This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Christy's Boyfriend Pillows

2012-01-10T22:14:00.001-08:00

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Thank you Starla!

2012-01-09T22:27:00.001-08:00

You did a wonderful job! Love you!

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The Big Day

2011-08-03T21:00:00.001-07:00

We Are Family

Great Talks To Download

2011-06-17T14:43:00.001-07:00

Thanks Star and Ryan! Dad loves his gift. I love listening to Dad talk about something he has listened to.

Here are a few of our favorite talks:

Terry Warren

Wendy L Watson Nelson
Solving Our Problems With Celestial Therapy

Daniel Peterson
We love this guy. Great talk. Melissa, I thought of you when I listened to this.
http://www.fairblog.org/2011/05/04/best-of-fair-episode-2-humble-apologetics/

Brad Wilcox
http://www.byub.org/talks/Talk.aspx?id=3882

Low Fat and Easy Tamales-Very Delicious!

2011-06-06T21:01:00.000-07:00

Photo
I love this recipe

24 dried corn husks (hohas)
Batter(Double if you like a thicker batter around your fillings)
• 2 cups corn kernels (may use frozen sweet corn kernels, defrosted)
• 2 Table. milk
• 2 Table butter(rm temp.)
• 2 tsp. sugar
• salt to taste
• 1/3 -1/2 cup cornmeal

•
• Puree corn kernels with milk and butter in food processor.. Add sugar, salt and 1/3 c. cornmeal; blend quickly, Add more cornmeal only if the batter seems to be too liquid

• Our favorite filling is for each tamale add half a jalapeno pepper and cheddar cheese.
• You can also add some chicken or other meat or even some beans. Maria adds a slice of potato to hers. Stu’s mom adds ham.

• Steam tamales over barely simmering water for about 1 hour (Some times they are done in 20-30 min.). Check water level occasionally, adding boiling water as necessary.
•

Whole Wheat Soft and Fluffy Bread Made With Tang Zhong

2011-06-02T13:30:00.000-07:00

Photo and another whole wheat Tang Zhong recipe
Star, this is the recipe I used to make the rolls you like. I adapted it from this site
Tangzhong - Double for my bread recipe
Ingredients
1/3 cup bread flour
1 cup water
Directions
1. Mix flour and water together and whisk until it is completely dissolved and no lumps remain.
2. Pour mixture into a small pot and turn on medium heat. Begin stirring constantly as the mixture heats up. It will begin to thicken. Keep stirring until you see “lines” forming.
3. Once the mixture is cooled, pour it into a bowl and cover the top using plastic wrap. Place the wrap directly onto the mixture to keep it from drying out and put it in the fridge for several hours or overnight. I also put it right in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes to cool down. The paste does not keep well, so use within a few days.

I double the amount to add to my bread recipe. I have used whole wheat flour and bread flour both work well.

My Whole Wheat Bread Recipe
You can use any mixture of all whole wheat or any combination of bread flour and/or whole wheat flour
This is the order I add ingredients in my Kitchen Aide mixing bowl:
4 cups of warm water
1 cup of brown sugar- You can also half that amount
4 tbs of yeast
4tsp salt
4 eggs
1 cup of potato flakes
½ cup of powdered milk (I have been adding a cup of powdered milk)
½ cup of gluten
¼ cup of oil or ½ cup of butter cut up and at room temp
¼ vinegar
Tangzhong Double the recipe
9-11 cups of whole wheat flour. Dad grinds our flour. We use white wheat.

I usually mix it in my Kitchen Aid mixer for about 10 minutes.
You know it has kneaded enough when it passes the “window pane” test.

Take the dough out of the bowl. Oil the mixing bowl and put the dough back in. Flip the dough so the oiled side is now up. Cover the bowl and let rise for twenty to thirty minutes

Punch the dough down and form into loaves and rolls. Let rise for another 30 minutes.

Bake in a 370 degree preheated oven. I bake the bread for about 20 minutes and then insert a temp probe till it reaches 190 degrees. I bake the rolls and buns for about 10-15minutes and then test the temp.
I bake my rolls on 350
I use this dough for my cinnamon rolls. Yummy!

Our Favorite Pancakes

2011-06-01T14:24:00.000-07:00

I can’t remember where I found this recipe….. It is your Dad’s and Christy’s favorite. For dessert pancakes they love it when I add half a small box of vanilla pudding. I use whole wheat flour and you can also substitute almond milk for the regular milk.
Original Recipe Yield 8 servings

Ingredients
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted ( I have used half that amount and they still turned out great)
Directions
1. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Make a well in the center and pour in the milk, egg and melted butter; mix until smooth.
2. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.
158 cal each

A Tender Heart

2011-05-28T18:43:00.001-07:00

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Easter Booklet

2011-04-18T22:06:00.000-07:00

If your printer prints both sides just put print on both sides flip paper on short side and it will come out in a booklet.
Link to download in word booklet format easterbooklet[1]

The Best Ever Breadsticks

2011-04-18T20:20:00.000-07:00

Olive Garden Bread Sticks
The best ever!
I adapted it from this recipe:
http://www.food.com/recipe/olive-garden-breadsticks-232279

Ingredients to make nine large breadsticks
¾ cups of warm water
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tsp yeast
1 tsp salt
1 tablespoon butter
2 cups of bread flour ( I use about ½ cup whole white wheat and the rest bread flour)
Knead together for about 10 minutes
Put in oiled bowl cover and let rise for 45 minutes
Roll into a rectangle and cut into 9 breadsticks
Put on ungreased parchment lined pan
Brush tops with melted butter mixed with garlic powder and salt
Cover and let rise for 45 minutes
Preheat oven to 400
Bake for 15 minutes
After you take them out of the oven brush them again with the garlic butter mixture

First Formal

2011-03-19T18:07:00.001-07:00

Dad's Dream

2011-03-14T08:40:00.000-07:00

He received Josh’s report card in the mail and he is making good grades.
Love you Josh!
Photo

Way To Go Christy Cora!!!!

2011-03-10T18:05:00.000-08:00

Your baby sister won the Coaches Award for basketball!

Love You Forever Joshua

2011-03-09T18:45:00.000-08:00

Suzy's Graduation

2011-03-08T22:17:00.000-08:00

Love you all....

Blessing Lives Through Organ Donations

2011-03-05T23:46:00.000-08:00

Thank you Star for knowing what Joshua wanted.

