Lesson Summary: "Forget me Not"

Keith F. presented Sunday’s lesson on President Uchtdorf’srecent talk, Forget Me Not. In the talk, President Uchtdorf offers five truths that we should never forget:

1.   Forget not to be patient with ourselves
2.  Forget not the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice
3. Forget not to be happy now
4. Forget not the “why” of the Gospel
5. Forget not that the Lord loves you

Keith discussed how as he was preparing for this lesson over the Thanksgiving holiday he felt that this talk helped him with the inevitable stressors of the holiday. He remembered to pray for patience when things were tough. He suggested that applying President’s Uchtdorf’s wisdom to a specific situation may increase its salience and as such asked us to think about how we might apply these tenets to the upcoming Christmas season.

1.      Patience: We are not perfect, and others are not either. Our Father knows this and we should remember not to compare the worst in us to the best in others. Sisters in the ward suggested that while we remember others are not perfect, we offer acceptance to others (and ourselves), we don’t look for faults in others to buoy ourselves, but rejoice in the talents of others and the chance to learn. Another sister noted that it is prideful to compare ourselves to others, instead of giving of the talents we have been blessed with.

2.      Sacrifice: The holidays are fraught with busy activities. We can easily lose sight, but focusing on the scriptures and the “why” can help us evaluate whether activities are worth the sacrifice

3.      Happiness: It is easy to have Christmas be a to do list. We need to not think that “once we get past this activity” then I will enjoy the season. We should enjoy and feel the Spirit of the season always.

4.      The “why”: It is easy to lose sight of the reason for Christmas. Simply, we need to focus on Christ. Sisters suggested remembering to simplify, and to focus on people rather than things.

5.      Love: Keith ended by discussing Isaiah 49:16 and the appearance of Christ to the American continent. He requests that everyone come feel the wounds in his hands, not just people that would like to do so. He has engraved each person in his hand, not just the best people. He cares about each of us. He related the story of Mary Whitmer who was blessed to receive a personal witness of the gold plates in her hour of need, and the scripture account retold in the hymn “Abide with Me Tis Eventide” where two disciples receive comfort and teaching from Christ. They say “Thy walk today with me Has made my heart within me burn.” (read more about the history of this hymn)

Keith ended with his testimony and hope that we may feel the burning of Christ this season. 

Soup recipes from the RS Quarterly Birthday Party

Carloyn W. made two delicious soups for the Quarterly Birthday party and shared her recipes with us. The chicken noodle soup can be adapted to use up that leftover turkey meat. Some of my favorite memories of childhood involve eagerly deboning the leftover turkey, the seductive smell of the simmering broth and the toothsome bite of my Mom's homemade egg noodles, just the way I liked them... Happy Thanksgiving all!

Tomato Basil Soup

This recipe is super easy!  I used the recipe from the Cooking Light Soups cookbook, but added some things and changed the proportions slightly to match what I had on hand.  Here is the base recipe with my notes in parenthesis:
2 Tbsp olive oil
1-2 shallots, minced (my addition)
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
3/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
3-14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cups fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (I used Gourmet Garden basil- comes in a tube in produce section)
Whole basil leaves or chiffonade (optional)

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.  Add shallots and saute for 3-4 minutes.  Add garlic; cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly.  Stir in broth, salt and tomatoes; bring to a boil.  Reduce heat; simmer 20 minutes.  Stir in sliced basil.

2. Place half of soup in a blender; process until smooth.  Pour pureed soup into a bowl; repeat procedure with remaining soup.  Ladle soup into individual bowls.  Garnish with whole basil leaves, if desired.  (We served with orzo pasta and heavy cream).  Yield: 4- 1 1/2 cup servings.


Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

I made this one up as I went along, but here's a description.
Clean out a whole chicken.  In a large stockpot, heat 2 Tbsp oil.  Add whole chicken, turning it occasionally to brown the sides.  Add 1 chopped white onion and sautee along with the whole chicken.  After all sides of the chicken are browned, fill the pot with water until it covers the chicken, about 1 1/2 inches from the top of the pot.  Add 3 bay leaves, thyme, black pepper and sea salt.  Bring the water to a boil, then simmer for 4-5 hours.  As the water evaporates, keep adding more to cover the whole chicken.
Remove the chicken as best you can (it will be very tender and break in several pieces).  Pour the broth through a strainer into a large bowl to strain out the onions, bay leaves, spices and additional chicken.  Pour the broth back into the stockpot.  Remove any additional chicken pieces from the strainer to be used in the soup.  Separate chicken from the bones, cut in bite-sized pieces and add back to the broth.
Bring the broth back to a boil.  Once boiling, add whatever chopped vegetables you want to use (I usually used onions, carrots, celery and peas) along with a bag of egg noodles (I usually use whole wheat egg noodles).  Cook until noodles and vegetables are tender.  Salt to taste.

Sheryl's note: To make thiswith leftover turkey, just remove the turkey meat from bones and place the full carass in a pot of water - the carass should fill the pot but you should still be able to place the lid on. Add 3 bay leaves, a sprig of thyme, pepper and salt. Proceed as Carolyn suggests, except do not add the cooked meat until the end so it is just warmed through and doesn't toughen. Peas can be added at the same time as the leftover turkey meat.

Sunday lesson summary: A introduction to Catherine

Sunday we expressed our gratitude to outgoing RS President Marguerite, her counselors,
Krys and Eva and secretary April. We have certainly felt of their love and stewardship, thank them for their dedication and wish them a restful release!

We then welcomed our new president Catherine, her counselors, Claudia and Dawne and secretary Elizabeth. We certainly look forward to their energy and inspiration.

Catherine began her remarks by placing four pictures of her family in front  of the Oakland temple on the board. At first glance they all looked beautiful identical, but Catherine pointed out that each one has a something a little off. She then noted that one of the biggest messages of these pictures is that we all start from where we are at and grow from there. Her oldest daughter is 10 and this is the first time she has taken her children to the temple. She hadn't thought about it previously until the divine inspiration offered in General Conference, and decided that she should heed this advice. She noted that many people have the perhaps misconception that she is entirely organized and together, but she wanted to illustrate that she is growing and hopes to grow further in this calling.

She then noted that there are many ways to respond to needs. Take tearful faces - one could need Bounty for big tear days, some may prefer Kleenex and other toilet paper. Some may be accostomed to fine linens. In the new presidency's service not everything will be perfectly fitted to everyone's desires or expectations. But their service will be heartfelt and prayerful to meet the needs of the sisters.

She then showed a goblet, lovingly smeared with peanut butter and blackberries...it was rather disgusting. She noted that the water inside was perfectly clear. Likewise, we should not be quick to judge the appearance, and miss the pure water inside each other and our acts.

We certainly look forward to sustaining our new presidency with our service to others.

Lesson by Lisa H on Signs of the Second Coming

Signs of the Second Coming- Lesson 43

D&C 45:39, 44 – And it shall come to pass that [she] that feareth me shall be looking forth for the great day of the Lord to come, even for the signs of the coming of the Son of Man … and [she] that watches not for me shall be cut off.

Parable of the 10 Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) – The wise took oil in their vessels, went in with
bridegroom. Foolish virgins were shut out because He knew them not.

How can we prepare as the Wise Virgins?

Matthew 25:13 – Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

What are the signs of the coming great and terrible day of the Lord?

Which signs have we seen fulfilled, which are yet to come?

