Only a few days left to make a difference! We are doing our part. Each night this week we have been standing at street corners waving 'Yes on 8' signs. Saturday is the big push! We need people to walk and put door hangers on houses and also to do phoning. Be sure to make your voice heard.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Thoughts for Today
*Accept that some days you're the pigeon, And some days you're the statue.
*Always keep your words soft and sweet, Just in case you have to eat them.
*Always read stuff that will make you look good If you die in the middle of it.
*Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be Recalled by their maker.
*If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
*It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply be kind to others.
*Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time. Because then you won't have a leg to stand on.
*Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
*When everything's coming your way, You're in the wrong lane.
*Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.
*You may be only one person in the world, But you may also be the world to one person.
*Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.
*We could learn a lot from crayons... Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names, and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.
*A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
*Always keep your words soft and sweet, Just in case you have to eat them.
*Always read stuff that will make you look good If you die in the middle of it.
*Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be Recalled by their maker.
*If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
*It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply be kind to others.
*Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time. Because then you won't have a leg to stand on.
*Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
*When everything's coming your way, You're in the wrong lane.
*Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.
*You may be only one person in the world, But you may also be the world to one person.
*Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.
*We could learn a lot from crayons... Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names, and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.
*A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Teacher's corner
"Righteous Traditions" - Anne Steenblik - October 26
From the looks of this lesson's title, one would think we would have concentrated on family traditions we enjoy. Although we were able to share some ideas, the main idea of this lesson was what is behind the expected things we do as families. What is our motivation for continuing to look forward to events which have become a part of our lives?? Are they material or eternal? Are they just happening or are we consciously creating righteous traditions? Are they in response to the world's loud voices or the still small voice? These are good and important questions which were posed by Cheryl Lant, General Primary President and presenter of this talk in April's conference.
We discovered that there are right and wrong traditions we can perpetrate. Wrong traditions cause our children to be close-minded to the truth - an example was the Lamanites keeping the gospel from their offspring and continuing to blame the Nephites for taking over their right to government. Right traditions allow our children to be teachable. Always following the prophet and honestly trying to do what's right shows an open-minded and willing attitude toward those whose lives we effect.
An excellent question to ask ourselves is this: Are the traditions that we are creating in our families going to make it easier for our chldren to follow the living prophets? If not, they should be changed to answer in the positive. If so, great job!
From the looks of this lesson's title, one would think we would have concentrated on family traditions we enjoy. Although we were able to share some ideas, the main idea of this lesson was what is behind the expected things we do as families. What is our motivation for continuing to look forward to events which have become a part of our lives?? Are they material or eternal? Are they just happening or are we consciously creating righteous traditions? Are they in response to the world's loud voices or the still small voice? These are good and important questions which were posed by Cheryl Lant, General Primary President and presenter of this talk in April's conference.
We discovered that there are right and wrong traditions we can perpetrate. Wrong traditions cause our children to be close-minded to the truth - an example was the Lamanites keeping the gospel from their offspring and continuing to blame the Nephites for taking over their right to government. Right traditions allow our children to be teachable. Always following the prophet and honestly trying to do what's right shows an open-minded and willing attitude toward those whose lives we effect.
An excellent question to ask ourselves is this: Are the traditions that we are creating in our families going to make it easier for our chldren to follow the living prophets? If not, they should be changed to answer in the positive. If so, great job!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Super Saturday
Super Saturday is November 15 from 8:30 to 1 p.m. We need all sign-ups and money to us by this Sunday, October 26. Please make all check payable to Aundrea Ristine and give them to Penny or Aundrea on Sunday. Penny will be sending each sister individually an amount for their order. Several items have gone down in price, so please wait for the e-mail from Penny so we don't have to refund anyone money. If your friends are interested you need to get those orders to Aundrea as well. For all you sisters who don't want to make crafts on November 15, please join us for a yummy breakfast at 8:30 a.m.
Super Saturday Prices.
Here are the prices for Super Saturday. See the other pictures in the earlier post. We will have a table set up with sign-up outside the Relief Society Room on Sunday. It looks like it is going to be a fun morning. Remember breakfast is going to be at 8:30.
Floral Arrangement is $50.00
Celebrate Plates $13.25
Santa Plates $15.50
Peek A Boo Bags $10
Noel $16
Book of Mormons $7 each
Coasters set of four (including ribbon to tie together for gift $4.80 for tumbled tiles w/stamps and $3.50 white tiles w/paper
Metal Stars $14 for everything / $10 star only
Celebrate Plates $13.25
Santa Plates $15.50
Peek A Boo Bags $10
Noel $16
Book of Mormons $7 each
Coasters set of four (including ribbon to tie together for gift $4.80 for tumbled tiles w/stamps and $3.50 white tiles w/paper
Metal Stars $14 for everything / $10 star only
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Teacher's corner
Angela Lee - Lesson 20 "The Prophet's Letters to His Family"
Angela brought to mind the special possession some of us have today - a treasured letter from someone special. Cathy Nielsen had a good point - these letters (even from an old boyfriend!) make us feel special or that we were valuable to someone. Tender letters from Joseph Smith to his dear wife, Emma, and family were the subject of today's lesson, and they truly show how special Joseph's beloved Emma and children were to him.
