"OUR" Walk to Zion

                                                                                 

Remember and keep track of all the good things you do everyday for you or someone else.  We are walking to Zion and for each service rendered it gets us 1 mile closer to the Salt Lake Valley.  This includes exercise, eating right, drinking enough water, serving you family, and serving others.  I think this is a great way to help us realize all the good things we do everyday!!!  Keep track and be sure and mark it in the roll on Sunday. 

Thought for the day...

                                                                LOVE THIS!!!

Update on Lynette and Mary

Lynette is doing so much better.  She is getting her old smile back.  The doctors have still asked to not visit and not food.  She is limited to what she can eat.  So please stay away for a few more days and then we can shower her with good things. 
Mary Blankenship has neck surgery this last week.  She is doing much better too.  She is so grateful for the visits and food.  She also is trying to recover and so maybe wait for a few more days to visit there too.  Our ward is so amazing with the service you render.  Thank you so much for all you do!!!

Things to know for the month of October

There is a blood drive on the 2nd.  You need to sign up for a time if you are interested.  Please call me if you can donate. It's at the Rock Church. 

 

Remember General Conference this weekend--4th and 5th. 

 

Ladies night at the temple--Wednesday the 8th--Meet at the church at 6. 

 

Family History Fair--Tuesday the 21st.  It's at the Stake Center from 6:30-8:30.

Spirituality---

                                                                                  

Mary Ellen Edmunds---(LOVE HER!!)  She says:  I can remember a Sunday School teacher telling me once that I wasn't very spiritual.  Looking back, I think she was probably concerned because I had trouble sitting quietly through a whole lesson.  At the time, I didn't know what she meant.  But it didn't sound like a compliment, so I went home and thought about it.  I figured that maybe spirituality meant being quiet, especially on Sundays.  I wanted to be spiritual, but I needed to know what it meant.

SInce that time, I have contunued my search to understand spirituality and make it more a part of my character.  One day I read Elder Bruce R. McConkie's statement that "no other talent exceeds spirituality."  This idea, that spirituality is a talent, put my search in perspective.  There's probably nothing magical about achieving spirituality.  More likely, we develop it much as we develop other talents---through hard work, difficult decisions, critical choices, enduring through hard times, trying again, not giving up.

Foremost in my mind, spirituality implies DOING!!  That makes it difficult for me because I'd much rather sit in a comfortable place and think about it, or discuss it, or read a book about it.  But spirituality is God's asking---his inviting--and our responding--our doing.  It's getting on with it without waiting around for more details.

How is action an integral part of spirituality?  We do things because we want to demonstrate to our Heavenly Father that we really mean what we say.  That we meant it when we made baptismal covenants with him.  That we mean it when we have the privilege of entering a holy temple and making other covenants.  That we mean it when, in our quietest, most private moments with him, we ask for his help and make additional promises.

 

Joe J. Christensen--Regardless of our age or stage in life, one of the genuine needs we all have in order to live happier and to be more successful is to increase our own spirituality.  If you can respond more positively each time you ask yourself the following 10 questions, you will be increasing in spirituality.  You will be happier, and in those things that matter most in life, you will be more successful.  That is a promise!!!

1.  Do I read scriptures daily?  We are commanded to "feast upon the words of Christ" and not just nibble!!  (2 Nephi 32:3)

2.  Do I really pray and not just say prayers?  Am I really communicating and not just repeating trite expressions?  (Alma 34:17-27)

3.  Is my fasting meaningful?  Do I do more than just go hungry?  (D&C 59:13-23)

4.  Do I go to bed early and get up early?  If you do, your body and mind will become rested, and then in the quiet of those early-morning hours, you will receive more flashes of insight and inspiration than at any other time of the day--Pres. Harold B. Lee  (D&C 88:124)

5.  Am I essentially a happy person?  SMILE!!  Force it if you have to.  Count your blessings!!  (D&C 31:3)

6.  Do I work hard?  Laziness and spirituality don't go together. The most spiritual people known are also some of the hardest-working people too.  Work hard!!  (D&C 4:2)

7.  Am I more concerned about how than where I serve?  Remember that even the Savior performed the humblest acts of service.  (John 13:12-17)

8.  Do I love everyone--even enemies?  People who love people have an easier time being spiritual.  (John 13:34-35)

9.  Do I strive for oneness with others as well as within myself, between my ideal and actual self?  In order to become one, we need to engage in the process of the "at-one-ment."  If we are moving in that positive direction, the Spirit will be with us.  (D&C 38:27)

10.  Do I share my testimony with others?  When we are bearing testimony of truth, the power of the Holy Ghost confirms that truth within our hearts.  Even if others don't choose to accept truths, we are nevertheless helped spiritually.  (D&C 33:7-10)

May we lift and love and nourish and smile.  May we visit and share and sing and serve until joy fills our souls to overflowing. 

