Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Ward Web Site

You can access our ward website through lds.org. Just click on the "Stake and Ward Website" link, go to our stake and then our ward. Using your baptism date and ward membership number you can create a login and password.

The Beauty of Flaws

Sisters, here is an excellent story we wanted to share with you.

The Cracked Pot

A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master’s house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water in his master’s house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.

After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. “I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you.” “Why?” asked the bearer. “What are you ashamed of?” “I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master’s house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don’t get full value from your efforts, “the pot said.” The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion he said, “As we return to the master’s house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path.”

Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again it apologized to the bearer for its failure.

The bearer said to the pot. “Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of the path, but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I have always known about your flaws, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you’ve watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master’s table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house.”

Each of us has our own unique flaws. We are all cracked pots. But if we will allow it, we can use our flaws to grace this world. Don’t be afraid of your flaws. Acknowledge them, take advantage of them, and you too, can be the cause of beauty.

Business and Service

Sisters,
We are going to be utilizing our blog to help members of our ward announce services they can provide to others in the ward. This can include daycare businesses, piano, violin, guitar and any other type of lessons, tutoring, babysitting, computer repairs, home repairs, yard cleaning, catering, clothing altering and construction, housecleaning etc. The list is endless. In this way, perhaps we can help each other during these more difficult times. The major thing to remember is that this is NOT for pyramid schemes and that this is for members of our ward only. Send your information to ourreliefsociety@gmail.com and include your name, services rendered, what you charge, and contact information. Let's utilize our resources!

Babysitting and Music Classes

Shalay Jackson loves to babysit. You may contact her at 536-7905.

Also, Angie Allen does beginning music classes for children ages 4 to 10. Call her at 536-6756.

Daycare

Tiana Hunt is starting to do daycare in her home. The pricing depends upon the age of your child. You can call and discuss it with her at 928-587-3290.

Hints From Hannah

July Hints from Hannah

Just the other day I was listening to some sisters discussing their gardens…..seems like most of us are beginners and have lots of questions and not many answers like: 1) how do you keep the rabbits from enjoying the garden before you do? 2) what can you do to get rid of pesky bugs? 3) Help!
Well, I don’t have much experience in that line, but I do know that you need to check that garden daily and squash any bugs you find ( be sure to wear gloves when you do it). Also, if you mix dish soap and water in a spray bottle and spray your plants with it that seems to discourage the stubborn little critters also! There is a saying among farmers that goes like this…. “The best fertilizer is a farmer’s shadow”, so I guess that means you need to show up and so some work everyday to watch over that garden (or business). “One thing you can always grow in your garden is tired!” But remember…. “ if you always do your best, the good Lord will do the rest.” I hope that applies to gardens also.

I found another good way to use baking soda. Did you know that you can deodorize work clothes that you can’t wash right away by sprinkling baking soda liberally into the pile of clothes. When they are ready to be washed, toss them in the machine as is. Sure do like the things I am finding out about soda. Good item to keep lots of in your storage.

Just for fun…(some of you may have already seen this recipe)
Elephant Stew
1 elephant (medium size)
2 rabbits (optional)
Brown gravy (lots of it)
salt & pepper (to taste)
50 lbs of tenderizer
Cut elephant into bit size pieces and sprinkle with tenderizer (this will take about 2 months). Add enough brown gravy to cover. Cook over kerosene fire for about 4 weeks at 465 degrees. This will serve 1, 972 people. If more are expected, the 2 rabbits may be added, but do so only if necessary, as most people do not like to find hare in their stew.

Good bye for now. Hope all of you enjoyed something at the Pioneer Day Celebration.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Hints From Hannah: Pastes to Live By

Here are some awesomely useful "Hints From Hannah" to simply solve everyday problems.

"You know this old world is becoming a tricky place in which to operate. I was just thinking that perhaps some of the younger folks would like to read about how us older folks used to have to make do and survive when things were tough many years ago…….

"Now days you buy a spray to take smells out of fabric…did you know that you can make a paste out of baking soda and water, rub it into the offensive smelly spot, wash it and the smell is gone? Lots cheaper than that expensive spray!

"A paste made of olive oil and salt will remove marks on a wood table caused by hot plates and dishes.

"A substitute for toothpaste? A few drops of lemon juice in plain water is an excellent tooth wash. It not only removes the tarter, but sweetens the breath. Then there is also the old standby of 1 part salt to 5 parts baking soda. This little hint works well for international travel….it is not a liquid.

"All traces of mud may be removed from clothing by rubbing the spots with a piece of raw potato…Wonder if this works on Snowflake red mud?

"Lemon peel (and also orange) should all be saved and dried. It is capital substitute for kindling wood. A handful will revive a dying fire and will also delicately refresh a room."

We hope you find these tips helpful!