Great:

D&C 45:28 – Fullness of gospel restored

Matthew 24:14 – gospel preached in all the world

Ezekiel 37: 16/ 3 Nephi 21:2 – Coming forth of the Book of Mormon (stick of Ephraim)

D&C 49:24 – Descendents of Lehi will blossom as the rose

3 Nephi 21:23-24 – Israel gathered, New Jerusalem to be built

Malachi 4:5-6 – Elijah the prophet will return, Turn the hearts of the children to their fathers

Joel 2:28-29 – Spirit poured out, Dreams, Visions


Terrible:

Matthew 24:7 – Nation shall rise against nation, famines, pestilences, earthquakes

Matthew 24: 40-41 – Two in the field, one left one taken. Two grinding, one left, one taken

D&C 45:25-27 – Wars, rumors of wars, commotion, men’s hearts fail, love of men wax cold, iniquity abound

D&C 88:89-91 – Earthquakes, thundering, lightnings, tempests, waves heaving beyond bounds, commotion, hearts fail, fear

D&C 29:16 – Great hailstorm to destroy the crops of the earth

Joel 2:31 – Sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon into blood
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If ye are prepared ye shall not fear (D&C 38:30)

D&C 45:56-59 – Wise receive truth, take the Holy Spirit for their guide, are not deceived. Earth given them as an inheritance, their children shall grow up without sin unto salvation, Lord shall be in their midst.

Be Still and Know That I Am God

Lesson Summary: November 6, 2011

Marguerite H. expressed that she felt strongly prompted to focus Sunday’s lesson on eight simple but profound words from the scriptures, “Be Still and Know that I am God.” (Psalms 46:10) She highlighted three essential verbs the define each of us: “Be” “Know” and “Do.” As Mormon women we are very good at focusing on “do” to the extent that we may be anxious or overwhelmed but she urged us to focus our discussion the verbs in these 8 words, “Know” and “Be.”

 This same message was given to the children of Israel when they feared their fate in the wilderness (Exodus 14:13) and to early members of the Church during times of great challenge (D&C 101:16). These words can:

• encourage (and give permission for) us to simplify and focus on what is most important
• amid our busy lives to find ways to “be still”--to feel quiet stillness and peace--even (or especially) in small slivers of each day
• rekindle a desire to act on God’s invitation to know Him better--to gain strength and power from knowing God as our loving Heavenly Father and His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ
• share traps to avoid and personal ways to make being and knowing God an essential, daily source of strength and comfort we can draw on for everything else in our lives

Marguerite highlighted three concepts contained in Psalms 46

1.      Our confidence (Psalms 46:1-3). “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” Trouble is an integral part of life. Sister Beck said that “Every day, Relief Society sisters around the world experience the entire range of mortal challenges and experiences. Women and their families today live face to face with unrealized expectations; mental, physical, and spiritual illness; accidents; and death. Some sisters suffer loneliness and disappointment because they do not have families of their own, and others suffer from the consequences of poor choices made by family members. Some have experienced war or hunger or natural disasters, and others are learning about the strain of addictions, unemployment, or insufficient education and training. All of these difficulties have the potential to bleach the bones of faith and exhaust the strength of individuals and families.”

Marguerite taught the meaning of “Selah”

Selah  (Hebrew סֶלָה‎, also transliterated as selāh) occurs 71 times in 39 chapters of the Psalms.  The Psalms were sung accompanied by musical instruments so Selah notes a break in the song--a pause.  In music, the pauses are as important as the notes.  

Some scholars think Selah comes from the Hebrew root word salah (סָלָה‎) which means "to hang", and by implication to measure (weigh). In Biblical history, money, food and other valuables were 'weighed' by hanging or suspending them on a type of balance (the equivalent of our measuring scale) to determine their value." So another meaning of Selah might be:  measure carefully and reflect upon the preceding truth.   

2.      Our Calmness (and gladness) (Psalms 46: 4-7) The next verses change from calamity and chaos to calmness and gladness: “There is a river, the streams wherefore make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High” (v. 4). There is the calm, pure river, which is the source from which the streams irrigate, bring life, and add beauty in the very city of God. His presence is like the river—life-giving and sustaining, a source of peace and beauty in our lives.

3.      Our Conviction (and our compassion) (Psalms 46:8-10). Psalm 46 not only affirms the reality of God’s presence, it also invites to witness the evidence: “Come, behold the works of the Lord.... (v.8)  Two messages of these verses might be: He wants us to know of the possibility of His presence and power in our lives and He wants us to know he marshals the armies (i.e., “hosts”) of heaven to do his bidding.  He has power to end strife--between people and in our hearts--to help us have greater compassion.

