By Brian Clark Howard
Now that you know ketchup can be used for shining copper and repairing hair, or that vodka can be used to repel insects and freshen laundry, you may have been wondering what tasks you can get done for cheap with other household items. Since May is National Vinegar Month (did you forget??), we thought we'd take a closer look at this inexpensive, versatile good.
According to the Vinegar Institute, the useful stuff was probably discovered by accident (most wine drinkers know what happens when you leave a bottle sitting around too long). In fact the word vinegar comes from a French translation for "sour wine." Over the centuries vinegar has been produced from many stocks, including molasses, dates, sorghum, fruits, coconut, honey, beer, maple syrup, potatoes, beets, grains and more. But the principle is the same: you get acetic acid (a.k.a. vinegar) after first fermenting natural sugars to alcohol, and then fermenting again.
As Michael de Jong, TDG's Zen Cleaner and author of the Clean series of books, points out, vinegar has been pressed into service for many uses over the centuries. It has been prized as a foodstuff, condiment, preservative and natural remedy.
What's so great about vinegar? Besides being effective, vinegar is cheap and widely available. It is non-toxic and lasts for a very long time without losing strength. It does not pollute land, air or water or combust. It's much safer to have under your sink than bleach, ammonia or other toxic cleaning products. Many folks also swear by the benefits of apple cider vinegar.
In the spirit of green cleaning, green thrift and green creativity, we put together this list of alternative uses for vinegar. Add your own in the comments!
1. Clean Windows
Instead of spending money on window cleaning chemicals -- especially ones that include toxic or potentially toxic chemicals -- make your own! Mix 2 tablespoons of white vinegar with a gallon of water, and dispense into a used spray bottle. Squirt on, then scrub with newspaper, not paper towels, which cause streaking.
Gerville Hall/Istock
2. Get Spring Fresh Laundry
Got grass stains? No problemo, says Michael de Jong. Make a mixture of one-third cup white vinegar and two-thirds cup water. Apply the solution to the stain and blot with a clean cloth. Repeat this process until you've removed as much green as possible, and then launder as usual.
When your big washing day comes around, toss in a capful of white vinegar. Your colors will come out bolder and your whites whiter. If you've recently had an encounter with a skunk, it will take more than a capful.
After washing, get a sharper crease in pants by dipping the cloth in a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water. Then wring out the cloth and press the creases. Now you look like Dilbert!
3. Clean Carpets
According to this TDG community member:
"Spots in carpets often remove with a simple dilution of one part vinegar, one-sixteenth part lemon juice and eight parts distilled water."
Thanks for the tip!
4. Wash Produce
According to the green team at Ideal Bite, vinegar can help remove bacteria and pesticide residues from fruits and veggies. Mix three parts water to one part white vinegar, and dispense in a spray bottle. Then rinse with water. The site claims the wash kills 98% of bacteria on produce.
Luca di Filippo/Istock
5. Break Bad Bonds
Having trouble getting that annoying sticky label residue off a product? Or accidentally glue something together? Vinegar can be used as a solvent to dissolve many common adhesives. Vinegar is also good at cutting grease.
6. Fight Hiccups and Cramps
If you often get foot or leg cramps in the middle of the night, you may want to try boosting your potassium levels. There are a number of great superfoods rich in potassium (way beyond bananas). Some folks have also suggested trying this remedy: Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of honey and a cup of hot water. Then drink before bed. Yummy!
Some have also said they were able to cure pesky hiccups instantly by swallowing a teaspoon of vinegar. Hey, if the Roman legions drank it, it must be good for you!
7. Deter Cats
We love cats here at TDG (even LOLcats!). But sometimes you don't want them doing their business in the kids' sandbox. Or in your flower bed. According to HomeEnvy, a simple solution is to pour vinegar around the edges of the area you want to protect every few months.
9 Uses for Ketchup That May Surprise You
Photo: Craig Veltri/ Istock
By Brian Clark Howard
Whether you enjoy ketchup with fries or -- like some Americans -- a few fries with a boatload of ketchup, there's no denying the ubiquity and popularity of the distinctive red condiment. Ketchup has been satirized, politicized (W Ketchup anyone?) and considered for reclassification as a vegetable. Many folks can't even agree how it should be spelled (catsup or catchup perhaps?).
