The Book of Mormon - May 24, 2015

Natalie M. taught the lesson from two chapters of the President Ezra Taft Benson manual: Chapter 9, The Book of Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion and Chapter 10, Flooding the Earth and Our Lives with the Book of Mormon.

“I bless you with increased understanding of the Book of Mormon. I promise you that from this moment forward, if we will daily sup from its pages and abide by its precepts, God will pour out upon each child of Zion and the Church a blessing hitherto unknown..." Chapter 9: The Book of Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion

• What you have learned about the Savior by studying the Book of Mormon?

Our beloved brother, President Marion G. Romney, … who knows of himself of the power that resides in this book, testified of the blessings that can come into the lives of those who will read and study the Book of Mormon. He said:
        “I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity--the pure love of Christ--will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness” (Ensign, May 1980, p. 67).
Chapter 9: The Book of Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion

17 Wherefore, I the Lord, knowing the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth, called upon my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and spake unto him from heaven, and gave him commandments;
18 And also gave commandments to others, that they should proclaim these things unto the world; and all this that it might be fulfilled, which was written by the prophets--
19 The weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, that man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh--
D&C 1:17-19

6 Thou fool, that shall say: A Bible, we have got a Bible, and we need no more Bible. Have ye obtained a Bible save it were by the Jews?
7 Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth?
8 Wherefore murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more of my word? Know ye not that the testimony of two nations is a witness unto you that I am God, that I remember one nation like unto another? Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another. And when the two nations shall run together the testimony of the two nations shall run together also.
9 And I do this that I may prove unto many that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and that I speak forth my words according to mine own pleasure. And because that I have spoken one word ye need not suppose that I cannot speak another; for my work is not yet finished; neither shall it be until the end of man, neither from that time henceforth and forever.
10 Wherefore, because that ye have a Bible ye need not suppose that it contains all my words; neither need ye suppose that I have not caused more to be written.
2 Nephi 29:6-10

• What are the lessons you have been taught from the Book of Mormon?

There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path. The scriptures are called “the words of life” (D&C 84:85), and nowhere is that more true than it is of the Book of Mormon. When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance. Chapter 10, Flooding the Earth and Our Lives with the Book of Mormon

Now the spirit, as well as the body, is in need of constant nourishment. Yesterday’s meal is not enough to sustain today’s needs. So also an infrequent reading of “the most correct of any book on earth,” as Joseph Smith called it, is not enough. (History of the Church, 4:461.) Chapter 10, Flooding the Earth and Our Lives with the Book of Mormon

• Are there any scriptures in the Book of Mormon that relate to challenges we are facing today?

All-Hands Relief Society Meeting - May 10, 2015

We were blessed to be in the company of almost all the sisters, as the men took over roles in the Primary and Young Women classes.

Sue introduced the meeting with some interesting statistical information and quotes from Elder Ringwood's talk from April and Sheri Dew's "Are We Not All Mothers?" talk from October 2001 General Conference.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said: “Over the course of my life, I have had the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the most competent and intelligent men and women this world has to offer. When I was younger, I was impressed by those who were educated, accomplished, successful, and applauded by the world. But over the years, I have come to the realization that I am far more impressed by those wonderful and blessed souls who are truly good and without guile.”
(Truly Good and without Guile, Elder Michael T. Ringwood, April 2015 Conference)

Today there are some who would have us believe our search for relevance can be satisfied only by obtaining position and power. Yet, thankfully, there are many who are uninfluenced by this perspective. They find relevance in seeking to be truly good and without guile. I have found them in all walks of life and in many faith traditions. And I find them in large numbers among the truly converted followers of Christ.
(Truly Good and without Guile, Elder Michael T. Ringwood, April 2015 Conference)

Since it was Mothers Day, members of the presidency shared vignettes of women who had been strong influences in their lives - sisters in the ward, seminary teachers, young women leaders and dear friends.  We were then blessed by a musical number of "Nearer, My God, to Thee" by Becca and her children.
After the meeting we enjoyed a snack prepared by the activities committee, thank you ladies!

We hope you celebrate the ways that you feel valued and relevant and take a moment to thank a woman who helped you get there.

Pots de Crème recipe

Thanks Katie for the wonderful food at our All-Hands meeting.  Many asked for the recipe for the yummy treat - here it is.

