"Many of you participated in the dedication of the Nauvoo temple last June (June 2002). It was a great and marvelous occasion, one to be long remembered. We not only dedicated a magnificent building, a house of the Lord, but we also dedicated a beautiful memorial to the Prophet Joseph Smith.
In 1841, two years after he came to Nauvoo, he broke ground for a house of the Lord that should stand as a crowning jewel to the work of God.
It is difficult to believe that in those conditions and under those circumstances a structure of such magnificence was designed to stand on what was then the frontier of America.
I doubt, I seriously doubt, that there was another structure of such design and magnificence in all the state of Illinois.
It was to be dedicated to the work of the Almighty, to accomplish His eternal purposes.
No effort was spared. No sacrifice was too great. Through the next five years men chiseled stone and laid footings and foundation, walls and ornamentation. Hundreds went to the north, there to live for a time to cut lumber, vast quantities of it, and then bind it together to form rafts which were floated down the river to Nauvoo. Beautiful moldings were cut from that lumber. Pennies were gathered to buy nails. Unimaginable sacrifice was made to procure glass. They were building a temple to God, and it had to be the very best of which they were capable."
President Gordon B. Hinckley ~ Ensign November 2002
Monday, June 28, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Scout Camp Week
Our Scouts are at camp this week (yes, in this HORRIBLE heat....).
In the October 1993 general conference, President Gordon B. Hinckley called Scouting
"a program which the Church has sponsored for eighty years, to the blessing of hundreds of thousands of boys and young men."
President Monson:
Twenty-five years ago my wife Frances and I were on an assignment in London,
England. One afternoon we walked from the sunbathed street into the semidarkness of
Westminster Abbey.
A reverence filled this world-famous edifice where kings are crowned, royalty wedded,
and rulers whose mission of mortality has ended are honored, then buried. We walked
along the aisleways, thoughtfully reading the inscriptions which marked the tombs of the famous. We remembered their achievements, recalled their deeds of valor, and marked their well-earned places in the world's history.
Eventually we walked toward the doorway. The immortal words of Rudyard Kipling
coursed through my mind and spoke to my soul:
The tumult and the shouting dies,
The captains and the kings depart;
Still stands thine ancient sacrifice,
An humble and a contrite heart;
Lord God of hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget, lest we forget.
One final marker to see, one more inscription to read. As a Scouter, I wanted to view the plaque of honor dedicated to the memory of Scouting's founder, Lord Baden-Powell. We stood before the magnificent marble memorial and noted the words:
Robert Baden-Powell, 1857–1941
Founder of the Boy Scouts
Friend of all the World
I pondered the thought, "How many boys have had their lives blessed---even saved---by
the Scout movement begun by Baden-Powell?" Unlike others memorialized within the
walls of Westminster Abbey, Baden-Powell had neither sailed the stormy seas of glory
nor founded empires of worldly wealth. Rather, he was a builder of boys---one who
taught them well how to run and win the race of life.
The boys of today will become the men of tomorrow.
Nobody knows what a boy is worth;
We'll have to wait and see.
But every man in a noble place
A boy once used to be.
In the October 1993 general conference, President Gordon B. Hinckley called Scouting
"a program which the Church has sponsored for eighty years, to the blessing of hundreds of thousands of boys and young men."
President Monson:
Twenty-five years ago my wife Frances and I were on an assignment in London,
England. One afternoon we walked from the sunbathed street into the semidarkness of
Westminster Abbey.
A reverence filled this world-famous edifice where kings are crowned, royalty wedded,
and rulers whose mission of mortality has ended are honored, then buried. We walked
along the aisleways, thoughtfully reading the inscriptions which marked the tombs of the famous. We remembered their achievements, recalled their deeds of valor, and marked their well-earned places in the world's history.
Eventually we walked toward the doorway. The immortal words of Rudyard Kipling
coursed through my mind and spoke to my soul:
The tumult and the shouting dies,
The captains and the kings depart;
Still stands thine ancient sacrifice,
An humble and a contrite heart;
Lord God of hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget, lest we forget.
One final marker to see, one more inscription to read. As a Scouter, I wanted to view the plaque of honor dedicated to the memory of Scouting's founder, Lord Baden-Powell. We stood before the magnificent marble memorial and noted the words:
Robert Baden-Powell, 1857–1941
Founder of the Boy Scouts
Friend of all the World
I pondered the thought, "How many boys have had their lives blessed---even saved---by
the Scout movement begun by Baden-Powell?" Unlike others memorialized within the
walls of Westminster Abbey, Baden-Powell had neither sailed the stormy seas of glory
nor founded empires of worldly wealth. Rather, he was a builder of boys---one who
taught them well how to run and win the race of life.