We're guessing we're not the only ones who squirrel away unused packets of ketchup in desks and cabinets after a quick meal on the go. (Or who have aging, half-empty bottles of the stuff crammed in the back of the fridge.) And since we hate to waste things here at The Daily Green, we got to thinking about ways to creatively reuse extra ketchup -- we mean besides the obvious choices of making recession ketchup "pizza" or "spaghetti." Shudder…
By the way, wonder what's in ketchup? Typically tomato concentrate (duh), the ubiquitous corn syrup or another sweetener, vinegar, salt, spice and herb extracts (including celery), spice and garlic powder. Some brands also include allspice, cloves, cinnamon, onion and other vegetables.
Perhaps not surprisingly given the condiment's popularity, ketchup is now available in organic formulations, including from industry leader Heinz. A recent study at the Agricultural Research Service in Albany, California found that organic ketchups tested had more lycopenes than conventional brands. Lycopenes are thought to offer cancer prevention properties.
There also are a number of brands available without corn syrup, such as Nature’s Hollow Sugar Free Ketchup, sweetened with the birch tree extract xylitol.
Another drawback of ketchup is that it usually contains a large amount of salt, a concern since our diet contains 43-74% too much of the stuff, according to the FDA. In fact one tablespoon of ketchup can contain up to 190 milligrams of sodium, and many of us use more than that in a sitting. There are low-sodium versions from Hunt's and others, and organic brands often have a bit less. Note that Worcestershire, barbecue and cocktail sauces typically have even more salt than ketchup.
So check out these great alternative uses for ketchup, which will save you money and time:
1. Shine Your Copper
Whether you have copper-bottomed cooking pans, architectural detailing or shiny knick-knacks, forget mucking about with costly and potentially toxic metal polish pastes. Why not use some of those old ketchup packets stashed away in your kitchen drawers?
Here's a very simple recipe from Michael de Jong, TDG's Zen Cleaner and author of the Clean series of simple living books:
Massage ketchup over the copper and watch it dissolve the tarnish away (thanks to the acid). In the event that you have stubborn spots, add a pinch of table salt while you polish.
2. Get Those Auto Parts Gleaming
According to The Cymbal Book by Hugo Pinksterboer, some folks have seen decent results getting their cars to shine by rubbing with ketchup. The book notes that the condiment does a good job cutting tarnish, but not so well in removing dirt. Sounds like you may need a multi-step process, with some soap and water as well.
Give it a try and let us know if it works for you.
3. Fight Skunk Odors
If you've lived in a rural or even suburban part of North America, chances are you may have had a run-in with a skunk one night or evening. Or perhaps your dog has. Although some experts have cautioned that the technique may not actually work well (beyond a masking sensation), many people still swear by tomato juice as a way to remove potent skunk odor. Michael de Jong points out that in the event you don't have any tomato juice on hand you can try using plain ketchup instead.
4. Get Back Prettier Hair from Chlorine Damage
According to de Jong, ketchup can also be used to correct limey-hair-highlights-gone-green, which can sometimes occur from exposure to chlorine found in swimming pools (another good reason to check out natural pools as a refreshing alternative).
How? Restore your normal hair color -- or at least the one you paid dearly for -- by applying full strength ketchup to your hair. Smoosh it in, let it linger for about 20 minutes and then wash it out thoroughly.
5. Fake Blood/Battles
As any elementary school jokester knows, ketchup makes great (albeit messy) fake blood. This goes for lunchroom antics as well as Halloween parties. Of course, we recommend you exercise a lot of caution with this one, since it's not much of a win for you or the planet if you have to try to launder away tough stains.
Also, we wouldn't really recommend random ketchup attacks on transit riders, or assaults on estranged family...although we suppose those technically are reuses.
Unusual Uses for Ketchup Packets
About those packets we mentioned...they pile up across America by the millions, as hurried diners and service staff often grab huge handfuls, only to end up using a few. Since we don't like to see things go to waste, here's some ideas to get at least one more use out of them:
6. Soothe Wounds
Lisa posted over on Seacoast Online that she freezes leftover ketchup and soy sauce packets to use on her children's "small booboos and bumps." She claims, "The kids LOVE them." Apparently even the mere appearance of the packets often makes their hurts go away.
We just hope they don't discover the "art" of ketchup packet fights.
7. Use Them for Target Practice
Speaking of that, a couple of chums over at Cockeyed went to some trouble to make an elaborate Ketchup Packet Bear, out of chicken wire, paper, plastic and sealed condiments. I'll let them tell the story:
"The sauce packet bear emerged from a discovery that ketchup packets burst open when you hit them with a BB gun. Leif and I shot a few in the kitchen one night. I got a remarkable bloody mess. I was intrigued, and set about designing a better bleeding target."