Marguerite then discussed how we must focus on those things that matter most, inspired by President’s Uchtdorf’s 2010 conference talk and John C. Thomas Ensign article.

The year 1845 was a busy one for Latter-day Saints in Nauvoo, Illinois. Still mourning the violent death of the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Saints continued their efforts to complete the Nauvoo Temple, spread the gospel, and gather believers even as conflict with critics and dissenters hastened plans for an exodus to the West. On a Sunday in August 1845, Brigham Young paused from the demands of leadership to record a dream he’d had the previous night. “I dreamed … I saw Brother Joseph Smith,” he wrote, “and as I was going about my business, he said, ‘Brother Brigham, don’t be in a hurry.’” President Young said Joseph repeated the counsel twice more with “a degree of sharpness”: Brother Brigham, don’t be in a hurry. Brother Brigham, don’t be in a hurry.

Marguerite proposed four ways that our busyness can distract us from the important things in life.

1. Don’t Be in a Hurry so you Forget the First Commandment to love God

In the midst of our modern-day frenzy, how well do we remember that our time on earth is actually a gift from God?

2. Don’t Be in a Hurry to Do It All Yourself

Nephi put it this way: “Ye must pray always, and not faint; … ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul” (2 Nephi 32:9). We should begin each day with purposeful prayer for God to guide our days.

3. Don’t Be in a Hurry to Fill Your Days with “Busyness”

She discussed perceptions from national journalists that Mormon’s are so busy that busyness is esteemed over contemplation. It is true that we have work enough to do, but Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926–2004) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles cautioned us against a “frantic, heedless busyness … [that often] crowds out contemplation and … leaves no room for renewal.” …”when we “plan some time for contemplation and renewal,” we will feel drawn to our work instead of driven to it.”

4. Don’t Be in a Hurry to Be Done (NEW!)

Do you know the feeling of “I wish I were done”? It shows up everywhere, even in the way we think and talk about our testimony, our conversion, and the Lord’s redeeming work in the world. If we hurry, we can short-circuit the marvel of conversion and miss the moments that God has given us to help us feel His love and renew our hope in Christ.

“There seems to be little evidence,” Elder Richard L. Evans (1906–71) of the Quorum of the Twelve once said, “that the Creator of the universe was ever in a hurry. Everywhere, on this bounteous and beautiful earth … there is evidence of patient purpose and planning and working and waiting.”

When young Joseph Smith found himself in the fight of his life, “seized upon” by a powerful enemy who wanted to choke his prayer with despair and destroy him, when it took “all [of Joseph’s] powers [simply] to call upon God to deliver” him, “at [that] moment of great alarm,” how did deliverance come? In a “pillar of light … which descended gradually” (JS—H 1:15–16; emphasis added).

So where should we begin? For me, it is significant that the first step King Benjamin taught his people about becoming Saints was to yield “to the enticings of the Holy Spirit” (Mosiah 3:19). Learning to yield is opens the way to often small but crucial ways of change. President Benson taught:

“Becoming Christlike is a lifetime pursuit and very often involves growth and change that is slow, almost imperceptible.”

If we are in a hurry, the growth is imperceptible, but as we slow down, the Holy Ghost can help us recognize true progress—renewing our hope even as He teaches us what we yet lack to become like Christ (see Moroni 8:26; 2 Nephi 32:5).

Sisters discussed some ideas on how to

1.      Be realistic about how much we can actually accomplish during a day.

2.      Focus on what we have done, not what we have not done.

3.      Take the time to do things that are going to make you most effective, especially centering our lives on God.

4.      Go to a place of refuge, either physically or mentally.

5.      Focus on the relationships that are most important.

6.      Ask for God’s help at the onset of each day.

7.      Heal our relationships with God and family members.

8.      Let go of unnecessary things and simplify.

Marguerite concluded with her testimony "As we find ways be still, put God foremost, call on Him first, and wait on Him always, then we will come to know Him, to discern His still, small voice reminding us how well He knows us and how much He loves us.  He is our refuge, an ever present source of strength and everlasting well of comfort and gladness."   

