December Food Storage Prompt

Week 1:  Flour
Week 2:  Peanut Butter
Week 3:  Any frozen, canned or dried fruit
Week 4:  Broccoli

Featured Food Recipe:

Know a tasty recipe featuring our key ingredients?  Share!

November Food Storage Prompt

Week 1:  Rice
Week 2:  Beans
Week 3:  Mandarin Oranges
Week 4:  Pumpkin

Featured Food Recipe:

Know something delicious featuring this month's key ingredients?  Share! 

Stake Conference Next Saturday and Sunday

The semi-annual Hingham Stake Conference is scheduled for Saturday, November 6th and Sunday, November 7th. All meetings will be held at the Franklin Stake Center located at 91 Jordan Rd, Franklin MA. Click here for directions.

The schedule for Stake Conference is as follows:

Saturday, November 6th
4:00 PM - Priesthood Session
6:00 PM - Dinner
7:00 PM - Adult Session

Sunday, November 7th
10:00 AM - General Session

Please contact the sisters you visit to ensure they are all aware of Stake Conference and help organize rides as needed. Please contact the Relief Society Presidency if you are aware of any needs regarding transportation to Stake Conference.

October Food Storage Prompt

Week 1:  Pasta
Week 2:  Meat to freeze
Week 3:  Apples
Week 4:  Spinach
Week 5:  Instant meals (canned soup, chili, etc)

Featured Food Recipe:

Have a recipe you love featuring this month's key ingredients?  Share!

September 5th Lesson Recap

"Strengthening Your Relationship With Your Heavenly Father"

Some time ago in South America, a small group of outstanding missionaries was asked, "What is the greatest need in the word?" One wisely responded, "Is not the greatest need in all the world for every person to have a personal, ongoing, daily continuing relationship with Deity?" Having such a relationship can unchain the divinity within us, and nothing can make a greater difference in our lives as we come to know and understand our divine relationship with God and His Beloved Son, our Master. As Jesus said in the great Intercessory Prayer, "This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" (John 17:3)
(President James E. Faust)

President Faust gives five beginning, essential measures that will greatly clear the channel for a daily flow of "living water" from the very source of the spring (see John 4:7-15).

First, a daily communion involving prayer. A fervent, sincere prayer is a two-way communication that will do much to bring the Spirit flowing like healing water to help with the trials, hardships, aches, and pains we all face. What is the quality of our secret prayers? As we pray, we should think of our Heavenly Father as being close by; full of knowledge, understanding, love, and compassion; the essence of power; and having great expectations of each of us.

Second, a daily selfless service to another. The followers of the divine Christ have to be weighed on the scales of what their actions are rather than on solemn professions of belief. The true measure is found in Matthew: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these … , ye have done it unto me” (Matt. 25:40). A wise man observed, “The man who lives by himself and for himself is apt to be corrupted by the company he keeps” (Charles Henry Parkhurst, quoted in The International Dictionary of Thoughts [1969], 659).

Third, a daily striving for an increased obedience and perfection in our lives. “What manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am,” said the Savior (3 Ne. 27:27). Because of the perfect Atonement of Jesus, we may be made perfect (see D&C 76:69).

Fourth, a daily acknowledgment of His divinity. To have a daily, personal relationship with the Master, we must be His disciples. “For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?” (Mosiah 5:13).

Fifth, a daily study of the scriptures. President Spencer W. Kimball said: “I find that when I get casual in my relationships with divinity and when it seems that no divine ear is listening and no divine voice is speaking, that I am far, far away. If I immerse myself in the scriptures the distance narrows and the spirituality returns” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball [1982], 135).