Click on the link above to see how their little experiment panned out (hint: it ends with a bonfire).
8. Speed Painting
Need to indulge your creative side? Why not try speed painting? This took 10 ketchup packets and 50 minutes, sped up into four minutes for our viewing pleasure. See who's face emerged? Nice job Eclectic Asylum!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
April 2009 Newsletter
My Sister – My Friend
Springview Relief Society
April 2009
April Lessons
April 5 General Conference
April 12 Joseph Smith #28 Missionary Service: A Holy Calling, A Glorious Work Ramona Ford
April 19 Joseph Smith #29 Living with Others in Peace and Harmony Myrna Clark
April 26 Teaching for our Times Lift Where You Stand Dieter F. Uchtdorf Ensign November 2008 P53-56 Kamilla Lloyd
April Activities
April 25 Preparedness fair in Home Depot parking lot 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
April 30 Emergency Food Demo
The Lady of the Month
This month we are spotlighting Sister Kayelyn Birch.
Scripture Thought
Barbara Freed
D&C 101:16
Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God.
The latter part, be still and know that I am God, is something to comes to my mind often. I, like many others who have read those words, have felt that I was personally being spoken to. Troubling times get frustrating, but knowing that God exists, that I am his creation, that He is my cheerleader while I am here, gives me confidence that He is in charge. He will not let things happen that will damage the continuation of the Plan of Salvation.
Sandy Levinson
Sister Levinson feels this is a good scripture concerning preparedness: 1 Nephi 2:4 And it came to pass that he departed into the wilderness. And he left his house, and the land of his inheritance, and his gold, and his silver, and his precious things, and took nothing with him, save it were his family, and provisions, and tents, and departed into the wilderness.
Patricia Wilson
Sister Levenson’s scripture started me thinking. I agree that we need to be able to walk away from everything if we are called upon or be able to give it up if it came between that and defending it to the death. I also believe that we need to be vigilant in our preparations for the times when we need to wait out the storms. I have included a couple of examples/sites on http://www.springviewreliefsociety.blogspot.com
April Recipe
Hard-Boiled Egg Mice
1 Egg 1 Black olive
1 Radish 2 Fresh chives
1 Tiny Swiss cheese wedge
1. Slice the egg in half lengthwise. Place the halves yolk side down on a plate. (Alternatively, you can slice off a bit of the bottom of a peeled, hard-boiled egg so it can sit flat on a plate.) Slice tiny black olive "eyes" and radish "ears." Then make small slits in the egg halves for the eyes and ears and push in the olives and radishes. Add chive tails.
2. Serve the pair of egg mice with a wedge of Swiss cheese for a playful lunch. Makes 2 mice.
More fun recipes on the blog
Geneology Tip
U.S. Civil War Records: A Wealth of Information About the Soldier and His Family Jimmy B. Parker, FUGA, AG
Military-related records can be the source of an abundance of information. Approximately 3.5 million served in the Civil War. Even those who did not serve may have had information recorded about themselves in records that were associated with potential military service. If an ancestor actually served in the military, often there are details to be found in service and pension files that are unavailable in other records. There are pre-service, service and post-service files that can be useful in obtaining information. The key to finding any military record is the name of the company and regiment of service. This can be located in Family records, County histories, Reports to Adjutant General from state from which he served, Militia Rolls and Draft Registration records.
Springview Relief Society
April 2009
April Lessons
April 5 General Conference
April 12 Joseph Smith #28 Missionary Service: A Holy Calling, A Glorious Work Ramona Ford
April 19 Joseph Smith #29 Living with Others in Peace and Harmony Myrna Clark
April 26 Teaching for our Times Lift Where You Stand Dieter F. Uchtdorf Ensign November 2008 P53-56 Kamilla Lloyd
April Activities
April 25 Preparedness fair in Home Depot parking lot 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
April 30 Emergency Food Demo
The Lady of the Month
This month we are spotlighting Sister Kayelyn Birch.
Scripture Thought
Barbara Freed
D&C 101:16
Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God.
The latter part, be still and know that I am God, is something to comes to my mind often. I, like many others who have read those words, have felt that I was personally being spoken to. Troubling times get frustrating, but knowing that God exists, that I am his creation, that He is my cheerleader while I am here, gives me confidence that He is in charge. He will not let things happen that will damage the continuation of the Plan of Salvation.