Chocolate Pots de Crème

Cook’s Illustrated

This is my favorite chocolate dessert.  You do not have to use ramekins.  You can play with the depth of the chocolate - for our Relief Society gathering I used 6 oz.  60% Ghirardelli chocolate.

SERVES 8

We prefer pots de creme made with 60 percent cocoa bittersweet chocolate (our favorite brands are Ghirardelli, Callebaut, Valrhona, and El Rey), but 70 percent bittersweet chocolate can also be used. If using a 70 percent bittersweet chocolate (we like Lindt, El Rey, and Valrhona), reduce the amount of chocolate to 8 ounces. Covered tightly with plastic wrap, the pots de creme will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, but the whipped cream must be made just before serving.

INGREDIENTS

• Pots de Crème  
• 10 ounces bittersweet chocolate (see note above), chopped fine
• 5 large egg yolks
• 5 tablespoons sugar
• ¼ teaspoon table salt
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ¾ cup half-and-half
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• Whipped Cream  
• ½ cup heavy cream (cold)
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS

1. FOR THE POTS DE CRÈME: Place chocolate in medium heatproof bowl; set fine-mesh strainer over bowl and set aside.
2. Whisk yolks, sugar, and salt in medium bowl until combined; whisk in heavy cream and half-and-half. Transfer mixture to medium saucepan. Cook mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly and scraping bottom of pot with wooden spoon, until thickened and silky and custard registers 175 to 180 degrees on instant-read thermometer, 8 to 12 minutes.  Do not let custard overcook or simmer.
3. Immediately pour custard through strainer over chocolate. Let mixture stand to melt chocolate, about 5 minutes. Whisk gently until smooth, then whisk in vanilla. Divide mixture evenly among eight 5-ounce ramekins. Gently tap ramekins against counter to remove air bubbles.
4. Cool pots de crème to room temperature, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled, at least 4 hours or up to 72 hours. Before serving, let pots de crème stand at room temperature 20 to 30 minutes.
5. WHIPPED CREAM: Using hand mixer or standing mixer fitted with whisk attachment, beat cream, sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
6. Dollop each pot de crème with about 2 tablespoons whipped cream; garnish with chocolate shavings, if using. Serve.

May Hot Chocolate Morning

A DIY hot chocolate bar with 4 fancy recipes and homemade apple fritters made a great atmosphere for some great visiting this month.

The Power of the Word - May 3, 2015

Tori G. presented her thoughts and invited a good discussion based on how the scriptures impact our lives and the forces trying to limit that impact - based on Chapter 8: The Power of the Word from the Ezra Taft Benson manual.

Satan is waging war against the members of the Church who have testimonies and are trying to keep the commandments. And while many of our members are remaining faithful and strong, some are wavering. Some are falling. Some are fulfilling John’s prophecy that in the war with Satan, some Saints would be overcome. (See Rev. 13:7.)
Chapter 8: The Power of the Word

When Laman and Lemuel asked, “What meaneth the rod of iron?” Nephi answered, “It was the word of God; and [note this promise] whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction.” (1 Ne. 15:23–24; italics added.)
Chapter 8: The Power of the Word

• If we are thinking of ourselves clinging to the rod what are our mists of darkness? What is challenging us today?

... this is an answer to the great challenge of our time. The word of God, as found in the scriptures, in the words of living prophets, and in personal revelation, has the power to fortify the Saints and arm them with the Spirit so they can resist evil, hold fast to the good, and find joy in this life.
Chapter 8: The Power of the Word

“I am convinced that each of us, at least some time in our lives, must discover the scriptures for ourselves--and not just discover them once, but rediscover them again and again. …
        “The Lord is not trifling with us when he gives us these things, for ‘unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.’ (Luke 12:48.) Access to these things means responsibility for them. We must study the scriptures according to the Lord’s commandment (see 3 Ne. 23:1–5); and we must let them govern our lives.” (Ensign, Sept. 1976, pp. 4–5.)
Chapter 8: The Power of the Word

...when individual members and families immerse themselves in the scriptures regularly and consistently, these other areas of activity will automatically come. Testimonies will increase. Commitment will be strengthened. Families will be fortified. Personal revelation will flow.
Chapter 8: The Power of the Word