Sources used to plan this lesson:
- "That We Might Know Thee" James E. Faust, Ensign, Jan 1999
- Feb 1999 Visiting Teaching message "God Speaks to His Children Through Personal Revelation"
- "Pray Always" Spencer W. Kimball, Ensign, Oct 1981
- "Be a Friend to the Savior" Robert E. Well, Friend, Feb 1988
- "Believing Christ" Stephen E. Robinson, Ensign, Apr 1992
- "The Love of God" Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Ensign, Nov 2009
- "Living by Scriptural Guidance" Russel M. Nelson, Ensign, Nov 2000

September Food Storage Prompt

Week 1:  Cereal
Week 2:  Peanut Butter
Week 3:  Berries (dried, frozen, fresh to freeze)
Week 4:  Tomatoes (canned, any variety)

Feature Food Recipe:

Inspired by this month's key ingredients?  Share!

August Food Storage Prompt

Week 1:  Dessert (cake/brownie/cookie mixes)
Week 2:  Beans
Week 3:  Peaches
Week 4:  Corn

Feature Food Recipe:

Have other great recipes featuring our key ingredients?  Share!

July Food Storage Prompt

Week 1:  Cornmeal/cornbread mix
Week 2:  Tuna
Week 3:  Pears
Week 4:  Peas
Week 5:  Check your basics!

Feature Food Recipe:

Make something incredible with one of our key ingredients?  Share!

June Food Storage Prompt

Week 1:  Instant Potatoes
Week 2: Peanut Butter
Week 3: Berries (frozen or dried)
Week 4: Tomatoes (canned, any variety)

Feature Food Recipe:

Know a mouthwatering recipe featuring one of our key ingredients?  Share!

May Food Storage Prompt

Week 1:  Bisquick/Pancake mix
Week 2:  Beans (dried or canned)
Week 3: Canned, frozen, or dried fruit of your choice
Week 4: Broccoli
Week 5: Seeds!

Feature Food Recipe:

Other recipes you love that feature this month's key ingredients?  Share!

What the Quilts Look Like

This weekend, Holly delivered our quilts to the storehouse to be forwarded on to the Church Humanitarian Aid Center and distributed to those in need.  This project has been an amazing experience for us, at least for me, as we've worked together, with the community, and with our families to make these big thick quilts for some unknown friend to use. 

I was thinking as we stacked up 18 90"x90" quilts about how beautiful so many of them are.  I thought about the many hours so many of you gave to make them.  Time given in spite of to do lists and personal concerns.  I thought about our hands; pinning and sewing and cutting and stitching.  Then I thought of my mom.  One Christmas she pieced quilts for me and each of my siblings.  She made them each special for us, colorful, soft, and unique.  Coming up on 15 years later, they're still around, keeping us cozy.  They're good quilts, they're warm.  But I love mine because someone made it special for me. 

I imagined being the recipients of one of these quilts.  It's one thing to be handed a scratchy brown standard issue quilt that will get the job done.  Would you use it and be thankful for it, sure!  But what if you were handed something soft and colorful and one of a kind?  Something made special.  Something made by a person with a heart and intentions, not an automated machine.  For me, at least, something about a different quilt, a beautiful quilt like one of these would speak calm to something in me.  I think the love stitched in it would help me feel peace in the middle of a mess. 

So what, exactly does 18 queen size and 3 baby quilts look like?   All bagged up, like this:

All stacked up, like this:

Thick as a mattress!  Need a more whimsical visual?  Think "the princess and the pea"....

Click on this picture of the baby blankets for a better look.  The fabric was donated by a non-member friend and I was in love with the end results!  They'll keep 3 little babies warm and entertained ;)

So congrats, friends!  Thanks again for a great project :)  We love you!

Share the Love

 The following is a list of items the Davis family has loved, but outgrown.   They need to clear some space but would prefer to pass these things along to someone else interested in enjoying them.  Most of the list is available for free, everything else is offered at an awfully tempted price....Take a look:

Free Stuff

 

1. Changing Table
2. Girl’s Clothes (Newborn-9months)
3. Boy’s Clothes (3months-3T)
4. 6.5 ft. pre-lit Christmas tree
5. Portable baby swing
6. Fisher-Price Infant-to-Toddler Vibrating Rocker
7. Blue Bumbo (it does have crayon stains on the seat)
8. Tiny Love Gymini: Super Deluxe Lights and Music Play Mat
9. Avent Microwave Sterilizer
10. 0-9 month sleeper sacks (6 of them: 2 blue and rest pink and white)
11. Large sleeper sacks 12-18 months (3 brand new in packaging yellow ones, used: 1 blue and 1 yellow)
12. Blue wingback chair (arms are worn)
13. Blue recliner (rocks and swivels)