It is a comfort to know Josh is happy and busy serving the Lord and he is also blessing lives on this side of the veil.

It is also a comfort to know that during our grief other people were having their prayers answered.

Joshua’s liver was transplanted in a 55 year old female in San Diego.
His kidney was transplanted into a 55 year old female in Nevada.
His heart was transplanted into a 41 year old female in Los Angeles
His pancreas was transplanted into a 48 year old male in Maryland.

Nevada Donor NetWork sent me this information:
Currently in the United States there are over 110,000 people awaiting an organ transplant. Thousands of these potential recipients will die waiting because of the critical shortage of donor organs.
One organ donor can save up to 8 lives; the same person, through tissue donation, can greatly enhance up to 70 lives.

To sign up to be an organ donor in Nevada:
https://www.donoregistry.org/Register/Dynamic/Enrollment.aspx?RegistryOwnerID=3&LanguageCode=en

Utah donor sign up:
https://www.yesutah.org/

Georgia donor sign up:

https://www.donatelifegeorgia.org/register/

We love you so much Joshua. Thank you for making the decision years ago to be an organ donor.

Joshua

2011-03-01T18:09:00.000-08:00

Words cannot express our gratitude for all the many blessings in our lives.

We are grateful for a loving and merciful Heavenly Father and for our Savior
Jesus Christ. We are grateful for God’s plan of happiness. We are grateful to know that the redeeming power of the Atonement works on both sides of the veil. We are grateful for the Holy Ghost who truly is the great comforter.

We are grateful for our membership in Christ’s Church and for all the blessings that come from the Priesthood and our temple covenants.

We are grateful for dear family and friends. You have all proven to be true Disciples of Christ. We have been in awe of the many charitable acts of service and kindness shown to us. I feel as if we have been surrounded by earthly angels helping us each step of the way.

We are grateful for the inspired words of comfort from our Bishops and Stake President. They have helped to bring peace in our lives.

Joshua, we love you, thank you for being our son. Thank you for forgiving us for the mistakes we made as parents. Joshua, we are so grateful that we have been able to feel your love for us. We are grateful to know you are happy. You said the favorite part of your mission was being able to serve the Lord full time without worrying about any earthly cares. We know you are doing that now.

You are still blessing lives on this side of the veil. Your heart saved a life in Los Angeles. Your liver saved a life in San Diego. Your pancreas saved a life in Maryland. Your kidney saved a life in Nevada.

Thank you Heavenly Father for your plan of happiness and that we can be an eternal family.

Love you forever Joshua

Flour Tortillas

2011-02-07T14:28:00.000-08:00

Christy and Dad love homemade tortillas. Tortillas are easy and cheap to make.
Remember Aunt Joan? She was Nana’s sister. She was the one where Sue and I stuffed the clams under her couch….When we would visit Aunt Joan, our cousin Margo would make us homemade tortillas. They were so good!

You can use all white flour or all wheat.

Flour Tortillas
½ cup white flour
½ cup whole wheat flour
½ tsp salt
2 tsp olive oil
¼ cup water or more as needed
Mix in the food processor until it forms a ball and then mix 25 times.
Cut in eighths cover and let sit for at least 10 min
Roll very thin on floured surfaced
Fry
Enjoy!!!!

Easy Sourdough Starter And Recipes

2011-02-05T10:57:00.000-08:00

Photo

For years Dad has wanted me to make a sourdough starter to make sour dough pancakes and breads. Ugh! Working 12 hour days, taking care of our family and Nana-No way was I ever going to tackle one more thing I would have to take care of every day…. Little did I know how really simple and easy it is!

This site inspired me to make my own sourdough starter:
http://whatscookingamerica.net/Bread/SourdoughStarter.htm
Her site is a must read to get started. I never would have tackled sourdough without her!!!!

Sourdough Starter
1 cup of white flour
1 cup of whole wheat flour (We grind our own white wheat)
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons of active-dry yeast
2 cups warm water (105 to 115 degrees F.)

I just mix everything in a Tupper ware bowl and sit the lid on it without snapping it on tight.
This was a cool week so my kitchen was between 52 and 60 degrees. The sour dough starter worked just fine.
After a couple of days it was ready to use and to start feeding it. I just took a little out and tossed it and then added ½ cup of flour and 1/2 water.
The next day I covered it and put it in the fridge until Thursday night. Thursday night I sat it on my counter. Friday morning I took a scoop out and tossed it and added:
1 cup of white four
1 cup of whole wheat flour
2 cups of water
I let it sit covered until I was ready to make pancakes and bread on Saturday.

After I made my pancakes and bread, I took ½ cup of the starter and added:
1 cup of white flour
1 cup of whole wheat flour
2 cups of warm water
I will let it sit for a couple of days on my counter top and then refrigerate it until I need it again.

The Best Sourdough Pancakes!!!!
2 cups of starter
Stir in 3 tablespoons of powdered milk
Add:
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon melted butter

1 egg
½ tsp of salt
1 tsp of baking powder
½ cup, more or less as needed, of whole wheat flour
Mix all together and cook on a greased griddle.
Makes about 9 four inch pancakes

Easy Sourdough Bread
http://whatscookingamerica.net/Bread/FrenchSourDoughII.htm
I follow her recipe and directions except I knead my dough in my KitchenAid mixer for about 8 minutes and then I put it in a greased bowl to rise.
I also make it into sandwich rolls instead of 1 big loaf of bread. I use one cup white flour and the rest is whole wheat flour. The rolls usually take 10-12 minutes to bake.

http://www.mysisterskitchenonline.com/2006/11/04/sourdough-starter/

Homemade Pasta For Egg Noodles and Ravioli

2011-01-30T19:59:00.000-08:00

Melissa, this is the recipe I use.

Dough
1 cup white flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
½ teaspoon salt
3 eggs
1 tablespoon olive oil
Water as needed (usually about 2 tablespoons)

I put all the ingredients in a food processor and mix 25 times.
If you don’t have a food processor than beat the living daylights (as Nana would say) out of that dough. I would knead it for at least 5 minutes.
Cover it and let it rest for at least 10 -30 minutes.

Divide into fourths and roll each piece till it is very thin. You can cut it into noodles for soup or pasta or even cut it wider for lasagna. Let dry at least 30 minutes before cooking. Freeze before cooking any unused noodles.

