sm rs

2012-01-31T21:00:00.002-07:00

2012-01-31T20:59:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our new

secretary

Monica Munson!

2012-01-31T20:58:00.003-07:00

Come Enjoy the

Sweetness of Sisterhood

Thursday February 9th

7pm @ the church

Bring your favorite

Chocolate Treat

to Share!

Come with Friends

Prize given to the largest carpool!

2012-01-31T20:58:00.000-07:00

Congrats to the

Pear family

on their new baby girl,

Maddison

born on January 17th!

2012-01-31T20:27:00.002-07:00

Welcome the new

Relief Society Committee:

Krista

Michelle

Britania

Ariana

Elizabeth

Chelsea

2012-01-31T20:25:00.002-07:00

Stake Humanitarian Assignment :

February is our month to help at the

Stake Humanitarian Day.

Every Thursday in February we need sisters to help set up and take down.

From 9:30 am - noon.

Please sign the clipboards being passed around in RS!

2012-01-31T11:42:00.000-07:00

Scouting for Food

Collection of food donations will be on

Saturday, Feb. 4th.

Please put your donation out by 7 am. Place items in plastic or paper grocery bags.

Most needed items:

granola bars

nutrition bars

juice boxes

bottled water

oatmeal

cereal - whole grain (low sugar)

enriched pasta and rice

canned chicken

canned tuna

canned or boxed soups

canned stews and chili

canned fruit and vegetables

kidney beans

pinto beans

refried beans

peanut butter

prunes

nuts

canned or dried milk

2011-12-31T16:24:00.000-07:00

2011-12-28T16:12:00.001-07:00

We offer our condolences to the family of one of our former ward members,

Jackie Montierth

at this time of her passing.

Her funeral services will be held December 30th at 10am.

Christmas Spirit

2011-12-01T23:31:00.000-07:00

It's a Gift to be Simple

2011-12-01T23:30:00.001-07:00

'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free,

'Tis the gift to come down where you ought to be,

And when we find ourselves in the place just right,

It will be in the valley of love and delight.

When true simplicity is gained,

To bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed.

To turn, turn will be our delight,

'Til by turning, turning we come round right.

'Tis the gift to be loved and that love to return,

'Tis the gift to be taught and a richer gift to learn,

And when we expect of others what we try to live each day,

Then we'll all live together and we'll all learn to say,

When true simplicity is gained,

To bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed.

To turn, turn will be our delight,

'Til by turning, turning we come round right.

'Tis the gift to have friends and a true friend to be,

'Tis the gift to think of others not to only think of "me",

And when we hear what others really think and really feel,

Then we'll all live together with a love that is real.

Thank you to all the sisters who helped with our lovely Christmas dinner. The food was delicious, the decorations were beautiful and the music and messages were perfect!

Thanks again to Jan Hopkins, Sally Tackett, Carrie Badger & Rhiannon Saxey who ran the show in the kitchen; Jana Westergard who put the whole night together; and Sandra Stapley who was involved every step of the way. Plus, we had quite a clean-up crew! Thank you to everybody who helped in any way - it was a wonderful night.

Daughters In My Kingdom

2011-12-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

If you did not receive your "Daughters In My Kingdom" book at the Relief Society Christmas Dinner, please get in touch with a member of the Relief Society Presidency. Thanks!

Helen's Hope Chest

2011-11-30T21:37:00.002-07:00

Can you believe all that was done for Helen's Hope Chest this year?

To begin with - we did 31 quilts in 4 hours at our RS Service activity. In total we donated 73 quilts - not to mention the donations for fabric, batting, yarn, etc.

Clothing donations - 52 shirts, 20 pants, skads of socks and underwear and much more!

60 bottles of shampoo, 14 deodorants, 14 toothpastes, 53 toothbrushes, 17 body washes, 15 lotions, 140+ hair clips, plus that feminine hygiene stuff!!

Thank you for helping with back to school items - 75 boxes of crayons, 8 packages of markers, 543 pencils, 167 pens, 14 scissors, 36 folders, 64 bottles of glue, 235 erasers, 8 rulers, 15 pencil sharpeners plus lots of odds and ends

Babies weren't forgotten - 6 pkgs of diapers, 245 knitted hats, 10 outfits, 54 booties, plus formula, bottles, lotion, onesies, and sleepwear

And then there is that MISC category - 33 toys, 119 books, 10 stuffed animals, 18 games/puzzles, 6 purses/wallets, 7 journals, plus sports equipment, jewelry, DVDs and more!

Thanks to each and everyone for helping make the difference in a child's life - even with the necessities! Helen's Hope Chest has become a familiar place in all of our hearts. Even though we will be moving on to different Humanitarian needs next year, please don't forget Helen's Hope Chest!

Razzleberry Pie

2011-11-06T08:48:00.003-07:00

Yummy! Weren't those little mini-pies to die for? Well, if you are feeling brave, here is the recipe. Give it a try. And if you have any questions, Jana Westergard is happy to help!

Dough:

6 cups flour (unbleached)
3 cups butter flavored Crisco
3 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 cups water

Mix flour, shortening and salt with fingers (I use my food processor) until It resembles a crumb mixture. Add water.

This makes 5 two crust pies and a couple of shells.

Bake pies on the lowest rack of the oven

Bake pies on 375 degrees for 1 hour or until pie shakes loose.

Bake shells at 375 degrees for 8 - 10 minutes.

Razzleberry Filling:

Bring 4 3/4 cups water and 3 1/3 cups sugar to a boil. Add one (1 - lb) package of frozen Blackberries to the syrup. Bring to a boil again.

Thicken with three rounding 1/3 cups of Red Berry Pie Tone diluted with 1 cup of water - or - three rounding 1/3 cups corn starch. This mixture will be quite thick.

Remove from the stove. Put in one (l-lb) package boysenberries (these are hard to find so I just use raspberries) and one (12-oz) package frozen red raspberries. So if you cant find boysenberries just use two pkgs raspberries. Fold berries in gently and let cool. Makes five 9 - inch pies.

Serve!

2011-10-31T20:00:00.000-07:00

"It is time to get out of the entertainment business

and into the business of salvation."

(Sister Julie B. Beck)

QUILT FEST & FEAST

2011-10-31T19:00:00.009-07:00

Relief Society

DAY OF SERVICE

30 quilts for Helen's Hope Chest

Thursday, November 17th

4-8 pm @ the church

"To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Church welfare program, members worldwide will be invited to participate in a day of service."

(President Henry B. Eyring)

Opportunities to Do Good

2011-10-31T18:00:00.000-07:00

Relief Society History

2011-10-31T17:00:00.000-07:00

...be patient...

...yours is coming...

Every Sister Visited!

2011-10-01T22:00:00.003-07:00

Each month, but this month especially, we are hoping that every sister in our Relief Society receives a visit from her Visiting Teachers. Please be sure to make Visiting Teaching a priority this month!

Several sisters in the ward were polled on various questions related to Visiting Teaching. Lets see what they have to say!

I love my visiting teacher because...

...she is my special angel that lives right down the street. Who can you call at 5 AM to go to the ER with you? The whole week that I was ill, she called every day. She is a very caring Sister! (Lesley Dowell)

...because they go to a lot of trouble to come to see me sometimes, and they do it cheerfully, and their spirits are great! One of them plays a mean game of chinese checkers too!! (Linda Anderson)

The top 3 reasons why I struggle with getting my visiting teaching completed each month are...

...1. Timing; 2. Scheduling; 3. Time. (Melissa Biehl)

...time, time, and time. However, I feel VTing is a calling from Heavenly Father so I try to figure out how to find the time! :) (Janice Luke)

The best advice my visiting teacher ever gave me was...