The boys of today will become the men of tomorrow.
Nobody knows what a boy is worth;
We'll have to wait and see.
But every man in a noble place
A boy once used to be.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Zucchini Salsa
Ingredients
10 cups zucchini, peeled & shredded
4 onions, chopped
2 green peppers, chopped
2 red peppers, chopped
1/4 cup pickling salt
1 tablespoon pickling salt
2 tablespoons dry mustard
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon cumin
2 cups white vinegar
1 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon pepper
5 cups chopped ripe tomatoes
2 tablespoons cornstarch
12 ounces tomato paste
Directions
Day one: In a large bowl combine; Zucchini, onions, green pepper, red pepper and the salt Mix together cover and let stand over night.
Next day rinse, drain well and put into a large pot then add mustard, garlic, cumin, vinegar, brown sugar, pepper flakes, salt,cornstarch, nutmeg, pepper, tomatoes and tomato paste. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Pour into sterilized jars and seal. Water bath jars for 15 minutes.
10 cups zucchini, peeled & shredded
4 onions, chopped
2 green peppers, chopped
2 red peppers, chopped
1/4 cup pickling salt
1 tablespoon pickling salt
2 tablespoons dry mustard
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon cumin
2 cups white vinegar
1 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon pepper
5 cups chopped ripe tomatoes
2 tablespoons cornstarch
12 ounces tomato paste
Directions
Day one: In a large bowl combine; Zucchini, onions, green pepper, red pepper and the salt Mix together cover and let stand over night.
Next day rinse, drain well and put into a large pot then add mustard, garlic, cumin, vinegar, brown sugar, pepper flakes, salt,cornstarch, nutmeg, pepper, tomatoes and tomato paste. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Pour into sterilized jars and seal. Water bath jars for 15 minutes.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man—
Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving.
Basil is an easy herb to grow and is perfect for a flower pot or container. Basil can be used in sauces, vegetables, salads, meat, seafood, egg dishes.
Basil is wonderful on cooked pasta with some olive oil, garlic and chopped fresh tomatoes!
Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving.
Basil is an easy herb to grow and is perfect for a flower pot or container. Basil can be used in sauces, vegetables, salads, meat, seafood, egg dishes.
Basil is wonderful on cooked pasta with some olive oil, garlic and chopped fresh tomatoes!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Don't Forget!
This coming Saturday - the 19th - is the RS Spa Day at Sister Barzee's home. If you didn't see the sign up sheets in the foyer at church today, please contact a member of the RS presidency to make sure you are counted in!
Hope to see you there!
Hope to see you there!
Friday, June 11, 2010
Congratulations
Congratulations to all of our 2010 graduates!
.......if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come. Doctrine and Covenants 130:19
(and please don't forget to help Sister Jenny Rash's school - see blog post for Sunday June 6th)
.......if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come. Doctrine and Covenants 130:19
(and please don't forget to help Sister Jenny Rash's school - see blog post for Sunday June 6th)
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Self-Reliance
"We become self-reliant," explains Julie Beck, president of the Church's organization for women, "through obtaining sufficient knowledge, education, and literacy; by managing money and resources wisely, being spiritually strong, preparing for emergencies and eventualities; and by having physical health and social and emotional well-being."
The responsibility for our social, emotional, spiritual, physical, and economic well-being rests first on ourselves, second on our family, and third on the Church. Under the inspiration of the Lord and through our own labors, we should supply ourselves and our family with the spiritual and temporal necessities of life.
We are better able to take care of ourselves and our family when we are self-reliant. We are prepared to endure times of adversity without becoming dependent on others.
We can become self-reliant by (1) taking advantage of educational opportunities; (2) practicing sound principles of nutrition and hygiene; (3) preparing for and obtaining suitable employment; (4) storing a supply of food and clothing to the extent the law allows; (5) managing our resources wisely, including paying tithes and offerings and avoiding debt; and (6) developing spiritual, emotional, and social strength.
In order to become self-reliant, we must be willing to work. The Lord has commanded us to work (see Genesis 3:19;D&C 42:42). Honorable work is a basic source of happiness, self-worth, and prosperity.
Please don't forget to read the post for Sunday, June 6th and go and vote to help Sister Jenny Rash's school!
The responsibility for our social, emotional, spiritual, physical, and economic well-being rests first on ourselves, second on our family, and third on the Church. Under the inspiration of the Lord and through our own labors, we should supply ourselves and our family with the spiritual and temporal necessities of life.