 

For Sale

 

1. Graco Stroller (I think it’s a Metrolite but not sure): $20
2. Maytag Washer (2004): $100
3. Maytage Dryer (2004): $100

Think you might be happy to give these things a home?  Contact Betsy Davis or myself ASAP. 

Quilting Wrap-up

 

Shortly after the devastating earthquake in Haiti we wanted to find a way to contribute relief to the victims of disasters like this.  As a presidency, we soon settled on the idea of making quilts and we asked for your help.  The results have been phenomenal!  Together, we found the time and the resources.  We assembled, bound, and tied seventeen thick and cozy 90" x 90" quilts and two baby quilts.

Many hands make light work....

We plan to deliver the results of this project to the bishops storehouse this Saturday.  We're trying to round up the last few quilts that were distributed to be tied so if you have one, please contact Holly or myself.  We'll do our best to get pictures up of the total finished project.....all stacked up it looks like a full size mattress!

Again, as a presidency, we'd like to share our love and appreciation for each of you, always, and especially in working together in this effort.  It's been a pleasure!  We love you.

(photos by Kristen Tutt)

Visiting Teaching Message--April

“The temple is a house of learning. Much of the instruction imparted in the temple is symbolic and learned by the Spirit. This means we are taught from on high. … Our understanding of the meaning of the ordinances and covenants will increase as we return to the temple often with the attitude of learning and contemplating the eternal truths taught. … Let us enjoy the spiritual strength and the revelation we receive as we attend the temple regularly.”4
Silvia H. Allred, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency.

Find the full text of this month's visiting teaching message here

General Conference Weekend

Twice a year we have the opportunity to hear the good council of our prophet and general church leadership.

All four sessions will be broadcast to meeting houses world wide and are available online.  You can find this weekend's program here.  Coverage starts at noon.  And remember, priesthood is at eight tonight, girls night out anyone?

April Food Storage Prompt

Week 1: Oatmeal
Week 2: Meat to freeze
Week 3: Raisins, craisins, or other dried fruit
Week 4: Green beans (any variety, canned or frozen)

Feature food Recipe:

 Something with dried fruit.....maybe this trail mix, or this salad

Inspired by this month's key ingredients?  Share!

Relief Society Birthday Party and Service Yankee Swap

Additional event details here. Please bring a plate of cookies to share!

The Little Red Hen and You

Remember the story about that industrious Little Red Hen who turned wheat into bread?

 Janssen Bradshaw happens to have a lovely new wheat grinder to spare.  

If you bought it, you too could turn this

into this

It's this model, brand spankin' new, and going at a discounted price!  Talk to Janssen for details.

March Food Storage Prompt

Week 1:  Flour
Week 2:  Peanut butter
Week 3:  Peaches
Week 4:  Sweet potatoes (instant or canned)

Feature Food Recipe:

Smuckers BBQ Peanut Butter Chicken

• 1 cup SMUCKER'S® Natural Peanut Butter
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
•  3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 teaspoons ginger, finely chopped
• 2 1/2 pounds chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into 1 1/2-inch strips. 

Directions

1. Prepare marinade 2 hours before ready to grill.
2. Mix the ingredients, except the chicken in a blender until combined. If too thick, add up to a cup of water to thin.
3. Marinate the chicken for approximately 2 hours.
4. Lightly oil the medium/hot BBQ grill.
5. Place chicken on the grill for 6-8 minutes.

Other delicious recipes featuring this month's key ingredients?  Share!