...whenever you’re feeling down or distracted from what’s important in your life, to know that we’re not alone. That Heavenly Father knows this & will not give us more than we can’t handle. To pray often & turn to the scriptures for help. But to always take time to smell the roses along the way. (Julie Stapley)

My idea of a great visiting teacher...

...is one that is a true friend. (Rhiannon Saxey)

...is one who honors the calling. (Janice Luke)

...is one who is a true and sincere friend. They contact me each month but also follow up with things we have talked about during the visit. It is so appreciated when I get an "extra" phone call, e-mail or visit just to see how things are going. (Renee Tryon)

...is someone I know I can call if I need anything, someone I enjoy visiting with. In essence, a great friend. (Julie Seavey)

...called and made appointment well in advance; came prepared--lessons had spiritual content, but not overdone; didn't stay too long; always left something for me to think about--a little reminder scripture to put on my fridge, etc.; consistent; positive and cheerful. (Judy Hamilton)

What is Visiting Teaching?

2011-10-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

This is Visiting Teaching...

"'The teacher's duty is to watch over the church always, and be with and strengthen them' (D&C 20:53). This is the mandate of the Lord. I hope that home teachers and visiting teachers will experience two things: first, the challenge of the responsibility that is in their great calling, and second, the sweetness of results from their work, particularly with those among us who are less active. I hope that these teachers will get on their knees and pray for direction, and then go to work to bring these wandering prodigals back into the fold of the Church. If home and visiting teachers respond to this challenge, I honestly believe that they will taste the sweet and wonderful feeling which comes of being an instrument in the hands of the Lord in leading someone back into activity in His Church and kingdom.

"I am making a plea for us to reach out to our brethren and sisters who have known the beauty and the wonder of this restored gospel for a brief season and then for some reason have left it.

May all home teachers recognize that they have an inescapable responsibility to go into the homes of the people and teach them to live the gospel principles more faithfully, to see that there is no iniquity or backbiting or evil speaking, to build faith, to see that the families are getting along temporally. That is a very serious responsibility; it really is. But it is not a heavy burden--it just takes a little more faith. It is worthy of our very best effort." (President Hinckley, Ensign, March 1997, 27).

Temple Thoughts

2011-10-01T20:00:00.000-07:00

A special "thank you" to all the sisters who participated in our baptisms for the dead on September 15. We had a great turn out and we were able to complete 250 baptisms and confirmations that day! Here are a few thoughts that sisters in our Relief Society shared about their experience...

"It has been a while since I had done baptisms for the dead, but this recent trip was a special one. My father and mother had been searching for my mother's mother for almost 30 years. I have been searching for her for almost 20+ years. The sunday before our temple visit, I found my long lost grandmother's birth records along with her mother and her grandmother. So through the week I hurried to get their names temple ready for our temple visit. It was a special experience to be able to have my grandmother her mother and her grandmother baptized." (Loly Patino)

"What a joy to be in the temple with several of my sisters. The spirit was strong as sisters and priesthood from our ward shared a special opportunity to serve 200 ladies by being baptized and confirmed for them. It is good to remember that the 'names' we take through ordinances in the temple are real people who may have been waiting years to progress. Until their work is done, they are bound in paradise unable to enjoy the blessings of the gospel. As we willingly give our time to help them, we have a chance to review anew the covenants we have made. Double blessings are gained ---for them and for us. How much greater is the blessing if we are serving our own family!" (Theo Potter)

"The season of opportunity that awaits us today, in temple service, is different from that of the past. We are not expected to pound nails, carve stone, mill lumber, pour concrete, or physically participate in the construction of temples. We are, however, extended a marvelous opportunity to faithfully pay our tithes so temple construction and the work of the Lord may go forward. We are also challenged to be worthy to offer ourselves in the service of providing sacred saving ordinances for those who have preceded us. Very simply stated, the great opportunity of Latter-day Saint families is to see that the lights of our temples burn early and late in the day. Perhaps we could create the need for them to burn all night as they do presently on weekends in several temples." (Bishop H. David Burton, A Season of Opportunity, Ensign, Nov. 1998)

Women of Character

2011-10-01T19:00:00.000-07:00

"When I was first called to be a visiting teacher, I was assigned a young woman who never came to church . . . I faithfully went every month and knocked on her door. She would open the inside door but leave the screen door shut . . . She would not say anything. She would just stand there. I would look cheerful and say, 'Hi, I'm Cathie, your visiting teacher.' And as she would say nothing, I would say, 'Well, our lesson today is on. . .' and try briefly to say something uplifting and friendly. When I was through, she would say 'Thank you,' and shut the door.

"I did not like going there . . . But I went because I wanted to be obedient. After about seven or eight months of this I got a phone call from the bishop. 'Cathie,' he said, 'the young woman you visit teach just had a baby who lived only a few days. She and her husband are going to have a graveside service, and she asked me to see if you would come and be there with her. She said you are her only friend.' I went to the cemetery. The young woman, her husband, the bishop, and I were at the graveside. That was all.

"I had seen her only once a month for a few minutes at a time. I hadn't even been able to tell through the screen door that she was expecting a baby, yet even my inept but hopeful visiting had blessed us both."

-- Daughters in My Kingdom, page 114

Save the Date...

2011-09-30T15:32:00.001-07:00

November 17: Relief Society Event

More info to come!

One Last Plug!

2011-09-28T15:39:00.002-07:00

“In visiting teaching we reach out to each other. Hands often speak as voices can’t. A warm embrace conveys volumes. A laugh together unites us. A moment of sharing refreshes our souls. We cannot always lift the burden of one who is troubled, but we can lift her so she can bear it well."

(Elaine L. Jack, RS general president, Church News, 7 March 1992, 5)

Women of Character

2011-08-31T23:55:00.000-07:00

"Some years ago I had a friend who decided at the age of fifty that she was going to learn to play the piano. She courageously started out with Thompson's Book I. Each morning she went to the church at seven o'clock, where she would practice on the piano and, later, on the organ. After about a year they asked her to play a special number for one of the Relief Society lessons She said she didn't feel ready, to give her another three months. The three months passed, and she consented to play a special number that she had memorized. This was her first public appearance on the piano She started out beautifully. It went well for about three measures; then she lost it. Everything went blank. Her music teacher, who was present, said, 'Don't be ruffled. Just start over.' She started over and made it all the way through without a single mistake.

"We have never loved my friend more than we did that morning. Perhaps it was because she faltered a little in the beginning and we were all pulling for her, saying to ourselves, 'Come on, we know you can do it.' If her performance had been flawless from the start, we might all have been defensive and said, 'Oh well, she can learn to play the piano because her husband is the kind who will get his own breakfast while she practices and her children don't make demands on her and so on and so on and so on. As it was. she faltered a little, and we loved her the more. That experience has given me great comfort. I figure that if I fall a little short of what is expected of me, perhaps my sisters in the gospel will be compassionate and love me for trying."

(Small and Simple Things, Marjorie Pay Hinckley, pg. 10-11)

Temple Trip

2011-08-31T22:00:00.001-07:00

Can you even remember the last time you…

… did a cartwheel?

… ate cotton candy?

…ran through the sprinklers?

...did baptisms for the dead?

Been a Long Time?

R.S. Temple Trip:

Baptisms for the Dead

Thursday, September 15th

Morning Group: 11 am

Evening Group: 7 pm

Baptisms and/or Confirmations

Meet in the Temple Baptistry –Carpool with a friend!

"I Am A Mormon"

2011-08-31T21:00:00.000-07:00

To view more videos like the one below, visit www.mormon.org.

Tugging at our Heartstrings...

2011-08-31T20:00:00.001-07:00

Donell would like to remind us that for September and October we would like to concentrate on collecting shampoo and conditioner, clothing (all sizes), and baby items, especially diapers. We would also like to invite all those who can, to help us with the making of quilts. We need quilt squares cut, squares then sewn together to make quilt tops, and then put together and tied. You supply the time - we'll supply the materials! We invite all to get involved and feel the joy of service! All donations can be dropped off at Donell Heywood's 4713 E. Grove Cir. Questions call 480-832-1424.