Sandy Levinson
Sister Levinson feels this is a good scripture concerning preparedness: 1 Nephi 2:4 And it came to pass that he departed into the wilderness. And he left his house, and the land of his inheritance, and his gold, and his silver, and his precious things, and took nothing with him, save it were his family, and provisions, and tents, and departed into the wilderness.
Patricia Wilson
Sister Levenson’s scripture started me thinking. I agree that we need to be able to walk away from everything if we are called upon or be able to give it up if it came between that and defending it to the death. I also believe that we need to be vigilant in our preparations for the times when we need to wait out the storms. I have included a couple of examples/sites on http://www.springviewreliefsociety.blogspot.com
April Recipe
Hard-Boiled Egg Mice
1 Egg 1 Black olive
1 Radish 2 Fresh chives
1 Tiny Swiss cheese wedge
1. Slice the egg in half lengthwise. Place the halves yolk side down on a plate. (Alternatively, you can slice off a bit of the bottom of a peeled, hard-boiled egg so it can sit flat on a plate.) Slice tiny black olive "eyes" and radish "ears." Then make small slits in the egg halves for the eyes and ears and push in the olives and radishes. Add chive tails.
2. Serve the pair of egg mice with a wedge of Swiss cheese for a playful lunch. Makes 2 mice.
More fun recipes on the blog
Geneology Tip
U.S. Civil War Records: A Wealth of Information About the Soldier and His Family Jimmy B. Parker, FUGA, AG
Military-related records can be the source of an abundance of information. Approximately 3.5 million served in the Civil War. Even those who did not serve may have had information recorded about themselves in records that were associated with potential military service. If an ancestor actually served in the military, often there are details to be found in service and pension files that are unavailable in other records. There are pre-service, service and post-service files that can be useful in obtaining information. The key to finding any military record is the name of the company and regiment of service. This can be located in Family records, County histories, Reports to Adjutant General from state from which he served, Militia Rolls and Draft Registration records.
Sister Kayelyn Archibald Birch
Sister Kayelyn Archibald Birch
Kayelyn Archibald Birch
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. It was easy to blend in, and I enjoyed doing a lot of people-watching. I had my rowdy moments though. I enjoyed playing outdoor games, like “no bears are out tonight”, “treasure hunt”, “sardines”, and “tag”, with my brothers and sisters and neighborhood kids.
I enjoyed school. My favorite subject was math.
I participated in the music programs in Jr. High and High school. I enjoyed singing with the choirs, and occasionally accompanying them on the piano. I participated with the Madrigals at Granite High School my senior year.
After high school I attended Utah State University for one year. I participated in the choirs and church sorority there. I really enjoyed my year there. Then I came home and attended the University of Utah for a couple of quarters.
I met my husband, Michael, many years before. He was the big brother of one of my good friends at school. I had been in their house many times and had met Michael when I was in Jr. High School. I always thought he was a very nice person, but he was just Andrea’s brother. He went with us to firesides, movies, etc. throughout the years, but……
After his mission, when I was attending the University of Utah, Andrea invited me to go to a movie, and miniature-golfing with them. I enjoyed the evening and thought, “Michael is really a nice guy, but…..” As we went to more activities and spent a lot of time together, I began to think of him differently.
We attended a Young Adult activity where they had a road-rally. We chased around the city in his little brown car. There was Michael, me, one other boy, and two girls in the car. I was the runner for the car, since I was in the front seat. The other boy was being really pushy and majorly annoying me. One of the spots we needed to stop was at the top of the big hill in Sugar-House Park. They dropped me off at the end of the freeway and drove off. I walked up the DARK hill to find the clue. It took a minute to find it, and when I came down they were nowhere to be found. I finally saw Michael walking across the busy street to come get me. I knew then that I really did love Michael. (We won the road-rally. To the relief of the other boy in the car.)
We were married in the Salt Lake Temple, November 20, 1986.
We have eight children: Christopher (21), Andrew(20), Logan (18), Lara (16), Kelsey (13), Tyler (11- April 24th), Bryce (9), and Caitlin (2).
We are happy in this ward, and thankful for our wonderful friends and neighbors.
Kayelyn Archibald Birch
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. It was easy to blend in, and I enjoyed doing a lot of people-watching. I had my rowdy moments though. I enjoyed playing outdoor games, like “no bears are out tonight”, “treasure hunt”, “sardines”, and “tag”, with my brothers and sisters and neighborhood kids.