Meet Janssen

Moroni 7: 35-37
And now, my beloved brethren, if this be the case that these things are true which I have spoken unto you, and God will show unto you, with power and great glory at the last day, that they are true, and if they are true has the day of miracles ceased? Or have angels ceased to appear unto the children of men? Or has he withheld the power of the Holy Ghost from them? Or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man upon the face thereof to be saved? Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain.

Briefly share your education/work experience? what did/do you choose to spend your time on? why?

I got a bachelor's degree in history from BYU and then a year or so later went back to school at the University of Texas at Austin to get a masters in information studies, with a focus on services for children and youth; I can imagine a program that would be more fun! Now I am an elementary school librarian and run the libraries at two schools.

What's your favorite way to spend the weekend?

Playing games with friends, lounging around in a clean house (notice I didn't say that CLEANING the house was my favorite way to spend the weekend), cooking, and watching movies.

What is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen?

My grandparents' fiftieth wedding anniversary. We had a big dinner in Salt Lake and every single family member was there. It was one of the best nights of my life.

Who can always make you laugh? how?

Dave Barry. I love reading his old newspaper columns and dying with laughter.

How long have you been in the Hingham Ward?

Since the end of August 2009. Newbies!

What is a "Fun Fact" about you"?

I didn't graduate from high school. I was doing part-time homeschool and didn't have enough credits to graduate.

What is your home town?

Las Vegas, Nevada.

Quilting Marathon Activity

To replace the postponed activities that were interrupted by this week's storm forecast we are going to take advantage of Winter Break by hosting a Quilting Marathon Activity:

Help us assemble, sew, and maybe even get a jump on tying!  The format is open house, so come and go as you please!   


All day Wednesday, February 17th from 9 AM to 9 PM and again Thursday morning, 9 AM to noon.

The Relief Society will be providing light refreshments and may organize take-out at mealtimes.  Feel free to bring additional snacks to share!

We invite you to bring any friends and/or family members who are interested :)  We especially invite you to bring your daughters' participating in the Young Women or Faith in God programs!  We will open up the Primary wing as a play area for little ones (supervision will not be provided but we will help arrange a rotation for sisters who want to quilt and bring their kids along).

Still want to donate materials? We've collected enough fabric for about 20 quilts but are still working on getting batting and smaller supplies like white thread, safety pins, straight pins, needles and especially clamps.  If you have these items to donate or lend please contact Jennie Wilde or Connie Harrop so we can maximize the use of cash donations elsewhere.  Thank you!

Quilts for Disaster Relief

The Relief Society (via LDS Humanitarian Services) is getting together a little project to make quilts for victims of natural disasters like the terrible earthquake in Haiti.  We invite every ward member (and friends!) to participate in this effort to provide some relief to the victims of such devastating events.  Wanna be a part of it?  Here's what you can do:


We need:

 Donated: fabric (90x90, preshrunk if necessary, no denim or corduroy please), batting (bonded polyester 1/2 inch thick), pins, thread, needles for tying, yarn, and your time!
If you choose you may also make a cash donation to help purchase these items in bulk.  To do so, please speak with Jennie Wilde or Connie Harrop.
 
Lent to us:  sewing machines, quilting frames and 2 1/2 inch or larger clamps, fabric scissors, tacks, (please label clearly so we can return them easily)



When it's all coming together:

We're looking to gather as many materials as we possibly can by Sunday, February 7th so we can get working.  I know that's just a few days warning so of course we'll continue to take donations as they trickle in but would like to get things started as soon as possible :) Please bring whatever items you can donate or lend to the Relief Society room.

Wednesday, February 10th we will gather at the church to assemble, pin and begin sewing at 7 PM.  Those who can't make it Wednesday night would be invited to come help Thursday, February 11 at 10 AM.  Any unbound quilts will be sent home with volunteers to finish.

Saturday, February 20th we will have quilting frames set up and ready to go beginning at 10 AM.  Additionally, there will be "tying parties" announced to be hosted in your neighborhood groups between February 16th and February 27th.  Watch for those dates.  We will leave a quilt up on frames on the stage at the church from the 20th until they are all done so if you happen to be at the building stop in and do a couple stitches!