Thank you all for your continued support for our Humanitarian project benefitting Helen's Hope Chest.

Young Women Announcements:

2011-08-31T16:00:00.003-07:00

***The Young Women/Young Men are working on researching and submitting family names to the Temple for November 11 when we have Temple baptisms. If there is anyone who knows about this process and is willing to be a mentor, please contact Noelle Fisher (214-5906). We need your help to make this lofty goal a reality!

***The Young Women will be playing in the Stake YW softball tournament on Tuesdays - September 13 & 20. Come cheer us on!

You Gotta Try This!

2011-08-31T16:00:00.002-07:00

BBQ Chicken Salad

1/2 head iceberg lettuce - cut into 1/4" strips
1 large bunch romaine lettuce - remove ribs & cut into 1/4" strips
1 cup jicama - dice into 1/4" cubes
1 cup frozen white corn kernals - rinse under cold water & drain
1 can black beans - drain & rinse
2 cups pepper jack cheese - coursely grated
3 medium tomatoes - dice
1 or 2 avocados - dice
juice of 1/2 lime - drizzle over avocado
1/4 cup cilantro - mince
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup Best Foods™ mayonnaise
1 package Hidden Valley™ ranch dressing mix

2 lbs. chicken tenders
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
fresh ground black pepper
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
Make ranch dressing. Chill along with all ingredients except chicken.
Place chicken tenders in a Ziploc™ bag and marinate in olive oil, soy sauce, garlic and salt for 1 hour. Place tenders on broiler pan and season with fresh ground pepper. Broil 4-6 minutes per side. Watch closely. Let rest 10 minutes before dicing into 1/2" cubes, then toss with barbecue sauce.
On a large platter, layer lettuces, jicama, corn, black beans, cheese and tomatoes. Top with warm barbecued chicken and avocadoes. Sprinkle on cilantro.
Serve immediately with ranch dressing and garlic bread.

Gardening 101

2011-08-31T13:48:00.012-07:00

Our ward gardening expert, Deneen Rogers, has offered up some helpful information regarding winter gardening. She says...

"Now is the time to prepare your soil in preparation for fall planting. Check the Maricopa County Cooperative Extension Service for information. (602-470-8086, ext. 301)

Don't have room? Plant in containers! Most anything will work that has drainage (holes in the bottom).

(Spa Garden)

Winter gardens consist of leafy greens, beets, carrots, onions, peas (snow and sugar snaps), cabbage, broccoli, chard and radishes. There are more, but these are the ones I plant. You can also get a planting guide and more details from the extension office.

Be sure to wait until the weather cools down - middle of October or so. By waiting, you will get a better germination than to plant too early and have to start over again!"

If gardening isn't your thing, but you still enjoy fresh produce, here's something you might want to look into:

Utah peaches, tomatoes, raspberries, pears, nectarines, plums and fall apples will be available for pre-order and pick-up on Thursdays at the fruit stand on the northwest corner of Val Vista and Brown Road in Mesa.

Interested? Email azfruitlady@yahoo.com.

Temple Trivia

2011-08-31T13:05:00.006-07:00

Our emphasis in Relief Society this year is on Temples, both in increased attendance and knowledge. With the recent earthquakes happening on both sides of the United States, it is interesting to denote the affect that natural calamities can have on church structures. So for all you trivia buffs, what temple sustained an earthquake registering 8.5 on the Richter scale, that lofted the Angel Moroni's trumpet into an adjoining flower bed?

a. Oakland California Temple

b. Santiago Chile Temple

c. Seoul Korea Temple

d. Fukuoka Japan Temple

e. Lima Peru Temple

Answer: The Santiago Chile Temple survived this earthquake although Moroni did lose his trumpet.

Family Home Evening

2011-08-31T12:53:00.009-07:00

As a mother of 2 young boys, I often feel overwhelmed by the responsibility I have to teach them the principles of the gospel, to instill in them a desire to choose the right, to have faith in Christ and to be honest, kind, courteous, generous, thoughtful...the list could go on and on. I know that by having regular Family Home Evenings, Brent and I will have a weekly opportunity to formally teach these principles and character traits to our boys.

With this in mind, I asked some of the ward "pros" for their input on successful family home evening tips. Kathy Postert and Wendy Jensen offered up some great advice...

REPETITION

*Kathy tries to plan her Family Home Evenings around what her children are learning in Primary. She uses the Primary Sharing Time guide in the Friend to give her ideas for weekly family nights.

*Wendy has a special "FHE whiteboard" that is used to take notes and do activities during Family Night. The whiteboard is hung and referred to throughout the week and is a reminder to the family of the topic that was discussed on Monday night.

RELEVANCE

*Kathy pays special attention throughout the week at what her kids are struggling with and then focuses the FHE lesson on that topic.

RESPONSIBILITY

*Kathy uses FHE as an opportunity to teach her children how to conduct a meeting. Each child is responsible for conducting the meeting and is in charge of welcoming, choosing prayers, music and leading the discussion about upcoming family events and calendaring.

EXAMPLES

*One great FHE that Kathy's children especially enjoyed was based on "Our Body is Sacred like the Temple." The kids traced their bodies on butcher paper and drew clothes, a face, etc. The children discussed what "My body is a temple" means and then hung their butcher paper bodies on their bedroom doors for the next several weeks.

*This past Monday night, Wendy used our wonderful Relief Society lesson as the topic of her Family Home Evening. Using the whiteboard, the Jensen family listed some Christlike traits they would like to have as a family. They have left the whiteboard list up this week to remind themselves about the things they are focusing on "doing" and "being."

Thank you, Kathy and Wendy, for your wonderful advice!

(Written by Amanda Rasmussen)

Presidency Message

2011-08-15T14:43:00.001-07:00

"If we are to walk with head held high, we must make our contribution to life. If we are to fulfill our destiny and return to live with our Father in Heaven, we must keep His commandments and pattern our lives after the Savior. By so doing, we will not only achieve our goal of eternal life, but we will also leave the world richer and better than it would have been had we not lived and performed our duties."

President Thomas S. Monson

(Message from Janice Luke, 1st counselor - Sunny Mesa Relief Society)

Congratulations...

2011-07-30T19:28:00.003-07:00

...to Tiffany Hinton on her precious baby boy, Maddex!

Summer Recipes!

2011-07-03T20:01:00.002-07:00

Thanks to Jan Hopkins, Wendy Jensen, Stephanie Lavender, Jana Westergard, Allison Johnson & Lexi Johnson for teaching such wonderful classes and providing great ideas for summer cooking!

Also, a BIG thanks to Jana Westergard and Sandra Stapley for all of their hard work behind the scenes!

Click here for a link to all the delicious recipes.

Humanitarian Efforts

2011-07-02T16:46:00.002-07:00

A big thanks to all who have opened their hearts to Helen's Hope Chest this year!

Your donations have been very generous and gratefully received!

*Donell Heywood*

"Great things are wrought through simple and small things. Like the small flecks of gold that accumulate over time into a large treasure, our small and simple acts of kindness and service will accumulate into a life filled with love for Heavenly Father, devotion to the work of the Lord Jesus Christ, and a sense of peace and joy each time we reach out to one another."

-M. Russell Ballard

Cooking Series

2011-07-02T14:24:00.004-07:00

We had a ball each Thursday evening at our Summer Cooking Series!

Thanks to all who attended and especially to those who taught classes!

Recipes will be posted soon...