We are better able to take care of ourselves and our family when we are self-reliant. We are prepared to endure times of adversity without becoming dependent on others.
We can become self-reliant by (1) taking advantage of educational opportunities; (2) practicing sound principles of nutrition and hygiene; (3) preparing for and obtaining suitable employment; (4) storing a supply of food and clothing to the extent the law allows; (5) managing our resources wisely, including paying tithes and offerings and avoiding debt; and (6) developing spiritual, emotional, and social strength.
In order to become self-reliant, we must be willing to work. The Lord has commanded us to work (see Genesis 3:19;D&C 42:42). Honorable work is a basic source of happiness, self-worth, and prosperity.
Please don't forget to read the post for Sunday, June 6th and go and vote to help Sister Jenny Rash's school!
Monday, June 7, 2010
Be A Missionary!
President Ezra Taft Benson taught: “We are commanded by God to take this gospel to all the world. That is the cause that must unite us today. Only the gospel will save the world from the calamity of its own self-destruction. Only the gospel will unite men of all races and nationalities in peace. Only the gospel will bring joy, happiness, and salvation to the human family” (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson)
Please don't forget to read the post for Sunday, June 6th and go and vote to help Sister Jenny Rash's school!
Please don't forget to read the post for Sunday, June 6th and go and vote to help Sister Jenny Rash's school!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has chosen Shepherd Elementary (where Sister Jenny Rash teaches), as his Pepsi Refresh Challenge Project. If they receive enough votes on the web site the school will be awarded $100,000 to use toward new computers, a technology lab and other equipment.
Go to www.nascar.com/pepsirefresh and click on the circle below his name. You can also click on his picture to see his video with the school.
Under his picture type in the scrambled words and click enter to vote. You may vote as many times as you wish.
So any time you sign on to check your e-mail or search the web, remember us and the school and take a second to vote.
Go to www.nascar.com/pepsirefresh and click on the circle below his name. You can also click on his picture to see his video with the school.
Under his picture type in the scrambled words and click enter to vote. You may vote as many times as you wish.
So any time you sign on to check your e-mail or search the web, remember us and the school and take a second to vote.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Don’t Be in a Hurry to Fill Your Days with “Busyness”
A national journalist shared the following blunt assessment: “A good Mormon is a busy Mormon.” A historian has also observed that “in Mormon culture … action is esteemed over contemplation.” Noting the Church’s mandate to prepare the world for the Millennium, the author wondered if our sense of “urgency, [initially] fed by noble purposefulness, [might] morph into busyness.”
It is true that we have work enough to do, but when it comes to busyness, we may be taking our cues from the world rather than the Lord and His servants. Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926–2004) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles cautioned us against a “frantic, heedless busyness … [that often] crowds out contemplation and … leaves no room for renewal.” He likened thoughtful “intervals between [our] tasks” to “the green belts of grass, trees, and water that … interrupt the asphalt,” and he said that when we “plan some time for contemplation and renewal,” we will feel drawn to our work instead of driven to it.
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1917–2008) of the Quorum of the Twelve observed how easily we fill our lives with “appointments, meetings, and tasks” and then act frightened at the prospect of some quiet time. Why would that be? He feared that we might “feel that the busier we are, the more important we are—as though our busyness defines our worth.” On another occasion, he reminded us that “being busy is not necessarily being spiritual”—for in fact, noise and busyness can actually crowd out the still, small voice of the Spirit.
President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) prescribed a remedy for this fever of busyness: meditation, or pondering, or introspection. President Hinckley recalled that his father “never ceased growing” because he made time for “thinking, meditating, [and] pondering.” You may have to turn off your TV, computer, cell phone, or MP3 player, but it’s worth it. As Sister Bonnie D. Parkin, former Relief Society general president, put it: “Take time to slow down and ponder so that you can feel the Lord’s love for you.”
John C. Thomas, “Don’t Be in a Hurry,” Ensign, Jun 2010, 29–33
It is true that we have work enough to do, but when it comes to busyness, we may be taking our cues from the world rather than the Lord and His servants. Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926–2004) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles cautioned us against a “frantic, heedless busyness … [that often] crowds out contemplation and … leaves no room for renewal.” He likened thoughtful “intervals between [our] tasks” to “the green belts of grass, trees, and water that … interrupt the asphalt,” and he said that when we “plan some time for contemplation and renewal,” we will feel drawn to our work instead of driven to it.
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1917–2008) of the Quorum of the Twelve observed how easily we fill our lives with “appointments, meetings, and tasks” and then act frightened at the prospect of some quiet time. Why would that be? He feared that we might “feel that the busier we are, the more important we are—as though our busyness defines our worth.” On another occasion, he reminded us that “being busy is not necessarily being spiritual”—for in fact, noise and busyness can actually crowd out the still, small voice of the Spirit.
