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!

Do Not Fear, Shine!

Concerning fear,

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” --Marianne Williamson from A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles

Here are some more inspirational, and timely quotes;

Pres. Hinckley:
"In all of living have much fun and laughter. Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured."

Pres. Monson:
"Vision without work is daydreaming. Work without vision is drudgery. Vision coupled with work will ensure your success."

Earl Graves:
"We live in a society that demands and has grown accustomed to instant gratification. Most people today lack the patience necessary to achieve their goals. Unfortunately, there are no fast-food outlets serving up our dreams. Achieving your dream takes time. Every moment you are working, you can take comfort in realizing your are moving closer and closer to your dream. That work, the journey itself, is the adventure and half of the reward. Don't shortchange it. 'Don't let me ever hear you use the word 'impossible'. If I've learned anything over the course of my career, there's no such thing as impossible. Overnight, the impossible may not be possible. But over time, the impossible becomes possible."

In a talk Joseph B. Wirthlin gave he said something to the effect that if others are obnoxious, rude, or rebellious, be kind to them and love them. Not exact words, but that was the gist of it, and it so impressed me.

Someone said recently in a talk, "when faith surpasses our fear, we open our mouths" . I'm sure it was speaking of missionary work.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Canning, Flour, Beans and Storage by the Gallon

Sister Shauna Davis' brother-in-law is doing an order this month for Kerr Canning Jars. A 6.1% sales tax will be charged, but no shipping costs. There is no limit on order amounts. The following prices are for cases of 12 jars each.
.
Reg quart $8.60
Reg pint $7.25
Reg 1/2 pint $6.60
Wide mouth quart $9.75
Wide mouth pint $8.15
Wide mouth 1/2 pint $7.55

All orders and money need to be turned in by Saturday, March 14th to Shauna and the jars will arrive the following Thursday or Friday. Contact Shauna if your are interested.

. . .

Sister Kristi Russell's mother, Sister Kathy Rogers, has received another order of the good flour from Colorado. It is $18 for 50 pounds. She also has pinto beans, $28 for 50 pounds. She started selling these items from her home yesterday (Monday, March 2). If you have any questions call Kristi.

. . .

Sister Debbie Willis can order 250 gallon water (or wheat) storage tanks for you. These square tanks are made of steel banded plastic and are food safe because they originally held corn syrup. Call her for details if you are interested.

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Scripture Study Assist and Health

Sister Sandee McKinlay discovered an excellent website, http://www.readthescriptures.com/. She says, "You can set up a reading schedule and it will email you your assignment for the day or you can log in and read and mark scriptures and make notes. There is a journal feature along with other features. There is an audio feature you can use for your daily assignment. I have just signed up so don't have a lot of input. In the agreement it implies charges may be applied, but the following link states there will be no charges, but you can make a donation. You can also sign up to receive a newsletter. http://www.readthescriptures.com/newsletter/09_2008.htm Thought this would be great to look into for those of us who are on or work on the computer a lot!" It might be something to check out!

On a gardening and health note...
Shawna Jackson notified us that Larry and Kathy Beidermann are throwing away a dumpster of horse manure every week, so they said it is up for grabs if anyone wants it for their gardens, etc. Contact them if you are interested.

Also, Norm Jackson did some research into fulvic acid for gardens, animals, and human consumption. There are tremendous benefits, so he ordered a case because it was cheaper that way. He has three extra gallons for sale. Each is $65. That was what it cost him. You can dilute it one to ten for your gardens, and he has the info for the human consumption. Contact Shawna and Norm Jackson if you are interested.

Our first recipe!

Here is an excellent recipe provided by Sister Joan Hawkins.

Low-Fat Cashew Chicken (Oriental Dish)

Easy and fabulous! Taken out of a Cooking Lite Magazine.
20 min 20 min prep

SERVES 4

1 lb boneless chicken breast, cubed (or cut into strips)
2 teaspoons fresh minced ginger (or 1/2 tsp. ground, but fresh tastes better in this recipe)
1 tablespoon peanut oil
1 medium red pepper, cut into thin strips
1/3 cup teriyaki sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/3 cup roasted cashews (or other nuts, if preferred)
Toss chicken and ginger together in a med. bowl.
Heat wok or large skillet over med-high heat. Add oil and heat until oil is hot. Add chicken and stir-fry 2 minutes. Add red pepper and continue to cook and stir 4 more minutes. Whisk cornstarch into teriyaki sauce. Add to meat mixture, and cook and stir until thick and bubbly. Stir in cashews and cook just to heat through.
Serve with white rice.