Presidency Message

2011-07-02T14:16:00.002-07:00

"Sometimes people ask, 'Why do I have to go to sacrament meeting?' or 'Why do I have to live the Word of Wisdom, pay tithing? Why can’t I have one foot in Babylon?' May I tell you why? Because spiritual pedaling takes both feet! Unless you are fully engaged in living the gospel—living it with all of your 'heart, might, mind and strength'—you cannot generate enough spiritual light to push back the darkness."

-- Robert D. Hales, Out of Darkness into His Marvelous Light, April 2002

(Message from: Kris Saunders, RS President)

Congratulations...

2011-07-02T14:08:00.006-07:00

...to Amanda Rasmussen on her new baby boy, Cameron...

...Kristel Kuzdas on her new baby girl, Cosette...

...Alexa Lee on her new baby girl, Emmalyn

Tithing

2011-06-14T08:53:00.001-07:00

The first Presidency has written:

"The simplest statement we know of is the statement of the Lord himself, namely, that the members of the Church should pay one-tenth of all their interest annually, which is understood to mean income. No one is justified in making any other statement than this."

(First Presidency letter, Mar. 19, 1970; see also D&C 119:4)

Items of Business...

2011-06-01T22:40:00.000-07:00

***VISITING TEACHING CHANGES for June will be handed out on Fast Sunday! Please be sure to check and see if you have any changes.***

*Our stake has been assigned to help at the Coolidge Welfare Farm on Saturday, June 11 from 5:30-7:30 am. For more information, contact Amanda Rasmussen (amandajoanda@gmail.com).*

*FYI - Michelle Padovich just finished her third round of chemo. She is handling it as well as can be expected. Nausea seems to be a minimum. She wants all the sisters in Relief Society to know of her appreciation and to say hello. She hopes to be well enough to attend her daughter, Alecia's, graduation in Seattle on June 11!*

Humanitarian Efforts

2011-06-01T22:32:00.002-07:00

"Often, the answer to our prayer does not come while we're on our knees but while we're on our feet serving the Lord and serving those around us. Selfless acts of service and consecration refine our spirits, remove the scales from our spiritual eyes, and open the windows of heaven. By becoming the answer to someone's prayer, we often find the answer to our own."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Presidency Message

2011-06-01T21:27:00.000-07:00

"Service to others deepens and sweetens this life while we are preparing to live in a better world. In the midst of the miracle of serving, there is the promise of Jesus that by losing ourselves, we find ourselves. The more we serve our fellowmen in appropriate ways, the more substance there is to our souls."

(Pres. Spencer W. Kimball)

(Message from Janice Luke, 1st Counselor)

Summer Cooking Series

2011-05-31T22:08:00.014-07:00

“If you can't take the heat…GET OUT OF THE KITCHEN!”

"Backyard meals"

Going beyond just brats & burgers!

June 9th

Jan Hopkins

Westergard Home

4653 E. Grove Circle

“Beach & Sand”

Sandwiches for all ages!

June 16th

Wendy Jensen &

Stephanie Lavender

4633 E. Grove Circle

"Lazy Days of Summer"

Crock-pot meals -throw it in and forget about it!

(& keep that kitchen cool)

June 23rd

Rebecca Speakman

1542 S. Quail Circle

“Sun Drenched Days”

Everyday salads with homemade dressings.

June 30th

Allison & Lexi Johnson

4762 E. Harmony Circle

{All classes start at 7:00pm}

Temple Tidbit

2011-05-28T13:18:00.003-07:00

My brothers and sisters, temples are more than stone and mortar. They are filled with faith and fasting. They are built of trials and testimonies. They are sanctified by sacrifice and service.

(The Holy Temple - a Beacon to the World, President Thomas S. Monson, April 2011 General Conference)

Items of Business...

2011-05-01T09:30:00.000-07:00

*There will be no Relief Society activity in May. However, look forward to our 4-part cooking series to be held each Thursday in June!

*Dr. Don Cook, BYU Organ Professor, will be here Saturday, May 14 from 9-noon teaching an Organist Training Workshop. For more details, contact Amanda Rasmussen or Kris Saunders.

*Our ward is assigned to help with the Temple gardens this month. Please bring your families & join us on Saturday, May 21 from 8-10 am! Sign up sheets will be passed around in Relief Society on Sunday.

*Be sure to check for Visiting Teaching changes by clicking the button on the left-hand side of this page!

Temple Tidbits

2011-05-01T09:20:00.008-07:00

The temple endowment blessings are as essential for each of us as was our baptism. For this reason we are to prepare ourselves that we may be clean to enter the temple of God.

The opportunity to enter the temple and to take upon ourselves the sacred covenants therein is one of the greatest blessings available to us in mortality. Then, after we take upon us those covenants, our obedience in living them daily stands as a demonstration of our faith, love, devotion, and spiritual commitment to honor our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Our obedience also prepares us to live with Them in the eternities. The temple’s saving ordinances are essential to—and even the central focus of—the eternal plan of happiness.

The temple is truly a place where you are "in the world and not of the world." When you are troubled and have crucial decisions that weigh heavily on your mind and soul, you can take your cares to the temple and receive spiritual guidance.

(Elder Robert D. Hales, BYU devotional address 11/15/2005)

Raspberry Dream Dessert

2011-05-01T09:20:00.001-07:00

We had a delightful time at our "Women's Health" Relief Society activity this month. Jana Westergard whipped up an amazing dessert that we all loved! In case you missed out, here's the recipe:

(Not a photo of the actual dessert. Jana's was even prettier & certainly more yummy!)

2 cups flour
1 cup butter softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1 pkg Raspberry Danish Dessert Mix
1 1/2 cups water

1 pkg. frozen raspberries
2 envelopes Dream Whip (found by the jello)
1 cup powdered sugar
1 8 oz pkg cream cheese
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix flour, butter, brown sugar, and nuts. Spread in 9 x 13 pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes. Remove 1/2 of crumb mixture and set aside. Spread remaining 1/2 mixture in pan.

Prepare Danish Dessert Mix using 1 1/2 cup water. Cool just a little and add raspberries. Set aside.

Prepare Dream Whip as directed on box. Stir into cream cheese which has been softened and mixed with powdered sugar and vanilla. Spread this mixture on crumb layer in pan. Spoon raspberry mixture over this layer. Top with remaining crumbs. Chill.

Sister Spotlights

2011-05-01T09:15:00.002-07:00

Jana Westergard grew up in Woods Cross City, Utah with five sisters (two have now passed). She has four children: Jared (27) who is married to Lexi Jolley, Josh (23), Jesse (21) and JaKelle (16).

Jana loves spending time in Star Valley, Wyoming with her family enjoying the beautiful mountains and cooler weather. She loves to cook, bake, shop and spend time with her children. Her favorite foods are spaghetti and chocolate, chocolate, chocolate!

Jana describes her most embarrassing moment: “When I was at Dixie College we lived in mobile homes. They all looked alike and I was running back from class one day and ran into the wrong home, I stood there frozen thinking ‘these doesn't look like our hot pads on the wall’ and I look over at a girl staring at me. I had no idea who she was and I know she was wondering who I was and why I was in her house.”

While in Utah, Jana “worked at Intermountain Health Care for a bunch of auditors, I was an Executive Secretary and knew shorthand pretty well. While working there I finished up my Business Schooling at LDS Business College.”

Jana has two sisters who have suffered from cancer. She was with one of them when she passed and says, “even though it was one of the hardest things, it was one of the most spiritual experiences.”

She has always loved hearing about her husband’s mission and will have the chance to visit Montreal, Canada this month!

Carrie Badger was born right here in Mesa, but was raised in Pima (Gila Valley) with 5 older brothers and a younger sister. She can’t wait to move back to the Gila Valley again someday. It is her favorite place on earth, especially now that there is a temple there. “Everyone goes at a slower pace, everyone says hi to everyone and it smells fantastic. It might just be that I grew up there, but I think it’s magical,” she says.