We love to use it to make fresh ravioli, so much better and cheaper than store bought.

Ravioli Filling
Mix together:
1/2 package of light cream cheese (You can add more if needed)
1 cup of grated mozzarella
½ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese or Parmesan cheese (Grate more to add as a topping for the cooked ravioli)
Fresh rosemary to taste (You know how much your mama loves fresh rosemary!!!)
Salt to taste
Garlic to taste
Minced fresh chives to taste
Minced Italian parsley to taste

Make Pasta dough
For our family I usually make a double batch of dough.

1. Divide each batch of dough into 8ths
2. On well- floured surface roll 1/8 of dough into a long thin piece just a little wider than your ravioli stamp.
3. Take your stamp and lightly impress the dough from one end to the next so you know where to put your filling
4. Put ½ to 1 tablespoon of filling in the center of each impression
5. Roll 1/8 of dough into another thin long piece similar to the first one.
6. Gently lay the second piece on top of the filling firmly cut with your ravioli cutter. Lay pieces on a floured surface so they won’t stick together.
7. Repeat
8. I usually let them set out for about 30 minutes
9. Boil them in well salted water (I learned that from Star). I also like to add beef bouillon to the water.
10. Drain. Top with favorite pasta sauce and serve with grated Parmesan.

So yummy!!!! We are making it for Christy’s birthday.

Sites with directions and pictures to make pasta and ravioli without a ravioli cutter:
http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/homemade-whole-wheat-pasta

http://www.shutterbean.com/homemade-cheese-ravioli-2/

Easy Cheap Creamy Foolproof Home Made Yogurt

2011-01-28T14:34:00.000-08:00

Dad and I love this yogurt. We mix fruit in it or just add sweetener and vanilla. We have also stirred pudding mix in it. Yummy!

I also use it in place of mayo to make ranch and thousand island dressing. It is rich and creamy and a lot less tart than store bought yogurt.

It costs between sixty cents and $1.60 to make 5 and half cups depending on if you have to buy starter or use ½ cup of the previous batch for the starter.

I can’t remember where I found this recipe. I know I got it somewhere from the world wide web.

Ingredients
4 cups of milk (you can use skim, 2% or whole milk)
1 cup of powdered milk
The first time you make it use 1 small container of Greek yogurt with live cultures. The second time save ½ cup from your first batch and use that as your starter.

1. Mix the powdered milk in the blender with two cups of milk
2. Add the rest of the milk and the powdered milk mixture in a glass microwave proof bowl. Remember our old brown glass bowl with the mushrooms on it? That is the one I use. Put the milk mixture in the microwave and heat till the milk temp reaches 180 degrees.
3. Cool the milk until it reaches 115 degrees.
4. Stir the yogurt starter into the milk mixture.
5. Heat the oven to 125 degrees and then turn it off and put the bowl (with an oven proof lid or plate on top of it) in the oven next to the light and switch the light on.
6. Let sit until it firms. It usually takes about four hours. If you like your yogurt tangier you can let it set longer.
7. Put in the fridge to cool. When cool stir in your flavorings.

Enjoy!

Best Pizza Dough Ever!

2011-01-06T12:08:00.000-08:00

We have tried several pizza dough recipes and this is our favorite.
I found it on:

http://www.5dollardinners.com/2010/11/connies-pizza-10.html

Suzy, you could make this easy and cheap for your roommates. We use turkey pepperoni and sprinkle it lightly with cheese to keep the calories down. You can make your own pizza sauce or canned spaghetti sauce. Quick and yummy.

Here is the recipe for one large pizza (Double this to feed 10):
1/2 C warm water Add more water as needed.
1 Tbsp. yeast
1 tsp. sugar
1 C whole wheat flour
1 C white flour
1 Tbsp. veg. oil
1/2 tsp. garlic salt
1. Combine 1/4 C water with yeast and sugar, stir to dissolve and let stand until bubbly (about 5 min.)
2. Put flour, oil, and garlic salt into food processor and process 5 seconds with steel blade.
3. Add yeast mixture and process about 10 seconds or until blended. Scrape sides if necessary.
4. Turn on processor and drizzle just enough of remaining water through feed tube so dough forms a ball. Process so ball turns around about 25 times.
5. Put ball on greased pan and cover with a bowl. Let stand 10 minutes.
6. Pat out the dough onto a large greased cookie sheet. (Or give each person a hunk of dough to make their own pizza. Our kids LOVE this!)
7. Spread with homemade pizza sauce. (See recipe below.)
8. Top with shredded mozzarella.
9. Add mushrooms, pepperoni slices, olives, and any other toppings you like, OR leave it plain.
10. Bake at 425 for 15-20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

New Year's: Look Not behind Thee

2011-01-02T18:00:00.000-08:00

Yay for Starla!!!!!!!!!!

2010-11-04T20:10:00.000-07:00

The last chemo treatment ever! I am so happy for you babe. You handled this trial with courage and grace. I don’t know why the Lord gave you this trail, but you have proven yourself to be an honorable daughter of God. I am grateful the Lord has blessed you during this difficult time. You are amazing and wonderful and cancer free!!!!!!!!!
I miss you guys already!!!!! Give the boys a big hug and kiss for me.

Love ya forever!

"We don't work on Sundays."

2010-10-31T09:31:00.000-07:00

My dearest Suzy. I thought about you when I read this article. Hang in there. You will be blessed. You are so wonderful. Love you forever and ever.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700077681/No-Sunday-stance-has-not-slowed-success-of-Costco-builder.html

"Finally, a Costco executive spoke, saying to Husein without disguising his incredulity: "You would not work your men on Sundays even if it means you could lose this entire account?"
Answered Husein, "I hope it doesn't come to that, but if it does, I'm sorry, I will not work my guys on Sundays."
The executive stood up, approached Husein, and, inches from his chest, said, "You'd better meet that commitment."
As he was leaving, he said to an architect outside the trailer, "That is one stubborn Indian."
Truer words could not have been uttered.

The above incident in the trailer occurred 21 years ago. Since that time, Span Construction has become the exclusive builder for Costco worldwide, erecting over 59 million square feet of structures in North America, Asia, Europe and Australia, including 350 warehouses, 16 depots, four office structures, 66 expansions, four additions and 376 gas stations — an average of more than 40 projects every year.
And not a single solitary finger has been lifted on Sunday.
King Husein shakes his head at the memory.