Great lesson--President Monson--Be Strong and of a Good Courage!!

Thank you Carol for a great lesson...
A few quotes from President Monson's talk--(which was given in the priesthood session of last General Conference)

Inasmuch as the trend in society today is rapidly moving away from the values and principles the Lord has given us, we will almost certainly be called upon to defend that which we believe.  Will we have the courage to do so?

 

We can help ourselves in our desire to do what is right if we put ourselves in places and participate in activities where our thoughts are influenced for good and where the Spirit of the Lord will be comfortable.

 

The call for courage comes constantly to each of us.  Every day of our lives courage is needed---not just for the momentous events but more often as we make decisions or respond to circumstances around us.  Said Scottish poet and novelist Robert Louis Stevenson:  "Everyday courage has few witnesses.  But yours is no less noble because no drum beats for you and no crowds shout your name!!"  (LOVE THIS ONE!!)

 

Courage is not limited to the battlefield...or bravely catching a thief in your house.  The real tests of courage are much quieter.  They are inner tests, like remaining faithful when no one's looking...like standing alone when you're misunderstood. 

 

Courage is doing the right thing even though we may be afraid, defending our beliefs at the risk of being ridiculed, and maintaining those beliefs even when threatened with a loss of friends or of social statue.  He who stands steadfastly for that which is right must risk becoming at times disapproved and unpopular!!

Carol asked us several questions and then gave us time to think and respond. 
1.  Think of things that you need to have courage to say "NO" to...
2.  Think of things that you need to have courage to say "YES" to...
Great discussion.  We also thought of great examples in the scriptures of those that had great courage to stand for what they believed---which in most cases, wasn't popular at the time!!!

The Prophet Joseph Smith:  Chained together and held in an unfinished cabin next to the courthouse in Richmond, Missouri--Parley P. Pratt recalls the event. 
"We had lain as if in sleep till the hour of midnight had passed, and our ears and hearts had been pained, while we had listened for hours to the obscene jest, the horrid oaths, and dreadful blasphemies and filthy language of our guards.  I had listened till I became so disgusted, shocked, horrified, and so filled with the spirit of indignant justice that I could scarcely refrain from rising upon my feet and rebuking the guards, but I had said nothing to Joseph, or any one else, although I lay next to him and knew he was awake.  On a sudden he arose to his feet, and spoke in a voice of thunder, or as the roaring lion, uttering, as near as I can recollect, the following words:

"SLIENCE...In the name of Jesus Christ I rebuke you, and command you to be still, I will not live another minute and hear such language.  Cease such talk, or you or I die THIS INSTANT."

Joseph "stood erect in terrible majesty," as described by Elder Pratt.  He was chained, without a weapon, and yet he was calm and dignified.  He looked down upon the quailing guards, who were shrinking into a corner or crouching at his feet.  These seemingly incorrigible men begged his pardon and remained quiet.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT!!! 

 

Update--Lynette

Lynette is home and doing better.  Because of some complications due to her surgery, the doctors have asked that she have no visitors and no food brought in.  Bummer!!!  She loves all of you and wants everyone to know that she so appreciates your concern, your thoughts and your prayers in her behalf.  She has a smile on her face and she's got a great attitude.  Just as always!!  Please continue to keep her in your prayers and we will let you know when the ban has lifted...
I told her that we will send good vibes her way!! 
                                                                               

Hopefully that will cheer her up!!! 

Great lesson this last week. Rochelle--Chapter 17--Sealing Power and Temple Blessings

We had a great discussion about President Joseph Fielding Smith's feeling on Temple Work and the blessings that come from having the privlege of attend there.  We talked about the sealing and binding power that comes from making covenants at the temple.  One of the questions I had was from the scripture that says---

"Behold, I will reveal unto you the Priesthood, by the hand of Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord." 