Carrie loves Mexican food, dancing, reading, watching movies and working out. She graduated from Design School and now works as a lighting designer at Lamps Plus. The hardest thing she’s ever done was endure an engagement and plan a wedding! She hates masks of any kind – particularly gorilla masks (thanks to 5 older brothers)!

Carrie's most embarrassing moment? Just after getting married, she stabbed herself in the eye with her toothbrush and cried – not because of the pain, but because of the embarrassment!

Carrie and her husband work in the Primary, so if you catch her in the halls, be sure to say hello and introduce yourself!

Presidency Message

2011-05-01T09:10:00.000-07:00

Charles Darwin wrote: It is not the strongest of the species that survive not the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change”.

Nothing is static. Everything changes. We need the courage to make necessary changes in our lives. For those who can adapt, who can bend, who can modify, who can improve, lies great opportunity. Sometimes we need to have the strength not to take counsel from our fears. This takes courage!

(Message by Sandra Stapley, 2nd Counselor, Sunny Mesa Relief Society)

Humanitarian Efforts

2011-05-01T09:05:00.000-07:00

A big thanks to all who donated hygiene products to Helen's Hope Chest. They were thrilled to receive your generosity!

Now it is time to collect clothing! Clean out your kid's closets! Check the clearance racks at the stores!

Search your hearts, and remember the words of H. David Burton in April 2011 General Conference:

"We honor those who in our day reach out in countless ways to "be kind to the poor," feed the hungry, clothe the naked, minister to the sick, and visit the captive. This is the sacred work the Savior expects from His disciples. It is the work He loved when He walked the earth. It is the work I know we would find Him doing were He here among us today."

Welcome Home, Amber!

2011-05-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

We'd like to welcome Sister Amber Kempton home from the Brazil Cuiaba Mission and congratulate her on a job well done! We look forward to having her back with us in Relief Society!

Reminders!

2011-04-16T16:37:00.003-07:00

We will be singing in Sacrament Meeting on Sunday, April 17. Please arrive to church 20 minutes early to run through the song! Thanks!

If your last name begins with

F - K it’s YOUR TURN to help clean the building!

Wednesday, April 20 at 7 pm

Saturday, April 23 at 10 am

Contact Amanda Rasmussen

(480) 399-9452 or

amandajoanda@gmail.com

so she will have a definitive count

Mark your calendars for Thursday, April 21!

Items of Business...

2011-03-31T22:30:00.001-07:00

Please remember our special Sunny Mesa temple session on April 6. The chapel session will begin at 7 and the endowment session begins at 7:30.

We will be singing If I Have but a Moment during Sacrament Meeting on April 17. If you'd like to practice at home, a link to the sheet music is provided! Click on the song title above!

Mark your calendars for 7 pm on April 21. We will be having our Relief Society "Women's Health" meeting that evening!

Our ward Easter egg hunt will be held on the morning of April 23. Please give your individually wrapped candy or plastic Easter eggs to any member of the Relief Society Presidency.

Humanitarian Focus

2011-03-31T21:57:00.008-07:00

A big thank you to all those who came to our Relief Society Humanitarian activity and made hair clips for Helen's Hope Chest. We were able to donate 100 cutest ever clips!

We will be collecting hygiene products through the month of April (see information flyer below). You can bring them to church or drop items off at Donell Heywood's (there will be a bin by her front door), or you can call her and she will be happy to pick them up!

Also, enjoy this article, The Magic Closet, from the March 1988 issue of the New Era.

Sister Spotlights

2011-03-31T07:17:00.008-07:00

Elsie Jones moved to Mesa 2 years ago from Kirtland, New Mexico where she lived and raised her family for over 40 years. She has 7 children, 33 grandchildren and 57 great grandchildren. Two of her sons live here in Arizona and the others live in New Mexico, Utah and Washington. Elsie enjoyed her family reunion several years ago when she had most of her family in one place at one time!

Elsie and her husband, Myles, served a mission in New Zealand from 1983-1984 where they were involved in leadership training. Elsie enjoys sewing, painting, poetry and indexing. In fact, she gives one of her original paintings to each grandchild for their wedding gift! To read a poem that Elsie wrote years ago about Visiting Teaching, click here.

Melissa Biehl was born in Utah and grew up in Las Vegas. She has two children: Avalon in 4 and Patrick is 1. Melissa loves to eat sushi, read, spend time with her kids and connect with friends on the internet – particularly through Twitter. She loves Star Trek, Star Wars, and anything done by Joss Whedon.

Melissa (and many other sisters who have responded to this survey) claimed that the hardest thing she’s ever done is raise kids! But a close second was achieving the goal of avoiding all kinds of sugar for 2 weeks straight!

Melissa’s dream is “to open a halfway house with counseling and career education for foster kids who have aged out of the system and have no place to go.”

Theo Potter’s official full name is Theo Marlyne Howarth Potter, but she says she answers to almost anything and “Mom” gets her every time! She was born in California and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. She moved around quite a bit as her husband served in the Air Force. She says, “Father has given us such a beautiful world. All I need to be content is to live anywhere my husband is happy and anywhere that has a temple close. I also hope to always be near at least a few of our children.” One of her favorite places on earth is Germany, where she and her family lived for a time while her husband was in the Air Force.

Theo has 12 children, 42 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren with 2 more on the way! (I hope I did the math right, Theo!) The hardest thing she has ever done was bury two of her children, even though she knows she will be with them again someday.

Theo loves anything chocolate and she also loves a German dish called Rouladen. She enjoys sewing, reading, doing crafts and talking with people. She also loves to organize, which apparently drives her husband crazy!

One of the most difficult goals Theo has set and achieved was memorizing all of the things required to serve in the temple. She would love to serve a mission, travel both in and out of the country and visit as many temples as time, health and money will allow!

Theo says that the movie that best describes her life is Cheaper by the Dozen – “which, by the way, is not a true statement!”

Congratulations...

2011-03-23T07:58:00.005-07:00

...to Candice Halbert on her new baby boy, Conner Graham!

Congratulations!

2011-03-12T07:59:00.002-07:00

...to Angie Burnett on the birth of her little girl, Lila Dawn! Baby & mom are both doing great!

Happy Birthday, Relief Society!

2011-03-08T20:49:00.003-07:00

"The Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized in Nauvoo, Illinois, on 17 March 1842. On that day, twenty women met with the Prophet Joseph Smith as he began what he shortly after called 'a select Society separate from all the evils of the world, choice, virtuous, and holy.'

"Over the next few months, the women met together often to search out and help feed, clothe, and house the needy. Elizabeth Ann Whitney, a counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, praised the sisters 'who were uniting their faith with their works.'"

(By the Relief Society General Presidency, "The Founding of Relief Society", Ensign, Mar. 1992, 57)

Presidency Message

2011-03-08T20:13:00.000-07:00

"I want to discuss reverence as an attitude -- an attitude of deepest respect and veneration toward Deity. It is not enough to behave reverently; we must feel in our hearts reverence for our Heavenly Father and our Lord, Jesus Christ. Reverence flows from our admiration and respect for Diety. Those who are truly reverent are those who have paid the price to know the glory of the Father and His Son."

Elder L. Tom Perry, Nov. 1990

(Message by Janice Luke, 1st Counselor, Sunny Mesa Relief Society)

Temple Tidbits

2011-03-02T15:58:00.006-07:00

"I have seen that many times individuals have made great sacrifices to go to a distant temple. But when a temple is built close by, within a short time, many do not visit it regularly. I have a suggestion: When a temple is conveniently nearby, small things may interrupt your plans to go to the temple. Set specific goals, considering your circumstances, of when you can and will participate in temple ordinances. Then do not allow anything to interfere with that plan. This pattern will guarantee that those who live in the shadow of a temple will be as blessed as are those who plan far ahead and make a long trip to the temple."