"Though it was not my intent at the time," he says, "since that day, the respect and trust from the Costco management increased substantially. We met our deadline, but we did not work on Sundays. They know we will not compromise our principles in meeting our commitments."

‘If it’s fair, it is not a true trial!’

2010-06-16T07:57:00.000-07:00

Sweetie, these are the quotes I told you about.
Love ya

‘If it’s fair, it is not a true trial!’ That is, without the added presence of some inexplicableness and some irony and injustice, the experience may not stretch us or lift us sufficiently. The crucifixion of Christ was clearly the greatest injustice in human history, but the Savior bore up under it with majesty and indescribable valor.”
Neal A. Maxwell, All These Things Shall Give Thee Experience (1980

"I want hard times so that every person who does not want to stay for the sake of his religion will leave."
Brigham Young

If you feel you have been wronged—by anyone (a family member, a friend, another member of the Church, a Church leader, a business associate) or by anything (the death of a loved one, health problems, a financial reversal, abuse, addictions)—deal with the matter directly and with all the strength you have. “Hold on thy way” (D&C 122:9); giving up is not an option. And, without delay, turn to the Lord. Exercise all of the faith you have in Him. Let Him share your burden. Allow His grace to lighten your load. We are promised that we will “suffer no manner of afflictions, save it were swallowed up in the joy of Christ” (Alma 31:38). Never let an earthly circumstance disable you spiritually.
Elder Donald L. Hallstrom

If a leader speak in chastisement unwisely, pray to have the Spirit to bear it in patience.
Heber Kimball

I clearly saw and understood, by the spirit of revelation manifested to me, that if I was to harbor a thought in my heart that Joseph could be wrong in anything, I would begin to lose confidence in him, and that feeling would grow from step to step, and from one degree to another, until at last I would have the same lack of confidence in his being the mouthpiece for the Almighty. Though I admitted in my feelings and knew all the time that Joseph was a human being and subject to err, still it was none of my business to look after his faults.
Brigham Young

I rose up [Brigham Young said], and in a plain and forcible manner told them that Joseph was a Prophet, and I knew it, and that they might rail and slander him as much as they pleased, they could not destroy the appointment of the Prophet of God, they could only destroy their own authority, cut the thread that bound them to the Prophet and to God and sink themselves to hell. Many were highly enraged [said Brigham] at my decided opposition to their measures. …
Brigham Young

Starla's Story

2010-04-14T09:22:00.000-07:00

Star's blog:
http://strbrte.blogspot.com/

Star's dear friend, Suzette, started this blog for Star:
http://www.starlasstory.blogspot.com/

Love ya

We talk of Christ, We rejoice in Christ

2010-04-03T23:44:00.000-07:00

...wherefore ye must bow down before him, and worship him with all your might, mind, and strength, and your whole soul;
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 25:29)

22 And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!
(Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:22)
Thank you, thank you...

Depression and Anxiety-Cognitive Restructuring Using the Scriptures

2010-03-31T23:17:00.000-07:00

I am reading an interesting book, Mind Over Mood by Dr. Greenberger and Dr. Padesky. It is about using cognitive therapy to change how you feel by changing the way you think. While the book doesn't mention it, the solutions for changing negative thinking and behaviors are found in the scriptures.

Understand and Dealing With Depression

From the book:
“Depressed people tend to notice and remember negative aspects of their experiences more readily than positive or neutral aspects.. They also are more likely to interpret their lives with a negative bias, while non depressed people interpret events with a positive bias.”

From the scriptures:

1 VERILY I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks;
(Doctrine and Covenants | Section 98:1)

24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
(Old Testament | Psalms 118:24)

38... and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you.
(Book of Mormon | Alma 34:38)

7 Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things.
(Doctrine and Covenants | Section 59:7)

28...praise the Lord with singing, with music, with dancing, and with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving.
29 If thou art sorrowful, call on the Lord thy God with supplication, that your souls may be joyful.
(Doctrine and Covenants | Section 136:28 - 29)

Understanding and Dealing with Anxiety

From the book:
“Anxiety is over estimation of danger, underestimation of your ability to cope and the underestimation of help available.”

From the scriptures:

10 ¶ Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
(Old Testament | Isaiah 41:10)

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
(New Testament | Philippians 4:13)

9... Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
(Old Testament | Joshua 1:9)

7 Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed of all thy enemies, nor for all the multitude that is with them: for there be more with us than with them:
8 With them is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles...
(Old Testament | 2 Chronicles 32:7 – 8)

My heart goes out to those who have to deal with chronic depression or anxiety as their trials in life. I grateful that while I have had a small taste of those overwhelming feelings the Lord has provided me a way to escape them. I am grateful that you and your siblings have felt the tender mercies of the Lord giving you the power to cope with your trials. I am grateful for your faith in the Lord and for your desire to do His will in all things.

Love you forever.

Way To Go Baby Sisters!

2010-03-23T14:26:00.000-07:00

Your baby sisters are following in the foot steps of their big sisters...

Christy won the academic athletic award for winter sports and she earned her first letter....She is so happy.

Suzy Q is doing awesome in track and she got a large scholarship that will pay for most of her tuition her freshman year!!!!! She is happy and your mom and dad are happy!!!!!!

Love good news days.....Grateful for every little tender mercy in our lives.

Happy Birthday To You!

2010-03-18T18:19:00.000-07:00

Dad had a great day. All his beloved kiddies and grandkiddies called. He loves all his gifts. The boys bought him a paintball gun to get rid of pigeons and a bowie knife. The girls bought dad two great looking shirts. We made him a steak and potato dinner with cherry pie. All this and...MARCH MADNESS!!!!!! He is one happy camper!

The Best Quick and Easy Whole Wheat Pizza Crust

2010-03-16T12:34:00.000-07:00

We adapted it from this recipe

1 Tbsp. yeast
1 cup warm water
1 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 c. whole wheat flour
1/2 c. white flour
1.Mix yeast, sugar, and water. Allow to sit for a few minutes to get yeast activated.
2.Add salt, oil and both flours. Mix well.
3.Knead into a smooth dough on a floured surface. (I usually knead for about 2 minutes.)
4.Allow dough to rest 5-10 minutes. (It’s easier to shape if it rests.)
5.Press into a large, greased pizza pan. (This recipe makes enough for one large, 12 inch “hand tossed” consistency crust.)
6.Add pizza sauce. We use spaghetti sauce with added Italian spices.
7.Bake at 425° for about 10-15 minutes.
Photo and recipe

Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed of all thy enemies. With us is the LORD to help us, and to fight our battles.