Even if you can't make it to any of these events we invite you to participate!  Barbara Hogan is exploring the possibility of coordinating with a Randolph school to get a few done.  You could also do one as a family, as a project with your spouse, with your book group, for a girls night in.....you can find simple instructions here

As quilts are completed we will collect them in the Relief Society room.  The first batch should be turned in by Sunday, February 28th in order to be shipped to Church Humanitarian Services (and forwarded to those locations most in need) on March 1st. 

Thank you so much for your good works!

February Food Storage Prompts

Happy February!  Here's what to stock up on this month...

Week 1: Rice

Week 2: Beans

Week 3:  Pears

Week 4: Corn

Feature Food Recipe:  "Pear Walnut Chicken" by Taste of Home Test Kitchen via allrecipes.com. 

Ingredients

• 1 (15 ounce) can sliced pears
• 1/2 cup unsweetened apple juice
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 1 inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• Hot cooked rice

Directions

1. Drain pears, reserving juice in a 1-cup measuring cup. Add enough water to measure 3/4 cup. Set pears aside. In a small bowl, combine the pear juice mixture, apple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce and garlic powder; set aside.
2. In a large skillet, saute chicken in oil for 4-6 minutes or until no longer pink. Add parsley and pear juice mixture. Cover and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and cold water until smooth; pour into skillet. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1 minute or until thickened. Stir in walnuts and pears. Serve over rice if desired.

Other favorite recipes featuring this month's ingredients?  Share!

Food Storage Prompt Intro

Food storage is a big concept, and a very personal one.  But also an important one, because whether your a family of nine with two incomes and a big house or a student couple living in a shoe-box, we all have emergencies.  Maybe someday it'll be that big blizzard.  But sometimes it's things like having an unexpected car repair that cleans out your slush fund.  Whatever brings on your rainy day, it's always nice to have some cushion to brighten things up. 

Our goal is to help each family develop the habit of constantly building food storage; whether it makes sense for you to build up food for a year or can barely fit in food for a month, we want to help.  In an effort to work towards our goal together but also according to our own individual needs, we will be posting a food storage prompt every month to keep the subject fresh in your mind.   

The idea here is that every family determine a certain, consistent, amount (be it $2 or $20) to be spent on food storage every week.  I pick an item every week and buy as much of it as my predetermined amount of cash will buy.  I came up with a rotation that I'll be sharing with you: first week is carbs, second week: protein, third week: fruit, fourth week: veggie, fifth week: surprise!  I'll post the items according to their rotation along with a recipe featuring one of our key ingredients.  Remember to buy what you'll eat, and eat what you buy, my prompts are just suggestions!  With that in mind, all my prompts are things that get worked into our (the Wilde family's) regular menu.  I won't do things like 500 lbs of flour.  However, if you're starting from absolute scratch and would like to get a jump on things, here's a couple ideas of where to begin: 

Basics:  Everything you'd get on your first trip to the grocery store after moving to a new home---flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, baking powder, yeast, oil, shortening, spices, vanilla, vinegar, etc.  Make sure you have a comfortable store of everything you'd just assume you had on hand when reading a new recipe.  Plus some bottled water.  Ideally, buy in January and replenish as needed or whenever items are on sale.


Storm food:  Three days worth of food you could eat with little to no prep (like, straight outta the can :) ) in the event of a power outage, major blizzard, ridiculous illness, etc.  Canned soups, fruit, veggies, baked beans, tuna, powdered milk, juice, etc.  Anything that might be tricky to live without if housebound i.e. toilet paper, diapers, wipes, feminine sanitary products, basic medicines (tylenol, benedryl including infant or child varieties)  Plus a few comforts like cocoa, candy, gum.  Have on hand throughout the winter and replenish as used. *

*Carolyn Nielsen has a great plan for this specific kind of emergency prep documented.  That information can be made available upon request I'm sure.  

Meet Missy!

Moroni 7:45 & 48
"Chartiy suffereth long and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is no not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things." .... 48: " Wherefore, my beloved bretheren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of is Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure."