(Richard G. Scott; Temple Worship: The Source of Strength and Power in Times of Need; April 4, 2009.)

Open Your Heart...

2011-03-01T15:00:00.001-07:00

...to humanitarian service!

When the Relief Society was formally organized, the Prophet Joseph Smith told the sisters that they must look "... to the wants of the poor - searching after objects of charity, and in administering to their wants..."

"Through Relief Society, women have an official role in the Church with great responsibilities. One of these responsibilities is to take care of the necessities of the poor, the sick and the needy."

(Julie Beck)

Ways to get involved:

▪Volunteer labor hours at the Cannery and Deseret Industries.

▪Donate useful items to Deseret Industries.

▪Make generous fast offering contributions.

▪Donate to Church Humanitarian Aid.

▪Donate to LDS Philanthropies.

▪Every Thursday morning, 10:00-12:00 at the Stake Center, sisters from our stake gather to work on projects benefitting homeless shelters, and other organizations.

▪The Sunny Mesa Ward Relief Society invites all sisters this year to help us serve the needs of Helen's Hope Chest, a program dedicated to helping provide foster children with their basic needs. Be watching for announcements in the upcoming weeks inviting you to get involved in caring for the needs of this wonderful organization.

Items of Business...

2011-03-01T14:00:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful time at the Stake Women's Conference, "Aspire Higher"! For more information on the conference, visit the following website:

kes-aspire-higher.com

Also, our ward relief society activity is coming up! Mark your calendars!

Sister Spotlights

2011-02-24T21:19:00.012-07:00

Rhiannon Saxey was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ, but would love to live in Portland or Hawaii someday. She loves Mexican food and frozen yogurt. She likes healthy stuff too! Rhiannon enjoys practicing yoga, working out, scrapbooking, crafting, shopping, decorating and garderning.

When I asked Rhiannon about her most embarrassing moment, she replied, “I was too old to be trying to swing in a baby swing, but I tried anyways. I had to have been in 4th or 5th grade. I got stuck. My mom tried balling up on the ground under the swing so I could step on her back to try and get out. I was really starting to freak out when she suggested calling the local firemen to cut me out of the swing. I kept hoping that no one I knew would show up at the park. We finally worked me out after a few minutes. I was a smart kid, hehe!”

Rhiannon has a few associates degrees and is currently working towards her bachelors. She has a huge heart and a strong desire to help others. She would like to become involved in charities and humanitarian efforts. Her dream is to be a great mother who has a positive spiritual influence on her children and future generations. She says, “I want to be a wonderful wife and companion to my husband because he is incredible and deserves the best.”

Lana Dalton was born and raised in Mesa, AZ. She has six brothers and one twin sister. She also has 3 children: Rachel (30), Emily (27) and David (20). She loves being with her family – especially when they are all together at the same time! The hardest thing she says she’s ever done is send her only son on a mission. “Not because he went on a mission, but that I had to be separated from him for so long. That first week was awful! Now, of course, I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she says.

Lana enjoys composing music, singing, watching movies and eating Italian food. While attending BYU, Lana was a part of a performing group called Sunshine Express and traveled to Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Thailand and other places in the South Pacific. She would someday like to write a song that wins the church music contest or have a piece performed by a choir. When Lana was 53, after being very ill, she went back to school and earned her Master's degree! She is proud to have achieved this very difficult, but worthwile goal.

Welcome!

2011-02-13T21:09:00.003-07:00

We welcome Michelle Welch as the newest member of our Relief Society!

Michelle was baptized on Saturday, February 12 and confirmed the following Sunday.

Congratulations, Michelle!

Sister Funk

2011-02-09T20:02:00.003-07:00

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Sister Evelyn Funk.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 11 at 11 am in the 48th Street building.

East Valley Mormon Choral Organization

2011-02-09T20:00:00.003-07:00

*click directly on the flyer to view it in a larger screen*

Special Benefit Concert

2011-02-07T14:29:00.004-07:00

We want you to be aware of a special benefit concert being held for Heather Kuzdas Sutton (sister of Ken & Kristel Kuzdas). Heather is a young wife and mother of three children who was diagnosed with a rare cancer in October 2010. Her treatment includes a rigorous and expensive chemotherapy regimen followed by a bone marrow transplant. All of the proceeds from this concert will go to Heather and her family. Please check out the following link, if you are interested in helping out. Thank you!

http://www.HeatherandJayson.myevent.com

February: Every Sister Visited!

2011-02-07T14:23:00.001-07:00

*click directly on the quote to view it in a larger screen*

Presidency Message

2011-02-01T16:04:00.004-07:00

Prophets have not only warned the wicked of the calamities that await them, but they have also borne witness that the righteous will be delivered. No prophet has framed it more simply than did President Gordon B. Hinckley in the program for Sister Marjorie Hinckley's funeral: "It isn't as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don't worry. I say that to myself every morning. It will all work out. Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us. If we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers." President Hinckley's optimism for the future is rooted in his firm knowledge that the Lord's promises of deliverance are sure.

(Message by: Sandra Stapley, 2nd Counselor)

Items of Business...

2011-02-01T16:03:00.004-07:00

*Do you have visiting teaching changes for February? Click the VT picture on the sidebar to find out and then contact Kris Saunders or Theo Potter for more information. Thanks!

*Stake Relief Society Women’s Conference “ASPIRE HIGHER” is coming! Saturday, February 26 from 10 am – 1 pm at the Stake Center. Featuring: Special guest speaker~Sister Garn, Mesa Arizona Temple Matron, and a delicious brunch and wonderful classes. Please come and bring your friends and neighbors! Sunday dress.

*Stake Humanitarian Days are held every Thursday from 10 am-noon. Feel free to join in the fun!

*Please remember your visiting teaching this month! It is, after all, the MONTH OF LOVE!

Sister Spotlights

2011-02-01T16:01:00.007-07:00

Jenny Hess grew up in Mesa and Snowflake, AZ. She is the oldest of 6 children and has 2 children of her own. Calli is nearly 16 and Scotland is 13. She enjoys doing jigsaw puzzles, math puzzles, playing the piano, rake knitting, crocheting and gardening.

Jenny recounts one of her most embarrassing moments:

“I was teaching 8th grade and I got upset at a female student for fooling around during attendance and saying "here" when I had called a boy's name. Turns out, it WAS the boy saying "here"! His voice just hadn't changed yet and sounded very high-pitched. I couldn't apologize enough to that student!”

When I asked Jenny what is the hardest thing she’s ever done, she responded,

“Making it through the first 5 months of several pregnancies (I get extremely nauseous and can't keep anything down, some ended in miscarriage), and being single (while raising two kids, finishing my degree, holding a part-time job, and then my first year of teaching).”

Jenny admits that she was a brainer in high school, but all of her hard work paid off when she received a full-ride scholarship from BYU! She dreams of taking a road trip to the Pacific Northwest & Canada (and taking LOTS of pictures), serving a humanitarian mission for the church and someday having a large vegetable and flower garden!

When I asked Jenny what book or movie best described her life, she responded,

“Does my journal count? :) Okay, I would probably say Little Women. I had a great family life growing up, with amazing parents who planted truths deep into my heart and empowered me to pursue what I wanted to become. I also realize more and more that I am just different from people around me, so I can relate to Joe feeling that way. I also fell in love with a man much older than me (20 years) and love the way he gently inspires me to become the best I can be, while making it clear that he loves me just the way I am.”

Becky Call was born in California and grew up in Mesa, AZ. She has 3 kids: Jacob (10), Jennifer (9) and Katelyn (8). Her favorite place to be is at home with her husband and children. She loves food, but especially loves Mesa Frozen Yogurt (chocolate & irish mint, to be exact), Costa Vida’s sweet pork and anything chocolate (as long as it’s not dark)! Becky enjoys scrapbooking, baking, cooking, organizing and doing puzzles.