President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) prescribed a remedy for this fever of busyness: meditation, or pondering, or introspection. President Hinckley recalled that his father “never ceased growing” because he made time for “thinking, meditating, [and] pondering.” You may have to turn off your TV, computer, cell phone, or MP3 player, but it’s worth it. As Sister Bonnie D. Parkin, former Relief Society general president, put it: “Take time to slow down and ponder so that you can feel the Lord’s love for you.”
John C. Thomas, “Don’t Be in a Hurry,” Ensign, Jun 2010, 29–33
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Create A Profile at the New Mormon.Org Site!
cut and paste this link - http://www.mormon.org/mormonorg/eng/new-mormon-org
Mormons come from diverse backgrounds and experiences who all share a deep commitment to Jesus Christ and to each other. The new Mormon.org is designed for visitors to learn more about members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Each profile is a collection of stories and testimonies from Mormons. Participation is optional, but you must be a member of the Church to create a profile. The profiles will be made public this summer when the new site will launch. English-only profiles will be available this year; other languages will follow after.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Sacrament (June visiting teaching message)
Part 2 -
We Renew Our Baptismal Covenants through the Sacrament
“When we are baptized, we take upon ourselves the sacred name of Jesus Christ. Taking upon us His name is one of the most significant experiences we have in life …
“Each week in sacrament meeting we promise to remember the atoning sacrifice of our Savior as we renew our baptismal covenant. We promise to do as the Savior did—to be obedient to the Father and always keep His commandments. The blessing we receive in return is to always have His Spirit to be with us.”
Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
“I was with an eight-year-old girl on the day of her baptism. At the end of the day she said with all confidence, ‘I have been baptized for a whole day, and I haven’t sinned once!’ But her perfect day did not last forever, and I am sure she is learning by now, like we all learn, that as hard as we try, we do not always avoid every bad situation, every wrong choice …
“… It is not possible to make real change all by ourselves. Our own willpower and our own good intentions are not enough. When we make mistakes or choose poorly, we must have the help of our Savior to get back on track. We partake of the sacrament week after week to show our faith in His power to change us. We confess our sins and promise to forsake them.”
Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president
We Renew Our Baptismal Covenants through the Sacrament
“When we are baptized, we take upon ourselves the sacred name of Jesus Christ. Taking upon us His name is one of the most significant experiences we have in life …
“Each week in sacrament meeting we promise to remember the atoning sacrifice of our Savior as we renew our baptismal covenant. We promise to do as the Savior did—to be obedient to the Father and always keep His commandments. The blessing we receive in return is to always have His Spirit to be with us.”
Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
“I was with an eight-year-old girl on the day of her baptism. At the end of the day she said with all confidence, ‘I have been baptized for a whole day, and I haven’t sinned once!’ But her perfect day did not last forever, and I am sure she is learning by now, like we all learn, that as hard as we try, we do not always avoid every bad situation, every wrong choice …
“… It is not possible to make real change all by ourselves. Our own willpower and our own good intentions are not enough. When we make mistakes or choose poorly, we must have the help of our Savior to get back on track. We partake of the sacrament week after week to show our faith in His power to change us. We confess our sins and promise to forsake them.”
Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Sacrament (June visiting teaching message)
Part 1 -
Jesus Christ Instituted the Sacrament
“Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to his Apostles, saying, ‘Take, eat’ (Matt. 26:26). ‘This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me’ (Luke 22:19). In a similar manner he took the cup of wine, traditionally diluted with water, said a blessing of thanks for it, and passed it to those gathered about him, saying: ‘This cup is the new testament in my blood,’ ‘which is shed … for the remission of sins.’ ‘This do in remembrance of me.’ …
“Since that upper room experience on the eve of Gethsemane and Golgotha, children of the promise have been under covenant to remember Christ’s sacrifice in this newer, higher, more holy and personal way.”
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Jesus Christ Instituted the Sacrament
“Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to his Apostles, saying, ‘Take, eat’ (Matt. 26:26). ‘This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me’ (Luke 22:19). In a similar manner he took the cup of wine, traditionally diluted with water, said a blessing of thanks for it, and passed it to those gathered about him, saying: ‘This cup is the new testament in my blood,’ ‘which is shed … for the remission of sins.’ ‘This do in remembrance of me.’ …
“Since that upper room experience on the eve of Gethsemane and Golgotha, children of the promise have been under covenant to remember Christ’s sacrifice in this newer, higher, more holy and personal way.”
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