2010-03-15T21:03:00.000-07:00

Thursday was a bad news day. It caught us off guard.... and Dad and I were feeling discouraged.

As we were praying the stories of Elisha , Isaiah and Hezekiah came to my mind. In both stories God's people seemed out numbered and about to be destroyed by their enemies however, in both stories, the Lord showed them that despite how bleak it looked, God had unseen forces protecting them and helping them to be victorious over their enemies. In both cases the Lord did not stop the war, the battles waged on, but God's people were protected and their enemies were powerless against them.

15 ... Alas, my master! how shall we do?
16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.

(Old Testament | 2 Kings 6:15 - 17)

7 Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed of all thy enemies, nor for all the multitude that is with them: for there be more with us than with them:
8 With them is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles...

(Old Testament | 2 Chronicles 32:7 – 8)

I could not see, but I could feel the Lord and his unseen servants watching over our family and protecting us. As of today, the Lord has not taken this trial away, and I do not know what the future holds, but I know He is with us.

I have learned I can not count on nor trust the arm of flesh, however, God is with us helping us every step of the way.

We were troubled how your siblings could survive the onslaught of the adversary against our family. It dawned on me that with all the tools the adversary has to use against us and try to make us miserable, the Lord has given us much more to overpower and conquer the evil forces surrounding our family and to bring peace into our lives.

We have:
Through the power of prayer the ability to communicate with our Heavenly Father at all times. He loves us with a perfect love. We are never alone.

We have the Spirit to guide us and comfort us.

We have the Atonement of Jesus Christ that saves us from all our sins and mistakes. Christ has perfect mercy, love and charity for us. No matter what we have to face here on earth it is for a short time and the Atonement will bring us safely home to our Father.

The scriptures

Our patriarchal blessings

The temple and the Sacrament where we have the opportunity to make and renew sacred covenants and focus on what is important in life.

All of our meetings that help to strengthen our testimonies

Our leaders

The Ensign magazine that helps to strengthen our testimonies, inspires us and has messages that apply to our lives every month.

We have each other. I am so grateful you are my daughters. We are grateful for the good example you set and love you show your younger siblings. Love you girls forever and ever

Chicken Pasta

2010-03-10T19:15:00.000-08:00

Cut four slices of bacon into bite size pieces and fry till crispy
In bacon drippings fry four chicken breasts cut into bite size pieces
Add to pan:
One tablespoon of butter
One minced clove of garlic
One tablespoon minced onion
Three tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary
Salt to taste
When chicken is cooked add to pan:
One can of chicken broth
One can of milk
½ cup of sour cream
¼ cup of cornstarch
½ cup of Parmesan cheese

Stir till thick.
Serve over pasta

Your family loves this!

Photo and recipe

Congratulations Melissa!

2010-03-05T10:55:00.000-08:00

Way to go!!!!! You are awesome and amazing! This is one of many many victories coming your way!

Love ya!

Star's Boys

2010-03-04T15:49:00.000-08:00

Gold and silver
she has none,
But worth a million
are her Sons.

Poem

"...Suppose...you could see yourselves thousands and millions of years after you have proved faithful to your religion"

2010-03-02T13:48:00.000-08:00

President Brigham Young (1801–1877) taught: “We talk about our trials and troubles here in this life; but suppose that you could see yourselves thousands and millions of years after you have proved faithful to your religion during the few short years in this time, and have obtained eternal salvation and a crown of glory in the presence of God? Then look back upon your lives here, and see the losses, crosses, and disappointments, the sorrows … ; you would be constrained to exclaim, ‘but what of all that? Those things were but for a moment, and we are now here. We have been faithful during a few moments in our mortality, and now we enjoy eternal life and glory, with power to progress in all the boundless knowledge and through the countless stages of progression, enjoying the smiles and approbation of our Father and God, and of Jesus Christ our elder brother"

Photo

Happy Birthday Nana!

2010-03-01T09:38:00.000-08:00

We miss you! As you know, I think of you every day. I know you and Dad are doing everything you can for our family on your side of the veil. Sorry for all the trouble I have caused you.
I hope you know how grateful I am for you and how much I love you. Please keep an eye on all my kiddies and grandkiddies...I know they keep you busy!

Mr. Cobb's Red Beans and Rice

2010-02-26T15:38:00.000-08:00

Remember our neighbor Mr. Cobb, the retired Chicago police officer? He surprised us last week with the ingredients to make his famous red beans and rice. He walked me through all the steps and then we shared the meal. It reminds me of Nana and grandpa, you can take your folks out of the south, but you can't take the south out of your folks....It takes me back to my childhood in New Orleans and Gulfport Mississippi....

Soak one pound of red beans over night (Mr. Cobb soaks his in Paprika and seasoned salt.)
Next day:
Drain beans and add to a pot with three cups of water and three cups of chicken broth. Throw in one ham hock, some Paprika and season salt (If you like it spicier add some Cajun seasonings. Dad and I like ours spicy). Put a lid on it and let it simmer.

Fry 10 ounces of bacon till crisp. Add the bacon to the beans. In the same pan with the bacon grease fry up one chopped onion, one chopped green pepper and a clove of garlic. Add mixture to beans. Fry one pound of hot Italian sausage and add to beans.

Let beans cook for about two hours or until tender. Add Louisiana hot sauce to taste...In honor of my mom and dad we added quite a bit and it was delish!

We let it cool in the fridge and then we skimmed off the fat so it would be lower in calories. Serve it over brown rice. You girls will love this!

Photo and quick recipe

“If they expected perfection from me, I should expect it from them...if they would bear with my infirmities...I would...bear with their infirmities"

2010-02-23T15:47:00.000-08:00

I love this quote:

Joseph Smith’s journal for October 29, 1842, records: “I … went over to the store [in Nauvoo, Illinois], where a number of brethren and sisters were assembled, who had arrived this morning from the neighborhood of New York. … I told them I was but a man, and they must not expect me to be perfect; if they expected perfection from me, I should expect it from them; but if they would bear with my infirmities and the infirmities of the brethren, I would likewise bear with their infirmities.”

So, if I want the Lord the bear with my infirmities and not to expect perfection from me, I guess I need to......