I enjoyed school. My favorite subject was math.
I participated in the music programs in Jr. High and High school. I enjoyed singing with the choirs, and occasionally accompanying them on the piano. I participated with the Madrigals at Granite High School my senior year.
After high school I attended Utah State University for one year. I participated in the choirs and church sorority there. I really enjoyed my year there. Then I came home and attended the University of Utah for a couple of quarters.
I met my husband, Michael, many years before. He was the big brother of one of my good friends at school. I had been in their house many times and had met Michael when I was in Jr. High School. I always thought he was a very nice person, but he was just Andrea’s brother. He went with us to firesides, movies, etc. throughout the years, but……
After his mission, when I was attending the University of Utah, Andrea invited me to go to a movie, and miniature-golfing with them. I enjoyed the evening and thought, “Michael is really a nice guy, but…..” As we went to more activities and spent a lot of time together, I began to think of him differently.
We attended a Young Adult activity where they had a road-rally. We chased around the city in his little brown car. There was Michael, me, one other boy, and two girls in the car. I was the runner for the car, since I was in the front seat. The other boy was being really pushy and majorly annoying me. One of the spots we needed to stop was at the top of the big hill in Sugar-House Park. They dropped me off at the end of the freeway and drove off. I walked up the DARK hill to find the clue. It took a minute to find it, and when I came down they were nowhere to be found. I finally saw Michael walking across the busy street to come get me. I knew then that I really did love Michael. (We won the road-rally. To the relief of the other boy in the car.)
We were married in the Salt Lake Temple, November 20, 1986.
We have eight children: Christopher (21), Andrew(20), Logan (18), Lara (16), Kelsey (13), Tyler (11- April 24th), Bryce (9), and Caitlin (2).
We are happy in this ward, and thankful for our wonderful friends and neighbors.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Broccoli Salad
30 min | 30 min prep |
Ingredients
1-2 head fresh broccoli (do not use frozen!)
1/2 cup red onion, chopped
1/2 lb bacon
2 1/2 tablespoons vinegar
1 cup Hellmann's mayonnaise
1/3 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
Directions
1Cook bacon (I make it easy and buy the already cooked bacon in the refrigerator section) and crumble into pieces.
2Chop up top of broccoli into bite size pieces.
3Mix broccoli, onions, bacon and mozzarella in large bowl.
4In separate bowl combine vinegar, sugar and mayo.
5Pour over broccoli mixture and toss to coat.
6Best if made a day ahead.
Ingredients
1-2 head fresh broccoli (do not use frozen!)
1/2 cup red onion, chopped
1/2 lb bacon
2 1/2 tablespoons vinegar
1 cup Hellmann's mayonnaise
1/3 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
Directions
1Cook bacon (I make it easy and buy the already cooked bacon in the refrigerator section) and crumble into pieces.
2Chop up top of broccoli into bite size pieces.
3Mix broccoli, onions, bacon and mozzarella in large bowl.
4In separate bowl combine vinegar, sugar and mayo.
5Pour over broccoli mixture and toss to coat.
6Best if made a day ahead.
Veggie Mac & Cheese
Veggie Macaroni and Cheese
1 package elbow macaroni
1/2 onion, chopped
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper
1 tablespoon flour
1 1/2 cups skim milk
1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1 tomato, diced
1 cup chopped broccoli
1 cup bread crumbs
Bring water to a boil and cook macaroni according to package instructions. Rinse with cold water and stir. Set aside.
Cook onion in butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in nutmeg, salt, pepper, and flour. Add milk and cook, stirring occassionally until thick and bubbly. Add diced tomato and broccoli (or any other veggies you like). Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Add macaroni and stir.
Pour into a casserole dish. Bake for 30 minutes in a 350F (175C) degree oven. Top with bread crumbs for the last 5 minutes of baking.
Serves 4.
As I was going over this I was thinking that there would be no reason that you couldn't just add some veggies while cooking a box of Mac & Cheese (raw broccoli or carrots (I think shredded carrots could go in without being too noticable) would go in earlier in the cooking process while precooked vegtables (cooked broccoli, canned peas or corn) could go with the butter milk and cheese.