“Let your hearts be comforted... for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God. Zion shall not be moved out of her place. They that remain, and are pure in heart, shall return, and come to their inheritances... with songs of everlasting joy.” (Doctrine and Covenants 101:16)

Selah.

Notes from Sister Julie Beck's talk

Hi Sisters,

I took notes during Sister Julie Beck’s talk, given at the San Jose Stake Center on October 8^th 2011. I tried to record what she said to the best of my memory, but they are still my words and not exact quotes. If you were there, please feel free to add or correct anything by posting to the "comments" section below. Thanks!

Introduction:

Sister Beck was introduced by her husband, who said she loved being called “Grandma” by her 14 grandchildren. He said they would come into the house and say “Hi Grandpa, where’s Grandma”, like he was “chopped liver” :) He said they love her so much because she gives them all personal attention and loves to spend time with them individually, taking them each out on birthdays, etc.

Sister Beck’s talk:

We are here to have the Holy Ghost speak to us.

There is order in the Lord’s plan—we have experiences to help us grow. The Lord uses experiences to draw us closer to Him, learn of Him, and help us become more like Him. He is teaching us how to get answers and how to manage the tests of life.

Audience Questions:

Sister Beck then asked the audience if anyone had any questions for her. Five women asked questions, mainly about what they should do in each of their difficult life circumstances (financial, children with challenges, etc).

Then Sister Beck began to speak again, addressing a couple of the questions and telling the following story:

Story of Sister Beck’s mother:

Her father was married and they had four young children. The fourth child died, and then his young wife died a short time later. He was raising his remaining three daughters by himself when he met the woman who would become Sister Beck’s mother. At the time she had just graduated from college and was working as a nurse. She had her own car, skis, tennis racket, and bowling ball—unusual for a woman at that time. She was living an exciting life.

One day, when she was spending time with the man who would be Sister Beck’s father and his girls, she noticed that one of the girls had her dress on inside out and backwards. She had a prompting that that little girl would never have to wear her dress that way again because she was going to be her mother. She decided to put away her skis, tennis racket, and bowling ball, and change the course of her life by marrying Sister Beck’s father in the temple.

Shortly after they were married, she decided that they needed a plan for their family. They came up with goals like regular scripture study, family home evening, music lessons for every child, and helping every child receive a college education. They called it their “Simple Life Plan”. It was pretty simple—it just became complicated by people! They had seven more children after that, including Sister Beck!

They stuck with all of the goals they had set—it was a family responsibility to help one another achieve those goals. Everyone pitched in. Even when Sister Beck was married and had a child, she helped her younger siblings complete their college educations. She helped one brother by going to his classes for him every other night and then sharing the notes she had taken. They supported one another as a whole family.

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Relief Society and Daughters in My Kingdom:

We have a family outside of our immediate families—the Family and Sisterhood of Relief Society.

We do not yet have the Relief Society on this earth that the Lord expects us to have, but we’ve been practicing. Relief Society is about the WORK and SALVATION. We are to help one another and strengthen one another. We are here to learn how (Relief Society) is supposed to be practiced in the Lord’s kingdom.

The book, Daughters in My Kingdom, is our game plan for how to be an LDS woman. We are being pulled off of our “game” for a lot of reasons and by a lot of destructive forces. Like Captain Moroni’s rent coat, this is what we believe in, defend, and will die for. (It even has rounded corners so it can fit well in a purse) Read and STUDY it.

Living in the Last Days: (we are definitely in them)

2 Timothy 3: (perilous times shall come) Perilous times are here now in the last days.

Alma 30: story of Corihor, (who thought he was being so original but was really just copying a man who lived long before him, Nehor, who was really just copying the devil.) Corihor preached the philosophy that we live in a world of contests and if you don’t win, you are a loser. But only one person can win. This was an anti-Christ teaching and led many women away.