Joseph Smith traveled extensively over the 1831-1838 time period. He wrote letters of encouragement and love to his little family during his absences. These separations were a trial to all of them and the longing in his letters shows clearly how much he missed their association. He advised them as only a father trying to help raise his children could. He asked about their health and mentioned each by name. He bore testimony that although he couldn't be with them as much as he wanted, he knew that he was doing God's will and that He would watch over them.
Angela persuaded Nathan to record the letters for us to hear, and added music to the spoken word to give a nice dimension to the lesson. It was a great opportunity to see Joseph Smith, the prophet, as a loving, encouraging, tender husband and father in the midst of the whirlwind of organization which he had to accomplish.
Angela brought to mind the special possession some of us have today - a treasured letter from someone special. Cathy Nielsen had a good point - these letters (even from an old boyfriend!) make us feel special or that we were valuable to someone. Tender letters from Joseph Smith to his dear wife, Emma, and family were the subject of today's lesson, and they truly show how special Joseph's beloved Emma and children were to him.
Joseph Smith traveled extensively over the 1831-1838 time period. He wrote letters of encouragement and love to his little family during his absences. These separations were a trial to all of them and the longing in his letters shows clearly how much he missed their association. He advised them as only a father trying to help raise his children could. He asked about their health and mentioned each by name. He bore testimony that although he couldn't be with them as much as he wanted, he knew that he was doing God's will and that He would watch over them.
Angela persuaded Nathan to record the letters for us to hear, and added music to the spoken word to give a nice dimension to the lesson. It was a great opportunity to see Joseph Smith, the prophet, as a loving, encouraging, tender husband and father in the midst of the whirlwind of organization which he had to accomplish.
Teacher's corner
I missed Kristi's lesson last Sunday (Oct 12) but here is a summary of some wonderful ideas about facing and even growing from adversity.
· How can adversity be for our good?
Ezra Taft Benson said, "It is not on the pinnacle of success and ease where men and women grow most, it is often down in the valley of heartache and disappointment … where men and women grow into strong characters. Every reversal can be turned to our benefit and blessing and can make us stronger, more courageous, more godlike."
· We will be supported and blessed in our times of trial.The Book of Mormon has many examples of how whole groups of people were blessed through their common adversities.
· Large scale adversities such as natural disasters and wars are part of the mortal experience. We cannot entirely prevent them. But, we can determine how we will react to them.
· Neal A. Maxwell said, "murmuring can be noisy enough that it drowns out the various spiritual signals to us, signals which tell us in some cases to quit soaking ourselves indulgently in the hot tubs of self-pity!" He said, "be of good cheer is what is needed”
· In her book called Adversity, Elaine Cannon shares this valuable example:
"An old cowboy said he had learned life's most important lessons from Hereford cows. All his life he had worked cattle ranches where winter storms took a heavy toll among the herds. In this maelstrom of nature's violence most cattle would turn their backs to the ice blasts and slowly drift downwind, mile upon mile. Finally, intercepted by a boundary fence, they would pile up against the barrier and die by the scores.
"But the Herefords acted differently. Cattle of this breed would instinctively head into the windward end of the range. There they would stand shoulder-to-shoulder facing the storm's blast, heads down against its onslaught.
" 'You always found the Herefords alive and well,' said the cowboy. 'I guess it's the greatest lesson I ever learned on the prairies—just face life's storms' " (Adversity [1987], 133–34).
· How can adversity be for our good?
Ezra Taft Benson said, "It is not on the pinnacle of success and ease where men and women grow most, it is often down in the valley of heartache and disappointment … where men and women grow into strong characters. Every reversal can be turned to our benefit and blessing and can make us stronger, more courageous, more godlike."
· We will be supported and blessed in our times of trial.The Book of Mormon has many examples of how whole groups of people were blessed through their common adversities.
· Large scale adversities such as natural disasters and wars are part of the mortal experience. We cannot entirely prevent them. But, we can determine how we will react to them.
· Neal A. Maxwell said, "murmuring can be noisy enough that it drowns out the various spiritual signals to us, signals which tell us in some cases to quit soaking ourselves indulgently in the hot tubs of self-pity!" He said, "be of good cheer is what is needed”
· In her book called Adversity, Elaine Cannon shares this valuable example:
"An old cowboy said he had learned life's most important lessons from Hereford cows. All his life he had worked cattle ranches where winter storms took a heavy toll among the herds. In this maelstrom of nature's violence most cattle would turn their backs to the ice blasts and slowly drift downwind, mile upon mile. Finally, intercepted by a boundary fence, they would pile up against the barrier and die by the scores.