Photo

Happy Birthday Josh!

2010-02-21T19:15:00.000-08:00

Grateful you are my son. Thank you for helping us through a difficult time. You are a blessing in our lives. I admire your faith and courage. You have had many trials and yet you never complain.

We love you lots and forever

Melissa's Defense of Mormonism In Her Law Class

2010-02-18T22:15:00.000-08:00

In response to a comment about Mormons and polygamy (The comment from her proffesor was, "If Mormons had their way, they would legalize polygamy."), your big sister Melissa, informed her professor that the official position of the Church is that polygamy is no longer a practiced doctrine. She followed up with this email:

I was the student in class that spoke up when you made the comment about polygamy. I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That is the official name of the church. Often we are referred to as Mormons because we use a book of scripture called the Book of Mormon in addition to the Bible. While I was initially taken back by your comment, I appreciate the way you handled it. I can be somewhat defensive about my faith because so much of what we believe is misconstrued. However, in speaking to a couple of classmates after class there is some confusion about Mormons and polygamy. There are groups who claim to be "fundamentalist Mormons" or who claim to be break off groups of the Mormon church or who are referred to by the media as such. These groups while they may have names similar to our church are in no capacity, official or otherwise, associated with our church. Additionally, the doctrine of polygamy as practiced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was fundamentally different then groups who practice it today. It was a very small percentage of the church membership that followed this practice and only with the consent of all parties involved. No one was forced or coerced into polygamy. Many of those who were involved in polygamy came from monogamous homes and struggled with the concept of a man having more than one wife and did so out of obedience. Additionally, contrary to popular belief Mormon women are not subservient, not then and not now.

"Nineteenth-century Mormon women, in both plural and monogamous marriages, were not just interested in raising families and blindly following their husbands. They were politically active and participated in territorial elections. Many were well connected with national women's organizations. These women also taught school and were active in publishing and literary activities. Some even served their communities by going to medical school and becoming skilled physicians. Because of their competence and level of self-reliance, they did not have to resort to public assistance." http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/polygamy-then-and-now
Below is a portion of an article that gives the official stance of the Church on polygamy. This statement was given by our Prophet (Gordon B. Hinckley), the only person with the authority to give the official position of the church or authorize others to do so. This is from a 1998 transcript of a message given to the entire church membership and the world shortly after Gordon B. Hinckley was interviewed by Mike Wallace on 60 Minutes. I have emphasized the last portion where it states that even in areas of the world where polygamy is legal, the church still holds the position that marriage is to be monogamous and plural marriages are not authorized, nor sanctioned by the church.

Question 4: What is the Church’s position on polygamy?
We are faced these days with many newspaper articles on this subject. This has arisen out of a case of alleged child abuse on the part of some of those practicing plural marriage.

I wish to state categorically that this Church has nothing whatever to do with those practicing polygamy. They are not members of this Church. Most of them have never been members. They are in violation of the civil law. They know they are in violation of the law. They are subject to its penalties. The Church, of course, has no jurisdiction whatever in this matter.

If any of our members are found to be practicing plural marriage, they are excommunicated, the most serious penalty the Church can impose. Not only are those so involved in direct violation of the civil law, they are in violation of the law of this Church. An article of our faith is binding upon us. It states, “We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law” (A of F 1:12). One cannot obey the law and disobey the law at the same time.
There is no such thing as a “Mormon Fundamentalist.” It is a contradiction to use the two words together.

More than a century ago God clearly revealed unto His prophet Wilford Woodruff that the practice of plural marriage should be discontinued, which means that it is now against the law of God. Even in countries where civil or religious law allows polygamy, the Church teaches that marriage must be monogamous and does not accept into its membership those practicing plural marriage.

http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=7c86605ff590c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

Good job Melissa!
Love you girls

"I will always maintain a true principle, even if I stand alone in it.”-Our Prophet Joseph Smith

2010-02-18T11:07:00.000-08:00

“The object with me is to obey and teach others to obey God in just what He tells us to do. It mattereth not whether the principle is popular or unpopular. I will always maintain a true principle, even if I stand alone in it.”-Our Prophet Joseph Smith

I love this quote by our Prophet Joseph. I finished reading a book about his life and now I am reading a book about Emma. We are so blessed to have our testimony that Joseph is a prophet and that he did see all that he said he did. The more I read about Joseph Smith and quotes by his friends or enemies(“Traitors and tyrants now fight him in vain.”), there is no doubt in my mind that he is a prophet of God.

Star, remember when you saw the Sacred Grove? I am so glad you had that opportunity.

Thanks Star, Ryan and Boys!

2010-02-16T16:41:00.000-08:00

We had a blast. Alas...we have no photos....we tried to retrieve them but they must be floating out in cyberspace ...Sorry Melissa, hopefully Star will post pics of the boys cute hair cuts.

Star, you did a great job on the boys' haircuts. They look so cute. Dad loved the orange rolls and so did your neighborhood! That was so sweet of you to share. I wish I had a picture of your cake, it was beautiful and delicious. Dad thinks you would make a fortune as a baker.

The boys were so good and so fun. I miss them already.

Watch the mail, I am sending something your way.

Love you!

"Converted implies not merely mental acceptance of Jesus and his teachings but also a motivating faith in Him and His gospel."

2010-02-13T11:57:00.000-08:00

Melissa, I thought of you today and the faithful mission you served when I read this quote by President Marion G Romeny. He gave it at an area conference in Guatemala. I will always remember seeing my sweet daughter in the airport after serving the Lord so faithfully with the saints in Guatemala. You were tired and worn out from your service, but you also had a glow about you. You are a choice spirit.

“Converted means to turn from one belief or course of action to another. Conversion is a spiritual and moral change. Converted implies not merely mental acceptance of Jesus and his teachings but also a motivating faith in him and his gospel. A faith which works a transformation, an actual change in one’s understanding of life’s meaning and in his allegiance to God in interest, in thought, and in conduct. In one who is really wholly converted, desire for things contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ has actually died. And substituted therefore is a love of God, with a fixed and controlling determination to keep his commandments.”

This video is for you Melissa, because despite all our Spanish classes, you are the only one in the family that understands it! Love you!

The Best Chicken and Dumplings

2010-02-12T11:38:00.000-08:00

Dad loves this!