1 package elbow macaroni
1/2 onion, chopped
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper
1 tablespoon flour
1 1/2 cups skim milk
1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1 tomato, diced
1 cup chopped broccoli
1 cup bread crumbs
Bring water to a boil and cook macaroni according to package instructions. Rinse with cold water and stir. Set aside.
Cook onion in butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in nutmeg, salt, pepper, and flour. Add milk and cook, stirring occassionally until thick and bubbly. Add diced tomato and broccoli (or any other veggies you like). Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Add macaroni and stir.
Pour into a casserole dish. Bake for 30 minutes in a 350F (175C) degree oven. Top with bread crumbs for the last 5 minutes of baking.
Serves 4.
As I was going over this I was thinking that there would be no reason that you couldn't just add some veggies while cooking a box of Mac & Cheese (raw broccoli or carrots (I think shredded carrots could go in without being too noticable) would go in earlier in the cooking process while precooked vegtables (cooked broccoli, canned peas or corn) could go with the butter milk and cheese.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Report on Church Art Contest by Barbara Freed
The Church History Museum has sponsored a Church Art Contest every three years since 1987. It is open to all church members worldwide. These works of art are usually displayed in the Church History Museum. However, this year they are being displayed in the Conference Center from March 21st through October 11th.
This year’s theme is “Remembering the Great Things of God”. Professionals and amateurs are invited to participate. They compete with each other however, as they are not separated into those categories. This year there were 1089 total entries from church members around the world. 191 entries were accepted for display.
Kathryn’s entry is a digital photograph of her baby daughter Autumn, when she was 5 weeks old. Autumn was asleep on the sofa, with her little feet sticking out of the blankets, which Kathryn thought would make a cute picture.
Months later, when she heard about the contest, Kathryn chose this particular picture as she felt that it was suited to the contest theme. Her statement with the picture is that she believes that mankind is the greatest of God’s creations. (It is displayed in Section D of the exhibit.)
It is a very nice exhibit full of beautiful creations. If you can take the time to see it, it is free to the public this year from March 21-October 11. You can gain access to it during Conference Center hours, which are 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. If you want to take a tour of the Center, they are available from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. Go to Door 15 as there is a Help Desk for tours there, and the Exhibit is just feet away from that door.
This year’s theme is “Remembering the Great Things of God”. Professionals and amateurs are invited to participate. They compete with each other however, as they are not separated into those categories. This year there were 1089 total entries from church members around the world. 191 entries were accepted for display.
Kathryn’s entry is a digital photograph of her baby daughter Autumn, when she was 5 weeks old. Autumn was asleep on the sofa, with her little feet sticking out of the blankets, which Kathryn thought would make a cute picture.
Months later, when she heard about the contest, Kathryn chose this particular picture as she felt that it was suited to the contest theme. Her statement with the picture is that she believes that mankind is the greatest of God’s creations. (It is displayed in Section D of the exhibit.)
It is a very nice exhibit full of beautiful creations. If you can take the time to see it, it is free to the public this year from March 21-October 11. You can gain access to it during Conference Center hours, which are 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. If you want to take a tour of the Center, they are available from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. Go to Door 15 as there is a Help Desk for tours there, and the Exhibit is just feet away from that door.
April 2009 Visiting Teaching Message
Ensign » 2009 » April
Search the Scriptures DiligentlyNext > < Previous View as .pdf
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“Search the Scriptures Diligently,” Ensign, Apr 2009, 63
Teach the scriptures and quotations that will help the sisters you visit understand these principles. Invite those you visit to share what they have felt and learned.
Why Search the Scriptures?
President Howard W. Hunter (1907–95): “I commend to you the revelations of God as the standard by which we must live our lives and by which we must measure every decision and every deed. Accordingly, when you have worries and challenges, face them by turning to the scriptures and the prophets” (“Fear Not, Little Flock,” in 1988–89 Devotional and Fireside Speeches [1989], 112).
President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994): “Success in righteousness, the power to avoid deception and resist temptation, guidance in our daily lives, healing of the soul—these are but a few of the promises the Lord has given to those who will come to His word. … Certain blessings are to be found only in the scriptures, only in coming to the word of the Lord and holding fast to it. …
“… Recommit yourselves to a study of the scriptures. Immerse yourselves in them daily so you will have the power of the Spirit to attend you in your callings. Read them in your families and teach your children to love and treasure them” (“The Power of the Word,” Ensign, May 1986, 82).
