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.