When asked about her most embarrassing moment, Becky told the following story:

“I was pregnant with my oldest (Jacob) and I was HUGE!! Almost nothing fit me. I was in Mervyn's shopping with my mom and they had only 1 rack of Maternity clothes. Of course they put it right next to the petite section. I looked at my mom and asked "What is this the midget section??" Of course I wasn't using my quiet voice and the next thing I know this lady walks out from behind the rack of petite clothes and starts glaring at me. I don't think she was even four feet tall. I was so embarrassed!”

Becky worked very hard to earn her bachelor’s degree shortly after becoming a single mom. She began working full time, after staying home with her children for 8 years, and attended school at the same time. Many advised her to withdraw from school because of her circumstances, but she pressed on. She now works in the aerospace industry and is the only person at her company who owns a purple set of tools! (Most of her co-workers are men.)

Becky’s ultimate goal is to stand in the celestial room with her husband and all of her children one day.

Bonnie Hawkes grew up right here in Mesa. However, she spent a year and a half of her high school years in Guam and absolutely loved being near the beach and in an atmosphere that was “so wonderful and super chill.” She also loves Hong Kong (such a world traveler)! She says it is really safe, the people are super nice, and the shopping is killer.

Bonnie is expecting her first baby this summer. She participates in a dodgeball league and loves it. She will be sitting out for the next couple of seasons because of her pregnancy, but plans to return as soon as the baby is born! She also enjoys bowling, reading and photography. Check out her photo blog, bonniejeanphotos.blogspot.com.

Bonnie’s most embarrassing moment happened when she was 14 years old. She says,

"I was doing a duet [at a fireside] with my mom and when we would practice we would crack up and have fun. The problem was...when we sang the song in front of everyone, I remembered the joke and started cracking up. My mom was SO mad and I was embarrassed beyond compare.”

Bonnie says that the most difficult goal she has set and achieved was receiving her Communication degree from ASU. It was a lot of hard work, but she endured and is very happy to have followed through with it.

Carma Garner was born and raised in Idaho. She has 9 children: Reed (57), Karen (55), Layne (54), Kenn (52), Vaughn (51), Blair (49), Neal (deceased), Ellen (43), Todd (42). Carma enjoys family history, reading and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She also loves to dance! Her favorite place on earth is wherever her husband and children are.

Carma went back to college after the age of 50 and became a CPA at age 60! That is quite an accomplishment! She loves serving others and hopes to continue to do so for a long time.

Temple Tidbits

2011-02-01T16:00:00.001-07:00

Boy, oh boy!

2011-02-01T15:48:00.007-07:00

Congratulations to:

Rachel Hatch on her new baby boy, Royce William!

Raylene Bowles on her new baby boy, Taylor Brian!

Kathy Postert on her new baby boy, Max William!

Items of Business...

2011-01-05T14:26:00.008-07:00

*Please note the visiting teaching changes for this month. Click the visiting teaching button (on the left hand side) to see if you have been affected.

*Don't forget the Stake Preparedness Fair on Saturday, January 15 from 9:00 am - 12:30 pm at the Stake Center. This will be a "paperless" event, so please bring your own paper to take down class notes and booth information!

*Please plan to join us at the temple on Thursday, January 20 at 6:30 pm. Our hope is to have as many sisters in attendance as possible! Please make arrangements with a friend, a visiting teacher or a neighbor to carpool. If you need a ride or a babysitter, contact Sandra Stapley.

Presidency Message

2011-01-01T18:05:00.001-07:00

The calming influence of the temple helps us receive answers to the practical challenges and decisions of our lives.

Pres. Ezra T. Benson said, "By virtue of the sacred priesthood in me vested . . . I promise you that, with increased attendance in the temples of our God, you shall receive increased personal revelation to bless your life as you bless those who have died." (Conference Report, April 1987, p 108)

(Message by: Kris Saunders, Relief Society President)

Reminders...

2011-01-01T17:58:00.004-07:00

Stake Preparedness Fair

"Building Blocks to Self-Reliance"

Saturday, January 15, 2011

9:00 am - 12:30 pm

At the Stake Center

Classes & Presenters

Basic Short Term Food Storage: Laurie Griner

Emergency Preparedness in Arizona: President Killian

Long Term Storage Use: Terri Bigelow

Canning: Martha Crismon

Coupons: Bethany Comerford

Employment: Joe Bryner

Basic Budgeting: President Thornhill

Financial Planning: Delbert Neilson

Spiritual Preparedness: President Bradshaw

Teaching Children Self-reliance: Kay Bradshaw

Gardener Tips: Dirk Martin

**Come prepared to take notes as class and booth information will only be available through the event website coming soon.**

Raising the Bar

2011-01-01T17:57:00.008-07:00

M. Russell Ballard said, "...set short-term goals that you can reach. Set goals that are well balanced - not too many nor too few, and not too high nor too low. Write down your attainable goals and work on them according to their importance. Pray for divine guidance in your goal setting."

Sister Spotlight

2011-01-01T17:56:00.007-07:00

April Cobia

April was born in the South and was raised in Alaska. She loves both Massachusetts & Washington state for the changing seasons and rain. Her favorite place on earth is the wilderness because she loves to admire the places that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ created. She also enjoys the peace and quiet of the wilderness! She has many hobbies which include biking, hiking, photography, people-watching, listening to children communicate with one another (specifically, her nieces and nephews) and reading children's literature. April loves Italian food - particularly the garlic and pastries. She would love to visit Africa to see the wild life.

I asked April about her most embarrassing moment and here is her response:

"I have a lot of embarrassing moments, let me see, okay well I am pretty organized and habitual that way things are always where they are suppose to be, at the time they are suppose to be there and that way I can never be wrong. Right, well wrong. After I graduated high school I went to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. It was a large campus, in order for me to not EVER FORGET where I parked I always got to the campus at the same time every day and parked in the same general area every day. Well I never run late either, wrong, one day I was running late and had to park in a place I normally do not park. After my classes were over I came out to get in my car and go home. I was shocked to find my car no where around. I called the campus police we looked everywhere in that parking lot, two officers and I. The campus police called in and reported a stolen car to the city police, after an hour of looking. Then one of the campus officers asked me, "Is it possible that you parked somewhere else?" And at that moment it donned on me where I had parked. I was so sure where I had parked and now some thief had stolen my car, but I was wrong. I just looked at the officer with a blank look, then asked "How much is this going to cost me?" "What?" One officer stated. "All of you helping me look for my car," I said. The two officer looked at each other then at me and said, "Where is your car?" I said, "I forgot that I parked at the stadium, so how much is this going to cost me now?" The officers looked at each other again then at me and one said with a stern face, "This time we will let you slide, next time you forget where you parked and call us to help we will charge you, and we could charge you with a false reporting as well."

Pretty funny, April! Finally, I asked April what was the most difficult goal she has ever accomplished and she said, "The most difficult goal? Honestly, I can not think of any. Because I do not see the goals I set as difficult or they would be just that, difficult, and I might not achieve them."

Gwyn Nichols

Gwyn is a mother to two sons - Drew and Nathaniel. Drew recently returned from his Spanish-speaking mission in Arkansas and is now majoring in music composition at ASU. Nathaniel is eleven and his goal in life is to make it to Mars someday! Gwyn is also a writer, teacher, and ward history specialist.

Gwyn was born in Ontario, Canada to American parents, and grew up in Oregon, Wisconsin, Louisiana, California, Connecticut, Maine, and Arizona. Once her children are grown, she'd like to teach in New England every fall, enjoy the Arizona spring, and then travel and write during the summers. She says, "Yes, frequent uprooting left me with a vague and perpetual homesickness, common ground with almost everyone I meet, and unbeatable writing background: dialects galore, regional cultures, and plenty of characters."