What is your happy thought?

My "Happy Thought" is a well kept secret place at the Great Salt Lake. Farmington Bay never disappoints. Go there in February, see more than 50 bald eagles sitting in one stand of trees, go in the spring and see thousands of migrating water birds nesting. Return in the fall to catch the migrating birds stop over for a little reprieve on their way back down to South America. No matter what time of year you go it is tranquil and serene.

What is your favorite book, piece of music, or work of art?

I LOVE anything written by Chaim Potok, especially the Asher Lev series.

Briefly share your education/work experience…What did/do you choose to spend your time on? why?

I worked in Biotech/Drug Discovery for 10 years before I retired to stay home with the kiddos. I love everything about the industry except the ability to work part time. There is always something new to learn, robots to play with, plenty of room for creativity, flexibility in schedule, the customer is so far removed there is no dress code and no pleasing anyone (except those finicky little creatures you work with). And then there is the data! How I loved playing with those numbers. I started my career cloning worms, moved on to the wonderful world of yeast and genetics and ended by designing disease models for Cancer, ALS, and Muscular Dystrophy and screening for novel drugs. Never found a breakthrough drug, but had fun trying.

You are given twenty million dollars and ten years to live...how would you spend it?

Traveling with my family to exotic places.

What's your favorite way to spend the weekend?

Weekend or not, my favorite way to spend time is splashing through the tide with Brad and the little Toads.

How long have you been in the Hingham Ward?

We are in our 9th year. We moved here for Law school and loved it and decided to stay. We LOVE the Hingham Ward. Right from the start we felt like we were pulled to the center of the ward.

What's a "Fun Fact" about you?

I have 3 brothers and 4 sisters, but I am the only girl born to my mother who is not a twin.

What do you choose to spend your time on? Why?

I like to spend my free time swimming and running. Although, I have no interest swimming or running solo. I am social exerciser. I especially enjoy running by the ocean early in the morning. I like to run with someone else because I enjoy the therapy of talking out the vicissitudes of life. Top it all off with a massage and it is the best day ever.

Fun Facts about yourself?

I could go completely without a TV if it were not for PBS. My favorite show is NOVA which Brad, Sam and I watch every week. Also topping the list is This Old House, American Experience, Frontline, Masterpiece Theater and anything the kids will watch so I can get a few moments to do important things like write spotlights about myself.

Links from Fresh Start Workshop

Thanks again to those who attended and contributed to our Fresh Start Workshop Wednesday night!  Below you'll find the gist of what was discussed and links for more complete info on each topic. 

Time Management and Home Organization

"Ideals are starts to steer by.  They are not a stick to beat ourselves with." ---Barbara Smith, former General Relief Society President

It's about setting routines and practicing them.  Kristin used a lot of ideas from the FLYLady system (Finally Love Yourself).  Check out FLYLady's wonderful outlook on her site here.

 Budgeting and Debt Reduction/Elimination

Connie shared her experience and counsel about setting a budget and getting out of debt.  Links that might be worth a look are here and here.  Check your credit report here (free once per year from each of the three credit reporting companies.  This will not release your credit score (which might affect it) unless you arrange for that specifically so you can check it often and have a good idea of where you really are.  It's a good way to protect yourself from fraud).  Great ideas on the Provident Living site under family finances.  We also highly recommend the "One for the Money" pamphlet, link available on the Provident Living site, or pick up a copy from the library or Relief Society room. 


Food Storage

"Buy what you eat, and eat what you buy."

It's personal, the details are different for every family, what's important is that you do it, and use it.  Amy shared her five-minute food storage salsa with us and I've been dreaming of it ever since!  Ask her and I'm sure she'll share ;)  Check the Provident Living site under Family Home Storage for good information.  And keep your eyes peeled for more suggestions about food storage and emergency prep coming soon. 

Fresh Start Workshop

It's not too late to start fresh in the New Year....