"But the Herefords acted differently. Cattle of this breed would instinctively head into the windward end of the range. There they would stand shoulder-to-shoulder facing the storm's blast, heads down against its onslaught.
" 'You always found the Herefords alive and well,' said the cowboy. 'I guess it's the greatest lesson I ever learned on the prairies—just face life's storms' " (Adversity [1987], 133–34).
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Finished Craft Night Pumpkins
I know everyone has been waiting to see the final product from our craft night. Here it is!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
To My Sisters
There was a party at my house yesterday. It started with Jennifer and Moira coming at 9:15, and ended with Richard mowing my lawn at 6:00. Sandwiched in those nearly 9 hours were amazing sisters, a plumber, and a plumber's helper. A shining and classy dream house now stands where my common one used to be. May I also thank Peggy, Pam, Janice, Annette, Cathy, Cathy, Margaret, Lea, Paige, Teresa, Judith, Helene, Jane, Billye, Ginger, Aundrea, Arline, Chuck, Sean, and Eldon (if I forgot you it's just brain damage!). I'm especially glad that Pam and Janice alerted me to the river of water flowing from the toilet. This church not only allows, but expects us to love each other and serve in times of need. But how incredible that you not only came, but you happily worked very hard to lend a hand. May God bless you in special ways for treating me so dearly. Much love and a few tears, Marilee
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Does it matter?
As we rush from one thing to another, transferring kids, busy jobs, house stuff and families we often ask, 'Does it matter?'.
It seems like there is always someone needing help. It is sometimes just a meal or maybe it will take a major time commitment. We are already overbooked and when we hear about the need we wonder if we will be missed if we skip this time.
I just had a phone call from a sister from another state. Today is her moving day. She has small children. The ward was going to help her move. Unfortunately the sister that was going to watch her kids had to cancel. No problem, she will work around them. Surely it won't take too long, she has been working for weeks to get everything organized. She waits for the ward to show up to help. It gets there - well, her home teacher gets there. He is in his 70's. No one else comes. She calls me crying, asking, "What is wrong with me?"
Nothing. It is just a ward that doesn't get it. I think back to the day one of our sisters moved. We had three moves that day. Every one was helped. The priesthood brothers even took time to help her neighbor unload his car. What makes the difference? I think we grow in our ability to love and follow the Savior through our service to others. It is inevitable that the more we serve, the more we love, and the more we love the more we want to serve. It is this pattern that makes the difference between a good ward and a great ward. I am reminded of the Emily Dickinson Poem,
They might not need me; but they might.
I'll let my head be just in sight;
A smile as small as mine might be
Precisely their necessity.
It seems like there is always someone needing help. It is sometimes just a meal or maybe it will take a major time commitment. We are already overbooked and when we hear about the need we wonder if we will be missed if we skip this time.
I just had a phone call from a sister from another state. Today is her moving day. She has small children. The ward was going to help her move. Unfortunately the sister that was going to watch her kids had to cancel. No problem, she will work around them. Surely it won't take too long, she has been working for weeks to get everything organized. She waits for the ward to show up to help. It gets there - well, her home teacher gets there. He is in his 70's. No one else comes. She calls me crying, asking, "What is wrong with me?"
Nothing. It is just a ward that doesn't get it. I think back to the day one of our sisters moved. We had three moves that day. Every one was helped. The priesthood brothers even took time to help her neighbor unload his car. What makes the difference? I think we grow in our ability to love and follow the Savior through our service to others. It is inevitable that the more we serve, the more we love, and the more we love the more we want to serve. It is this pattern that makes the difference between a good ward and a great ward. I am reminded of the Emily Dickinson Poem,
They might not need me; but they might.
I'll let my head be just in sight;
A smile as small as mine might be
Precisely their necessity.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Craft Night
We had a fun craft night thanks to the enrichment committee. The night was spent making outdoor pumpkins
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008
General Conference Schedule
The 178th Semiannual General Conference of the Church will be held on Saturday and Sunday, October 4-5, 2008. Speakers will include the First Presidency and other General Authorities and general officers of the Church.General Conference may be viewed in three ways. At the chapel; At home if you get the BYU channel; On the internet. The times are all the same
Chapel: Saturday and Sunday: 9-11:00am 1st session
1-3:00pm 2nd session
Priesthood is Saturday only 5-7:00pm at the chapel.
BYU Channel 435 Same time as above. No Priesthood
www.lds.org. Same time as above.
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