I adapted it from this recipe

Serves 4

Chicken and Broth:
4 cups chicken broth (I used left over turkey broth I had frozen at Thanksgiving)
4 cups water
2 chicken breasts (I used left over turkey from Thanksgiving, we froze it and it thaws out tasting great. We cook our turkey using a variation of Alton Brown's method....delicious!)
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 large carrots (6-7 baby carrots), chopped (I used ½ cup of dried carrots)
1 onion, chopped (I used 2 tablespoons of dried onion)
8 tsp of chicken bouillon
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Dumplings:
1 cup flour ( I used ¼ cup of white flour and ¾ cup of whole wheat flour)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme or sage
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil

In a large pot, boil the chicken broth, water and chicken breasts until the chicken is cooked through and tender (about 15 minutes). Remove the chicken from the pot, reserving the broth in the pot, and shred the chicken. Set the chicken aside and keep the broth warm on the stove.

In a small bowl, blend ½ cup cold water and 1/4 cup flour with a wire whisk until smooth. Whisking vigorously, slowly add the flour mixture into the hot vegetables and broth and whisk until well combined.

For the dumplings, in a medium bowl, stir together the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine sour cream, milk and oil. Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined (don't over mix, it is ok if there are a few dry spots of flour here and there).

Heat the soup to boiling and drop teaspoonful amounts (the dumplings should be fairly small, they'll expand while cooking) of dumpling dough into the boiling soup, covering the entire surface of the soup (don't make more than one layer of dumplings). Reduce the heat to simmering, cover and let the dumplings cook for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid of the pot while the dumplings cook.

When the dumplings have cooked fully, remove the lid and gently stir the dumplings to break them apart. Serve.

Photo

Way To Go Christy Cora!!!!!!

2010-02-11T10:02:00.000-08:00

Wish you girls could have seen your baby sister! One minute left in the game, her team was down by one point. She steals the ball scores two points gets fouled twice scores four points and her team wins the game!!!!!!! Wahoo!!!!!!!!

Italian Egg Drop Soup

2010-02-09T16:59:00.000-08:00

Melissa, this is the soup I was telling you about. It is cheap, quick, easy, delicious, warm and filling...

Italian Egg Drop Soup
1 serving
Put in a pan:
2 cups of water
2 teaspoons of chicken bouillon
2 teaspoons of Italian seasonings
1/8 teaspoon of garlic
½ cup of finely diced carrots, or ½ cup of canned carrots (I use a ¼ cup of dried carrots)
1 tablespoon of finely diced onion
You can also add green onions and or spinach leaves, or any veggie you would like.
Bring to a boil

In a bowl stir together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of Parmigiana cheese

Slowly drizzle egg mixture into the boiling broth, stirring the broth at the same time. Takes the same kind of coordination as patting your head and rubbing your stomach at the same time. You can do it.

I thought this would be a quick and filling meal after work.

Love ya

Photo and Chinese Egg Drop Soup Recipe

“Kindness has converted more sinners than zeal, eloquence or learning” -Frederick W. Faber:

2010-02-07T18:33:00.000-08:00

“Where did we ever get the crazy idea that in order to make children do better, first we have to make them feel worse? Think of the last time you felt humiliated or treated unfairly. Did you feel like cooperating or doing better?” -Jane Nelson

My heart is full of gratitude and remorse today. My deepest gratitude is for all those who have shown kindness to my children. I am grateful for the kindness our loving Heavenly Father and our Saviour has shown to each of you. I am grateful for the unconditional love and kindness that neighbors, friends, acquaintances and church members have shown all of your siblings. I owe the Lord big time.

My biggest remorse is not being kind and patient enough with each of you as you were growing up. I am sorry. I hope you know how much I love and cherish you.

"Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. The third is to be kind.” -Henry James

“When I was young, I used to admire intelligent people; as I grow older, I admire kind people.” -Abraham Joshua Heschel

Photo

Quotes

Sugar Free and Fat Free Lemon Pudding

2010-02-06T00:46:00.000-08:00

Dad needs to lose weight so his blood pressure will go down, alas we can no longer indulge in our favorite homemade lemon curd....

I came up with this fat free and sugar free lemon pudding....It is very delicious.

2 1/2 cups of milk
1 cup of diet sugar
2 eggs
¼ cup of cornstarch
finely grated zest of 2-3 lemons
about ½ to ¾ cup of lemon juice
1 tsp of vanilla

Put the ingredients in a blender. Mix till frothy

Pour into a sauce pan and cook on medium heat. Stir like crazy!!!!!
You must start stirring the second you turn on the stove and don't stop until the mixture has thicken and you have taken it off the stove. Keep stirring till the mixture starts to cool. This way your pudding will be smooth and creamy.

You girls will love this stuff!
Mona, I will bring you some lemons off our tree.

Photo and recipe made with real sugar and butter...

“As the forces around us increase in intensity, whatever spiritual strength was once sufficient will not be enough.” Elder Eyring

2010-02-05T12:00:00.000-08:00

I am learning how true that statement is. I love the book, Change Your Questions Change Your Life by Wendy Watson Nelson, that is where I found the quote by Elder Eyring. Melissa and Star, I am grateful you are faithful about scripture study and prayer everyday. It will continue to be a blessing in your lives. I hope you know how much your father and I love and cherish you and how very grateful we are for you.

I don't mean to sound preachy. Dad and I have had to do a lot of soul searching these past few months. We had a long night last night were we felt both the presence of the adversary as a roaring lion and the calming sweet Spirit of the Lord beckoning us to refine our selves and grow closer to Him. We learned last night that the Lord uses difficult trials to soften hearts and to show us how much He loves and cares about our little family. We are blessed.

I love this talk by Elder Eyring, some highlights:

“I plead with you to do the simple things with determination that will move you forward spiritually.”

Start with remembering Him.

“Always Remember Him That Ye Will Always Have His Spirit To Be With You
He knows the mistake we can so easily make. It is to underestimate the forces working on us and to rely too much on our human powers. And so He offers us the covenant to always remember Him and the warning to pray always so that we will place our reliance on Him, our only safety. It is not hard to know what to do. The very difficulty of remembering always and praying always is a needed spur to try harder. The danger lies in delay or drift.”

Search The Scriptures Daily

“The Savior gave us the scriptures, paid by prophets at a price we cannot measure, so that we could know Him. Lose yourself in them. Decide now to read more and more effectively than you have ever done before.”