President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985): “As you become more and more familiar with the truths of the scriptures, you will be more and more effective in keeping the second great commandment, to love your neighbor as yourself. Become scholars of the scriptures—not to put others down, but to lift them up! After all, who has any greater need to ‘treasure up’ the truths of the gospel (on which they may call in their moments of need) than do women and mothers who do so much nurturing and teaching?” (“The Role of Righteous Women,” Ensign, Nov. 1979, 102).
How Can I Treasure the Scriptures?
2 Nephi 4:15: “For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children.”
Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president: “One good way to start studying the scriptures is to ‘liken’ them to ourselves (see 1 Nephi 19:23). Some people start by choosing a subject in the Topical Guide that they need to know more about. Or they start at the beginning of a book of scripture and look for specific teachings. …
“Whichever way a person starts studying the scriptures, the key to unlocking important knowledge is to keep studying. I never tire of discovering the rich treasures of truth in the scriptures because they teach with ‘plainness, even as plain as word can be’ (2 Nephi 32:7). The scriptures testify of Christ (see John 5:39). They tell us all things we should do (see 2 Nephi 32:3). They ‘make [us] wise unto salvation’ (2 Timothy 3:15).
“Through my scripture reading and the prayers that accompany my study, I have gained knowledge which brings me peace and helps me keep my energies focused on eternal priorities. Because I started reading the scriptures daily, I have learned about my Heavenly Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and what I need to do to be like Them” (“My Soul Delighteth in the Scriptures,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2004, 108–9).
President Thomas S. Monson: “The holy scriptures adorn our bookshelves. Make certain they provide nourishment to our minds and guidance for our lives” (“The Mighty Strength of the Relief Society,” Ensign, Nov. 1997, 95).
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“Search the Scriptures Diligently,” Ensign, Apr 2009, 63
Teach the scriptures and quotations that will help the sisters you visit understand these principles. Invite those you visit to share what they have felt and learned.
Why Search the Scriptures?
President Howard W. Hunter (1907–95): “I commend to you the revelations of God as the standard by which we must live our lives and by which we must measure every decision and every deed. Accordingly, when you have worries and challenges, face them by turning to the scriptures and the prophets” (“Fear Not, Little Flock,” in 1988–89 Devotional and Fireside Speeches [1989], 112).
President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994): “Success in righteousness, the power to avoid deception and resist temptation, guidance in our daily lives, healing of the soul—these are but a few of the promises the Lord has given to those who will come to His word. … Certain blessings are to be found only in the scriptures, only in coming to the word of the Lord and holding fast to it. …
“… Recommit yourselves to a study of the scriptures. Immerse yourselves in them daily so you will have the power of the Spirit to attend you in your callings. Read them in your families and teach your children to love and treasure them” (“The Power of the Word,” Ensign, May 1986, 82).
President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985): “As you become more and more familiar with the truths of the scriptures, you will be more and more effective in keeping the second great commandment, to love your neighbor as yourself. Become scholars of the scriptures—not to put others down, but to lift them up! After all, who has any greater need to ‘treasure up’ the truths of the gospel (on which they may call in their moments of need) than do women and mothers who do so much nurturing and teaching?” (“The Role of Righteous Women,” Ensign, Nov. 1979, 102).
How Can I Treasure the Scriptures?
2 Nephi 4:15: “For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children.”
Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president: “One good way to start studying the scriptures is to ‘liken’ them to ourselves (see 1 Nephi 19:23). Some people start by choosing a subject in the Topical Guide that they need to know more about. Or they start at the beginning of a book of scripture and look for specific teachings. …
“Whichever way a person starts studying the scriptures, the key to unlocking important knowledge is to keep studying. I never tire of discovering the rich treasures of truth in the scriptures because they teach with ‘plainness, even as plain as word can be’ (2 Nephi 32:7). The scriptures testify of Christ (see John 5:39). They tell us all things we should do (see 2 Nephi 32:3). They ‘make [us] wise unto salvation’ (2 Timothy 3:15).
“Through my scripture reading and the prayers that accompany my study, I have gained knowledge which brings me peace and helps me keep my energies focused on eternal priorities. Because I started reading the scriptures daily, I have learned about my Heavenly Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and what I need to do to be like Them” (“My Soul Delighteth in the Scriptures,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2004, 108–9).
President Thomas S. Monson: “The holy scriptures adorn our bookshelves. Make certain they provide nourishment to our minds and guidance for our lives” (“The Mighty Strength of the Relief Society,” Ensign, Nov. 1997, 95).
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