Fresh Start Workshop

Wednesday, January 20th  7:30-8:30 PM

Meet us in the Relief Society Room for tip, tricks and a new outlook on:

Time Management & Home Organization*

--Kristin Planinz--

Budget Basics & Debt Reduction

--Connie Harrop--

Food Storage

--Amy Openshaw--

Re'fresh'ments will be served.

*Kristin's presentation will feature ideas from the "FLYlady" program.  Additional info can be found here.

Meet Jennifer Ashley!

What do you do when you're scared?

I sing primary songs when I'm racing and scared. I learned to swim after a life guard fished me out of the deep end at the local pool, I was dared by my brothers to jump off the high dive. My parents decided I should join the swim team that year. (We could only afford one year, thus ended my swim future.) So I have this love/fear relationship with water. I competed in the USTA world championship In Sweden as a member of TeamUSA, it was extremely cold and the swim on the international long distance races is actually longer than the ironman. So there we are swimming, it's freezing cold and I'm sing Primary songs in my head. They're the worst renditions ever... because I sing them to my pace. Throughout the swim, they got slower and slower with a lot of slurring, but it was such a comfort no matter where I am or how hard it is... the gospel is true.

Share one of your most embarrassing moments:

I almost kissed someone at church that wasn't my husband. In America, we have a comfort zone of about 2-3 feet. Most people, especially members of the opposite sex, keep this distance. One Sunday, I was talking to someone and this dark suit was less than a foot away behind me, listening over my shoulder, Mike's height and built, so when my conversation ended I turned to kiss "Mike." Yahaaa! That was close. I don't think this person even knows, but I was dying. No more kissing at church for me.

You are given twenty million dollars and ten years to live...how would you spend it?

I would continue to expand Feed the Need. I would like to have more races and spend less time worrying about budgets. It's amazing to help others. We just delivered over 2,000 pounds of produce to food pantries during the Christmas week. Missy and I dropped off 1,250 pounds of potatoes, onions and carrots on Saturday. On Monday, when we came back with fruit, the previous produce was gone. Tuesday, I dropped off cans from a office food drive... there was no fruit left. There is such a need and I would devote my time and fortune on it for both the giver and the receiver.

What's your favorite way to spend the weekend?

Outdoors, I love seeing the Lord's creations. It's a step out of time, something that anyone may have experienced in any dispensation. My father enjoyed creating pen and ink drawings, especially trees. It's a mutual love; I enjoy an interesting tree. I can stop in full stride to admire a great tree, brook, rock formation, smell grapes, etc.

What's the most beautiful thing you've ever seen?

The human body. The Lord is an amazing creator. My anatomy/physiology/pathology classes brought this awareness to me in full force. There are so many systems in the body and their complex interactions allow us a mortal life that's mind boggling. I love to see a happy toddler running around; is there anything more perfect or beautiful.

What's a "Fun Fact" about you?

I started running while living here. I wanted to have another child, Mike discussed three concerns he had: find a doctor that would take me (high risk/blood clots), bigger car (we wouldn't fit in our sedan) and better shape (no comment.) I started reading up on the fastest ways in to get in shape, I'm sure I did more research than the grocery store check out headlines. But, there it was..."Running, fastest way to get in shape." I remembered Amy Openshaw ran in college, so I called her and asked if she wanted to run with me. I called several women in the ward directory and Linda Erickson was the only taker. Amy suckered Diane Nielsen into coming. So the four of us went over our schedules to see what time would work. My mouth hit the floor when THEY came up with 5:30 am. I'd never seen 5:30 in the morning, I'd seen 5:30 am pulling an all-nighter, but IN THE MORNING... no way. I had to eat crow if I wanted this... so three times a week we met at the ward building before seminary to run. I'm sure it's not lost on anyone, myself included, that I was and still am, significantly heavier than any one or three of them combined. With that stated, I did see the most improvements in weight loss and inches. It was a great time in my life. I could not have asked for better company. I went on to met a wonderful doctor. I left the car in the Lord's hands; I remember praying, "I've done all that I can." Mike's grandmother passed away and left us a minivan, it turns out I was two months pregnant then.

