiday that we celebrate this month is the founding of a country that would foster an environment that would make the restoration of the gospel possible. In the October 1987 General Conference, President Ezra Taft Benson gave a talk entitled “Our Divine Constitution.” It is a testament that God is not standing idly by letting things happen. With this great gift we should both be thankful and mindful of opportunities to participate. Adlai Stevenson once said “Patriotism... is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime. “ There are both small and large opportunities to participate, depending on our interests, time and availability. Voting is something we all can do (we had a primary election in June and will be having a regular election in November). Becoming informed on the decisions you are making is more difficult, but increases the value of our votes. Also helping in the process is beneficial – I know that Barbara Stout has been an election judge (as her Grandmother used to do). There is also helping campaigning for candidates or issues. This is another topic where each sister needs to decide if this is where her talents and interests are and how much or how little we want to/can participate.
July Recipes and fun
I have included a couple of fun recipes - one patriotic and two cool, refreshing and nutritious. I have also included a some fun games and activities centered around the pioneers. Even if some of the games listed might be more fun to talk about then to play – noting how much different life was back then and how people would take pleasure in the simpler things of life. It also is interesting to see that at least a couple of these games have lasted the test of time. One thought might be to have a pretend black out night and see what fun we can have without electricity.
There are also pages for backyard fun, games and safety tips. Memories can be made with very simple acts – especially if you can find something that works with your family and make a tradition of it (and surprisingly children seem to have very fond memories of things that didn’t seem that big of deal of the time).
Summer Weather Tip
This is probably a tip that will have my mother following me around with a glass of water ☺ In the June/July 2010 issue of Reader’s Digest they have an article under their Health section entitled “Quench Your Crankiness” That states:
“Nex time your mood takes a dive, have a drink – of water. In a recent Tufts University study, college athletes who weren’t given fluids during practice felt more confused, angry, tense, and blue afterward than those who had plenty of water. ‘The level of dehydration was very mild – it could easlity be compared with what busy office workers might experience if they forgot to drink enough during the day.’ Says lead researcher Kristen E. D’Anci, PhD. How much you need to drink depends on the weather and your activity level and weight. Still, D’Anci says, ‘eight 8-ounces glasses of water a day never hurt anybody.’