Aug 2014 -Sisterhood - The Joys of Family History Work

My name is Kristi C and I am a member of the Pheasant Meadow ward.  I am currently teaching the 16 year old Sunday School class and am a mother of six.  I was visiting with Sister Wintle recently and she asked that I share an experience I had with genealogy this past month.

I feel like this all started with Elder Holland's talk in October 2008; The ministry of angels.  At the end of his talk he said something that caught my attention, he said "Pray for angels to attend us."  I had never thought about actually asking them to attend to me, or assist me.  The last few years I have thought of this often, even thinking that I shouldn't call on them because they are probably too busy and I didn't want to disturb them.

Recently I downloaded the book; Angels: Agents of Light, Love and Power by Donald W. Perry, a BYU professor.  As I was reading this book in the quiet of our family room one evening, I felt the presence of someone to my left.  I turned and looked, but didn't have eyes to see.  I said, "I know you're here, but I can't see you."  The word genealogy came into my mind.  I was thinking, "All I know how to do is indexing."  After struggling with this for a few minutes I decided to go get the laptop.  Just as I decided to do so, my son's friend left, and I remembered that Tate, my 18 year old son, had been working on a line.  I asked him to pull up his Family Search account.  We saw that he had a family of seven reserved, but had not been printed.  I said, "Tate, I think this family wants their temple work done."  Tate pushed print on the computer and the room almost felt giddy, this family was so excited to finally move forward.  I asked Tate if he could feel it, he said "The room feels very light."

The next evening, which was a Friday I searched the parents names and found two more sons.  Our family would be leaving for vacation for a week in the next few days and our schedule was full until then and after.  I felt very strongly that I had to complete their work as soon as possible.

So,Saturday morning, my oldest four children and I went to the Brigham City temple, and were able to complete the baptisms for this family.  Tate took Korin and Kiera home, and I stayed with Zack to perform the initiatory.  What a blessing to be able to do the work for a mother and four of her daughters.

That evening we were able to attend the Bountiful temple with seven other family members, so a family of nine could receive the blessings of the endowment and being sealed together as a family.

This experience has begun to turned my heart to my fathers.  I want to find out about my family and tie us all together.  The reason I said that I thought this all started with Elder Holland's talk, is because I feel like it opened my mind to be more aware of the spirit world around me.   And because I was reading about angels my mind was more alert to their world and able to feel when they were in need of my attention.

I am grateful that the spirit world is here among us and at special moments they make themselves known to us.  I am also grateful for the love our Father in Heaven has for each of us, and for the experiences he gives us to grow and feel His love.

Aug 2014 - Thought on the Divine Role of Women

The Beginning of Better Days was very enjoyable to read. It was interesting and compelling.  Giving us as readers the desire to ask questions and seek for answers.  I appreciate the efforts of Virginia Pearce and Sherry Dew.  They are incredible people and very talented writers. But more importantly what the book provided for me was a confirmation of my own personal thoughts and opinions of what being a woman really means.  It confirmed that the Holy Ghost has been teaching me all along about the role of women in our Heavenly Father's eyes.  It confirmed to me that the questions I have been asking are taking me in the right direction and I can continue in receiving more enlightenment.  As the book states knowledge is power, I have witnessed that power in my life as I have come to understand my divine role as a woman. I appreciated the collection of quotes from others that were present in the book.  One quote that touched me like nothing I have ever experienced was by James E. Talmage.  He explained the bestowal of the Priesthood and the endowment and how it all works.  The closing sentence of this quote states: "Mortal eye cannot see nor mind comprehend the beauty, glory, and majesty of a righteous woman made perfect in the Celestial kingdom of God."  I have never had a witness so great from the Holy Ghost.  These words reached to my very core.  I knew them to be true and every woman has that opportunity to receive all the Father has.   Thanks for using your talents to enlighten women and empower us with knowledge.  You have enlightened me and I will never forget the experience I had while reading. 

Margie S, Fairgrove Ward

August Preparedeness Tip

Preparedness Tip:  Spraying solutions of vinegar and hydrogen peroxide, one after the other, kills virtually all salmonella, shigella, or E coli bacteria on heavily-contaminated surfaces.  This is more effective than chlorine bleach and is easier to use.  Just put the vinegar and hydrogen peroxide in small separate spray bottles being sure not to add water or mix the two together

Aug 2014 - Recipe Mimosa Mold Jell-O recipe

A recipe from Patty W.

" I tried it yesterday, my grandkids LOVED it and it will work for my brother who is diabetic."

Mimosa Mold

1 1/2 cups boiling water

1 pkg. (8-serving size) Jello Orange flavor sugar free low calorie gelatin

2 cups cold club soda

1 can (11 ounces) mandarin orange segments, drained

1 cup sliced strawberries  (I would add 2 cups)

STIR boiling water into jello and mix until completely dissolved.  Stir in club soda.  

Refrigerate 1 1/2 hours or until thickened (spoon drawn through leaves definite impression).

STIR in oranges and strawberries.  Pour into 6-cup mold sprayed with cooking spray.  (I put it in individual containers)

REFRIGERATE 4 hours or until firm.                       Makes 12 half-cup servings

CALORIES 15, CARB 3 g, TOTAL FAT 0g, FIBER 0g, PROTEIN 1g.