What is your home town?

Every year on our birthday, we would hear about the day of our birth. My father would start with.... "Your mother let me know with no doubt that it was time to go to the hospital. I ran out to the car and it wouldn't start (my father had a love affair with old, junky cars that never worked, I think it made him feel needed), so I woke your uncle up. He lived in the rabbit hutches too." "What rabbit hutches, Dad?" "Why, married student housing at BYU." My only memories of my childhood are of Indiana, but I have a birth certificate that says Provo, UT on it. Wait, does that make me a Utah Morman?

New Gospel Principles Manual

"Wherefore, they shall come to the knowledge of their Redeemer and the very points of his doctrine, that they may know how to come unto him and be saved."

                                                                               1 Nephi 15:14

Since 1998, the Relief Society lesson for the second and third week in the month has come from the "Teachings of the Presidents of the Church" manuals.  Beginning next week, we will be taking a two year break from immersing ourselves in the teachings of one particular latter-day prophet and instead focus on getting back to basics by reviewing the new and improved Gospel Principles manual.  In this month's Ensign, Russell M. Nelson explains the reasons for the change in curriculum and promises "by reinforcing your study of the core doctrines of the gospel of Jesus Christ, your testimony will grow, your happiness will increase, and you will find a greater abundance of the blessings of the Lord in your life."   

Read the full text here

Visiting Teaching Message January 2010

“‘Self-reliance means using all of our blessings from Heavenly Father to care for ourselves and our families and to find solutions for our own problems.’ Each of us has a responsibility to try to avoid problems before they happen and to learn to overcome challenges when they occur. …
“How do we become self-reliant? We become self-reliant through obtaining sufficient knowledge, education, and literacy; by managing money and resources wisely, being spiritually strong, preparing for emergencies and eventualities; and by having physical health and social and emotional well-being.”1
Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president.

Read more here 

Bunco Night

Come in out of the cold for a night of laughter, games and prizes.   Bring your friends and a snack to share!

Friday, January 15 7:30 PM

Location TBA

The game works best when played with even numbers.  If possible, please contact Jennie Wilde so I can get a rough head count....but don't be shy about showing up at the last second!  We'll happily rotate you in :)

Fresh Start Workshop

Happy New Year!  We are pleased to announce a workshop to help get a fresh start in the new year!  Three of our sisters will share tips and tricks on time management and home organization, food storage, and budgeting!

Wednesday, January 20 7:30 PM

Hope to see you there!

Meet Marilyn!

Third Nephi 1:13

Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets.

John 20:16

Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

Home town - Spokane, Washington
How long have you been in the Hingham Ward - thirty-nine years. Good grief. That sounds awful.
What I long to spend time on - is completing photo histories for children and grandchildren.
Who can always make me laugh? My grandchildren and talking to the children at Church and talking to the grown-ups at Church and my husband can always make me laugh.
A fun fact about me: might be about finding out all the truly amazing powers of Santa Claus. One year when I was little I decided there was no way Santa came down the chimney. To prove that he did my parents put tables in front of the outside doors so no one could possibly enter.
Of course, on Christmas morning nothing had disturbed the tables so, wonder of wonders, I discovered Santa really does come down the chimney.
The most beautiful thing I have ever seen: So many things have overwhelmed me with their beauty. But a scene that never fails to bring me unspeakable joy are the gardens at the Villa d' Este at Tivoli just outside of Rome in January. Gary and our three year old son Tai and I were the only ones at the Villa one day in January. We had all of the gardens of unimaginable beauty filled with a hundred frozen and nearly frozen fountains to ourselves to run and dance around with the bright sunny sky making the ice sparkle like millions of diamonds. We could hardly believe what we were seeing and feeling. When we came upon the gardner's cottage they invited us to come in and share their huge fire of twigs. The beauty of that day will always be close to my heart. Another of the most beautiful things I have ever seen are the beautiful faces of my son and daughter as I rocked them when they were babies and thinking "It never gets better than this."