 "And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers." 

"If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming."

(D&C 2:1-3) 

Utterly wasted???  What does that mean?

In section 2--Elijah and the sealing power he restored in the Kirtland Temple were of vast importance to the world.  It is not only for baptisms for the dead alone, but also the sealing of parents and children to parents, so that there should be a whole and complete and perfect union, and welding together of dispensations, and keys and powers and glories, from the beginning down to the end of time.  If this sealing power were not on the earth, then confusion would reign and disorder would take place of order in that day when the Lord shall come, and of course, this could not be, for all things are governed and controlled by perfect law in the kingdom of God. 

Why would the earth be wasted? 

Simply because if there is not a welding link between the fathers and the children---which is the work for the dead---then we will all stand rejected; the whole work of God will fail and be utterly wasted.  Such a condition, of course, shall not be.

Great answer!!

We also talked about our salvation, our ordinances for the dead, family history, and the youth getting involved in doing indexing and family history. 

Great lesson.  Thanks Rochelle.  We love you!!!

Thought for the day--

A man should not leave this earth with unfinished business.  He should live each day as if it was a   pre-flight check.  He should ask each morning,

"Am I prepared to lift off?"

 

Recipes from the Wedding

Ham and Cheese Sliders

24 rolls, 24 slices of Ham, 24 pieces of Cheese

(Swiss, Provolone, Muenster, no cheddar)

Cut rolls and spread with mixture of 1/3 cup Mayo and 1/3 cup of Mircle Whip

Place ham and cheese on rolls

Place close together on a cookie sheet.

Poppy Seed Mix that is drizzled over the top of sandwiches

1TB Poppy Seeds

1 1/2 TB yellow mustard

1/2 cup butter, melted

1 TB minced onion

1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

Whip together!!!

Drizzle the sandwiches with Mixture.

Let stand for 10 minutes, covered with tin foil 

Bake in oven at 350 for 12-15 minutes or until cheese is melted

Remove and serve!!  VERY GOOD!!!

 

Cheesy Bacon Potato Soup

Saute--1 cube butter and 1 onion, chopped

Add:  8-10 potatoes-cubed and then water almost to top of potatoes

Cook until potatoes are tender

Add:  1 can cream of chicken soup, 2 cups cheddar cheese, 2 TBS parsley

1 cup bacon bits or real bacon, cooked and cut up

1 cup sour cream

1 cup milk

Salt and pepper to taster

(Sometimes I add a little more cheese)

Stir to combine.  Heat through--Serves 8-10 people

YUMMY AND EASY!!!

 

 

Mary got Married

Yeah!!  Mary Blankenship got married today.  It was a grand event and everyone there had a great time.  Especially Mary and Curtis.  Now Mary's name is Mary Slack.  She looked so pretty and was so thrilled that her father could be here with her to walk her down the aisle.  Both her and Curtis were beaming and I know Curtis will be a great addition to the neighborhood.  Good for them.  And thanks to all for the hard work and time involved in helping make Mary and Curtis's day one to remember.  Just a few pictures for everyone.

                                                                             

Facebook users---Beware!!!

Statistics show that 1 in 5 divorces are blamed on Facebook..  Please take heed!!  Here are a few suggestions that may help with internet use.  10 Facebook Rules for Married Couples:

1.  Don't spend more time on Facebook than you should--How much time is that?  It depends on what your spouse says.  Communicate with your spouse and ask them, "Am I spending too much time online?"  You want to make sure your spouse is your #1 relationship.  Don't Facebook during "couple" time.  (Husbands--when your wife aske you to watch a movie with her, do you facebook through it?  Wives--do you Facebook every night instead of going to bed with your husband?)
2.  NEVER hide things from your spouse on Facebook.  Openness and honesty is the glue of your marriage.  When you start hiding friendships, conversations, chat sessions and comments from your spouse, that is unhealthy.  If you're not allowing your spouse to know what you're doing on Facebook or online, that's a sign that you're doing something you shouldn't be doing.
3.  Share your Facebook password with your spouse.  Your should share every password and email address you have with each other.  Why?  It's called trust and accountability.  Knowing that you can open each others laptop at anytime and read anything, or see any place you've been, keeps us accountable.  Don't hide things from  your spouse.  Make sure you regularly tell each other---"You are welcome to see what I'm doing anytime."
4.  NEVER befriend anyone of the opposite sec that your spouse is uncomfortable with.  Think twice before befriending an old boyfriend or girlfriend.  Simply coummunication with your spouse about this is best. 
5.  Defriend anyone who crosses normal boundaries.  If someone is saying things, doing things or asking questions online that make you uncomfortable OR would make you uncomfortable in person,then that's not a good sign.  Listen to the still small voice in your head.  If something tell you "this isn't right," then it's probably not.  Never be ashamed or afraid to defriend someone that may have ulterior motives.
6.  If you're married, PROUDLY set  your "Relationship Statue" to married.  I wish there was a "Happily Married" status or, for that matter, an "I'm madly in love with my incredibly gorgeous wife." (or husband)
7.  Post pictures of you and your spouse on your Facebook, or use a "couple" picture as your profile pictures.
8.  Don't be afraid to proclaim your love for your spouse on Facebook.  Someone of the opposite sex won't question your love for your spouse if you occasionally brag on your spouse on your Facebook status.  It's healthy to brag on your spouse, and occasionally doing it in public conveys your love for your spouse to the world.  Please don't ever use your status to complain about your spouse.  Not Smart!!!
9.  Think before you type.  Don't make comments on statuses and pictures of other people that come across as suggestive.
10.  No matter how many friends you have on Facebook, remember that your #1 friend should be your spouse.  Strive to better that relationship on a daily basis.  Work 1,000 times harder to grow in your marriage relationship than you do at finding friends on Facebook.  NEVER take your relationship with  your spouse for granted.  The last thing you want is for 1,000 Facebook friends, while the love between you and your best friend slowly dies out..
Advice is given by Trey Morgan                    

Prayers for Lynette

Please keep Lynette in your prayers.  She is back in the hospital and having a few struggles.  Yes, she does have cancer.  But good news is that it looks like it hasn't spread.  The bishop has asked that we don't visit her right now.  She is pretty out of it and awfully sick.  They don't want any germs going her way.  We love you Lynette.                              

A couple of new sister in the ward

We have the Bybee family that moved into Sunset Ridge.  Yea!!! New sister in Relief Society.  We love it and we love her.  Nikki Bybee and her husband, Shawn  They also have a cute little baby boy, Teagan.  Please take time to welcome them.  Their address is 1522 S. 625 West.
And it's the Kartchner family--Sarah and Talon.  They live on Pinecone.  Address is 1193.  They are awesome and are expecting their first baby, a boy in November.  Everyone needs a friend when new in the area.  Please reach out!!
Then we also have a new family, the Aronhalt's.  Ghavah and Lisa.  They have 2 little boys, Haven who is 3 and Soarin who is 6 months.   They live on Pinecone too.  Their address is 1194.  Yea, we love new sisters. 

Thought for the day...

NO MATTER WHAT YOUR PAST HAS BEEN,

YOU HAVE A SPOTLESS FUTURE!!

 

Walk, Talk and Visit Teach!! So FUN!!

Thank you so much for coming to our activity!!  It was so fun.  We had a great lesson given by Rochelle and then for those that wanted to walk and get a little exercise, WE WALKED!!  For those that wanted to stay and visit, THEY VISITED!!  We brought food for the Care and Share.  We enjoyed being together and we ate food!!  Surprise!!!  Thank you for your support and a BIG THANK YOU to our committee.  They spent many hours planning and making sure it was a success.  Thanks Trixie and Carisa for heading it up.  It was great fun!!

Lesson last Sunday--When Prayers seem Unanswered!!

Well, it was my turn to give the lesson.  I would love to visit with you if you didn't have a chance to be there on Sunday.  I got the lesson from a book I read several years ago.  It's by S. Michael Wilcox and titled "When your prayers seem unanswered"  It has great principles about understanding the God we worship.  It's really helped me to understand that we may think our prayers aren't being answered but Heavenly Father has certain principles that he lives by and when we learn them we can see how it works.  It really helped me in a time when I needed to understand.  It's a great book if you want to get it.  Short read!!  You will love it.  We missed you if your weren't there.  Please come join us!!