The predatory messages that come at us today tell us to be dissatisfied with our lives.

2 Nephi 28:20 describes a world awash in apathy and anger and entitlement. Describes the world we live in today.

In Daughters in My Kingdom, page 5, there is a quote from Spencer W. Kimball: “The cultivation of Christlike qualities is a demanding and relentless task- it is not for the seasonal worker or for those who will not stretch themselves again and again.”

We must stretch ourselves again and again.

Sacrament meeting is for repentance. It is there to help us manage our lives. We are not expected to be perfect—it’s ok to keep trying (even when our actions keep falling short).

Purposes of Relief Society:

Increase faith and personal righteousness.

Get a temple recommend and then GO! Participate in all of the ordinances and pay attention to everything that happens and everything that you are blessed with, including all of the blessings of the priesthood. All of the blessings of the priesthood are for us, too!

Doctrine and Covenants 84: “man” means “mankind”. Verses 19-21: The “power of godliness is manifest” and is a guide to all the truth of the Holy Ghost. When you are endowed you receive knowledge of how to be more like God and make and keep sacred covenants.

“We are not alone in this battle”:

Alma 48 (and 49) is a model for us. We are fighting an army like the Amalickiahites, a deceitful and determined enemy. We need to strengthen our minds to be faithful. Our homes are like small forts. Don’t lower the drawbridge to let the adversary in! Build layers of defense around your homes.

We can do four things when we get up each day to help keep our faith strong:

1. Pray

2. Read our scriptures (that way, even if we don’t read again for the rest of the day, at least we have read something. Sister Beck keeps scriptures in every room of her house so that she can take a few minutes here and there to read if she has time.)

3. Get dressed

4. Make your bed because you’re not going back there!

In Alma 48 (and 49) they also placed the greatest number of people in the weakest places. We can model this by taking care of the weak points in our lives and our own weaknesses. We can’t do it all for everyone all of the time. Call in help. Don’t be afraid to prioritize your resources. Your Relief Society and ward are your safety nets.

Daughters in My Kingdom has a fabric motif on every page because when we weave ourselves together in sisterhood we are stronger.

Our role as women:

Emma Smith was engaged in work to build the Kingdom of God. She was strong, and could be called upon to offer strength to her husband, the Prophet.

We have female responsibilities in the Lord’s plan that no one else can fulfill. We fought for this in the war in heaven.

We can’t fulfill our role without the spirit and revelation.

Moses 7:62 talks of righteousness sweeping the earth “like a flood”. This is accomplished through us—women.

President Hinckley said “No other work reaches so close to divinity as does the nurturing of the sons and daughters of God.” (quoted in Daughters in My Kingdom chapter 9- “Guardians of the Hearth”: Establishing, Nurturing and Defending the Family).

DO NOT BETRAY THE TRUST COMMITTED TO YOU.

The atonement is there for you. Read Matthew 5 and John 11:26: “Believest thou this?”

Do you believe the Savior can heal and strengthen you?

Our power and influence on the earth:

Story:

Sister Beck recently met the head of the newly established United Nations Women’s organization. This woman spoke about what her organization was doing for about 20 minutes and then asked Sister Beck what she did. Sister Beck said that she was the Relief Society President for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, to which the other woman replied “well, your job must be easy. In your church the men do everything” (Sister Beck had to pause here in her story to let the laughter from the audience die down)

This woman then asked how many members were in our organization, and Sister Beck said about 6 million. She asked a series of other questions, like how many countries are we in (170), how many “grass-roots” organizations do we have (about 30,000 wards), and what we do (strengthen homes and families and provide relief from hunger, poverty, and disasters, to name a few…). The head of UN Women was amazed, especially when she learned that we receive no payment for our efforts.

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Importance of Visiting Teaching—we must nurture, love and care for one another.

WE CAN DO IT! We are equipped. We can strengthen.

Use the atonement. Prepare NOW for the dream of eternal life. Be a long-term optimist.