Gwyn has a Master's degree in English Language and Literature from ASU and is nearly finished with her first novel! "It's set in 1970 Louisiana, based on my experiences as a white Yankee girl bused to a Black school under Supreme Court order," she describes.

When I asked Gwyn to share something that most may not know about her, she responded, "We're hard to feed. I'm a vegetarian and gluten-intolerant. If you remove wheat and meat, many American Mormon banquets are reduced to lettuce. I love Mexican and Asian vegetarian dishes."

Regarding her calling as ward history specialist, Gwyn says, "My life has had plenty of drama, but I prefer the history all of you make: how the Spirit comforted you or helped you solve a problem, how you overcome the daily private challenges as well as the dramatic public ones. I hope you'll share your personality and your experiences with us and let posterity listen in."

Temple Tidbits

2011-01-01T17:43:00.004-07:00

Even if you are not able to visit all of the temples, you can still learn about them. Answer these questions to see if you know some of the interesting facts that make each temple unique. You can also visit lds.org/temples to find information about these temples.

1. Although ground was broken to build this temple in February 1853, it was not completed until April 1893—40 years later.

A. Salt Lake Temple

B. Nauvoo Temple

C. London England Temple

D. Sao Paulo Brazil Temple

2. This temple was destroyed in 1848 after early members of the Church were forced to leave, but it was rebuilt and rededicated in 2002.

A. St George Utah Temple

B. Nauvoo Illinois Temple

C. Ciudad Juarez Mexico Temple

D. Bern Switzerland Temple

3. Most of the temples have a tower or spire, but there are a few that don’t. Name one of these temples.

A. Tokyo Japan Temple

B. Laie Hawaii Temple

C. Boise Idaho Temple

D. Orlando Florida Temple

4. Which was the first temple constructed outside of the United States?

A. Bern Switzerland Temple

B. Apia Samoa Temple

C. Stockholm Sweden Temple

D. Cardston Alberta Temple

5. This temple is located on the top three floors of a building that includes a mission office and a meetinghouse on its lower levels.

A. Hong Kong China Temple

B. Seattle Washington Temple

C. Dallas Texas Temple

D. Helsinki Finland Temple

6. This temple, which was formerly the Uintah Stake Tabernacle, is one of the few temples that was converted from an existing building.

A. Madrid Spain Temple

B. Vernal Utah Temple

C. Manti Utah Temple

D. Anchorage Alaska Temple

7. These two temples were dedicated on the same day—November 14, 1999.

A. Halifax Nova Scotia Temple and Regina Saskatchewan Temple

B. Guatemala City Guatemala Temple and Columbus Ohio Temple

C. Louisville Kentucky Temple and Seoul Korea Temple

D. Papeete Tahiti Temple and Fukuoka Japan Temple

8. The upper exterior of this temple includes a sculpted depiction of Christ with His disciples.

A. Mexico City Mexico Temple

B. Ogden Utah Temple

C. Oakland California Temple

D. Washington D.C. Temple

ANSWERS: 1) A, 2) B, 3) B, 4) D, 5) A, 6) B, 7) A, 8) C

(Temple Facts Challenge; By Chad E. Phares; Friend, Oct. 2010, 16–17)

Kids and Christmas

2010-12-03T20:24:00.000-07:00

A "Sole" Full of Gratitude

2010-12-03T19:34:00.006-07:00

We had a lovely evening together at our “Sole Full of Gratitude” dinner & program. Many, many thanks to everyone who had a hand in planning, preparing and executing such a nice night! We missed those of you who were unable to attend.

all the bells on earth shall ring

2010-11-27T09:23:00.001-07:00

2010-11-02T22:05:00.000-07:00

2010-11-02T21:01:00.003-07:00

If it is one thing we can count on – it’s change. We will dearly miss those sisters now going to Brimhall ward, but are excited for their new adventure and know that the Brimhall Relief Society will be enormously blessed to have such WONDERFUL sisters in their ward!!

Those affected in boundary change – homes in Dave Brown subdivision (48^th Street up to and including both sides of Racine and from Superstition freeway to East Hampton) will now attend the Brimhall ward.

Brimhall meets at the 48^th Street Building, 1249 S. 48^th Street (off of Southern between Greenfield and Higley). Meeting time begins at 11:00am.

"it's all fun & games"

2010-11-02T21:00:00.001-07:00

Vana Whites

2010-11-02T20:47:00.000-07:00

dig in

2010-11-02T20:46:00.003-07:00

defying gravity

2010-11-02T20:27:00.001-07:00

face the cookie

2010-11-02T20:20:00.001-07:00

egg roll

2010-11-02T20:14:00.003-07:00

bucket head

2010-11-02T20:08:00.002-07:00

magic carpet

2010-11-02T19:55:00.002-07:00

2010-11-01T21:14:00.000-07:00

Family Sandwich

Roll out the dough for one loaf of bread* into a 12 inch round about 1 inch thick. Brush with egg wash (1 egg + water beaten) and sprinkle with salt/seed/onion combination (I used sesame seed/poppy seed). Let rise for 20 minutes. Bake at 425 for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely.
Slice horizontally like a huge deli bun and fill with whatever you would put on a
sandwich. Below is what was on it at the RS activity.

Mix 1 8oz. pkg. cream cheese
1/3 cup marmalade until smooth. Spread on the inside of both buns.
Add:
Sliced turkey and ham
1/2 can of whole cranberry sauce
1 cucumber sliced thinly
mixed spring greens (lots)
Top with bun and slice in wedges and serve. Yummy and lots of fun!
*You can use frozen bread dough loaves and thaw and roll out. I used Sharʼs White
Bread recipe and I could get 4 sandwich buns out of it. You can also use wheat bread dough.

Sharʼs White Bread
In Bosch mixer, mix:
6 cups white flour
1 cup powdered milk
1/2 cup potato flour
1/2 cup gluten flour
6 Tbsp. instant yeast
1 Tbsp. sea salt
Add:
5 cups hot water
2/3 cup canola oil
2/3 cup honey
6 eggs
Mix thoroughly. Continue to add unbleached flour until dough cleans sides of the bowl (a lot). Knead on speed one for about 5 minutes.
Remove from bowl - place in a lightly greased bowl and let rise until double. Shape into loaves. let rise again until doubled in size.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Yields 6 large loaves (also makes excellent dinner rolls)

2010-11-01T21:13:00.000-07:00

If you're interested in joining us at the park... we'll be there tomorrow, in Fulton Park subdivision, Wednesday the 3rd at 10:00am. Come enjoy the nice weather and good company!

2010-10-31T13:42:00.001-07:00

Create a spreadsheet listing all the stuff you buy regularly at the supermarket. Organize into various categories like dairy, produce and paper goods, etc. Print it out every week and hang it on the fridge. (You can also find lists already made online) Then during the week everyone in the family can circle the things you use up or need so you can take the list when you go to the store. No more forgetting that you just ran out of jam! Simple!

2010-10-31T13:41:00.000-07:00

November Book Suggestion

2010-10-31T13:40:00.000-07:00

What would you do to inherit a billion dollars? Would you be willing to change your life? Jason Stevens is about to find out in Jim Stovall's The Ultimate Gift. Red Stevens has died, and the older members of his family receive their millions with greedy anticipation. But a different fate awaits young Jason, whom Stevens, his great-uncle, believes may be the last vestige of hope in the family. "Although to date your life seems to be a sorry excuse for anything I would call promising, there does seem to be a spark of something in you that I hope we can fan into a flame. For that reason, I am not making you an instant millionaire." What Stevens does give Jason leads to The Ultimate Gift. Young and old will take this timeless tale to heart.

2010-09-30T20:59:00.002-07:00