23 And it came to pass that peace and the love of God was restored again among the people; and they searched the scriptures, and hearkened no more to the words of this wicked man.

(Book of Mormon | Jacob 7:23)

Pray Always With All The Energy Of Your Heart

“Now I also plead with you to be determined to pray with all the energy of your heart, that you might have every gift that a loving Heavenly Father knows you must have to serve His Son and to endure against the powers of darkness.
Just as you can have love in your heart always, your heart can be drawn out in prayer--always.”

Develop Charity and Love

But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, 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 his 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. Amen. [Moroni 7:47–48]

1 THOUGH I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

8 Charity never faileth: ...

13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

(New Testament | 1 Corinthians 13:1 - 13)

" Find ways to recognize and remember God’s kindness. It will build our testimonies."

2010-02-04T11:06:00.000-08:00

“Before I would write, I would ponder this question: “Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?” As I kept at it, something began to happen. As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of us that I had not recognized in the busy moments of the day. As that happened, and it happened often, I realized that trying to remember had allowed God to show me what He had done. “

“Tonight, and tomorrow night, you might pray and ponder, asking the questions: Did God send a message that was just for me? Did I see His hand in my life or the lives of my children? I will do that. And then I will find a way to preserve that memory for the day that I, and those that I love, will need to remember how much God loves us and how much we need Him. I testify that He loves us and blesses us, more than most of us have yet recognized. I know that is true, and it brings me joy to remember Him. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. “Elder Eyring

Shortly after we were hit with this trial, I had a personal spiritual experience where I felt the Lord's love and care. When times got rough and I was tempted to wonder if God was there or if He cared about our little family, the words “Remember, remember” would come to my mind and I could not deny the experience that God is real and that He does care. Thank you, thank you.

There are about 554 scriptures with the word “remember” in them.

10 ...my soul filled with joy;...I remember what the Lord has done for me, yea, even that he hath heard my prayer; yea, then do I remember his merciful arm which he extended towards me.

(Book of Mormon | Alma 29:10)
9 O remember, remember, my sons, the words which king Benjamin spake unto his people; yea, remember that there is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, who shall come; yea, remember that he cometh to redeem the world.

(Book of Mormon | Helaman 5:9)
12 And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.

(Book of Mormon | Helaman 5:12)
7 And this shall ye do in remembrance of my body, which I have shown unto you. And it shall be a testimony unto the Father that ye do always remember me. And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you.

(Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 18:7)
11 And this shall ye always do to those who repent and are baptized in my name; and ye shall do it in remembrance of my blood, which I have shed for you, that ye may witness unto the Father that ye do always remember me. And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you.

(Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 18:11)
3 Remember, remember that it is not the work of God that is frustrated, but the work of men;

(Doctrine and Covenants | Section 3:3)

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

2010-02-03T19:58:00.000-08:00

Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!

Linda and Lisa I love it! I can not thank you enough for the wonderful book! It is just what I needed at this time. Thank you for your kindness and thoughtfulness. Your sweet examples of love and service are a blessing in my life and the lives of all those around you.

Do you know how much I love and appreciate you?

Big big hug! Love ya!

Quick And Easy Vegetable Soup

2010-02-03T10:11:00.000-08:00

Here is the recipe I promised you. This is Dad's and Suzy Q's favorite veggie soup.

5 cups of water
1 cup of salsa
5 teaspoons of beef bouillon (or chicken)
1 teaspoon of chopped garlic
Chopped onion to taste (I use 1 teaspoon of dried onion.)
Red pepper flakes to taste (I use 1-2 teaspoons.)
1 tablespoon or more according to taste of Italian seasonings (I also include our homegrown Rosemary.)
1 can of carrots
1 can of green beans
1 can of kidney beans
Add any left over vegetables in your fridge

It is warm and filling.

Love you girls!

Photo and recipe

Though hard to you this journey may appear,Grace shall be as your day.

2010-02-02T13:35:00.000-08:00

Gird up your loins; fresh courage take;
Our God will never us forsake;
And soon we’ll have this tale to tell—
All is well! all is well!
And should we die before our journey’s through,
...All is well!
We then are free from toil and sorrow, too;
With the just we shall dwell!
..All is well! All is well!

What is grace? From the Bible dictionary:
The main idea of the word is divine means of help or strength, given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ.

It is likewise through the grace of the Lord that individuals, through faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance of their sins, receive strength and assistance to do good works that they otherwise would not be able to maintain if left to their own means. Divine grace is needed by every soul...because of man's weaknesses and shortcomings.

This grace is an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts.

It is truly the grace of Jesus Christ that makes salvation possible.
(Bible Dictionary | G Grace:Entry)

Your father and I have felt the Lord's grace in our lives.
We know several dear people who are going though difficult trials.
We hope and pray they will feel the Lord's grace in their lives and soon they will be able to say, all is well, all is well...

Photo

Easy and Delicious English Muffins

2010-02-01T10:16:00.000-08:00

Your dad loves homemade Egg McMuffins. On our new budget we could not justify spending around three dollars for his favorite whole wheat English muffins. I found these two easy and delicious recipes:

http://joyinmykitchen.blogspot.com/2010/01/wheat-english-muffins.html

http://thehappyhousewife.com/english-muffins/

They turned out great. I did not cut mine into little circles. I just rolled them out and used a pizza cutter to cut them in squares. This way, I did not have any extra little bits of dough I would have to roll out again. Dad and your sisters loved them.

Put in a bowl:

1 C warm water
1/2 C warm milk
2 tsp. Sugar
2 tsp. Yeast
1 C wheat flour
1 C white flour
1 tsp. Salt
Mix together, cover and let rise for about 20 minutes.

Add to the above mixture
2 T butter, melted
2 C wheat flour

Mix again and roll out your dough on a cornmeal covered surface to a rectangle about a ½ inch thick. Even out the sides and cut into squares.

Cover and let rise for another 20 minutes.
Heat your griddle to around 300-350.
Butter your griddle and bake them for about 10 minutes on one side and turn. I use the temp prop to make sure the insides are around 190 and then they are done!

The whole recipe only comes to about 50-75 cents for a batch of 10-12 English muffins!
Dad is one happy camper!

Photo and Fun Recipe

Your Baby Sister is 15!

2010-01-31T10:17:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it? Christy was not even 12 hours old when you girls called me and told me I needed to come home and take care of Nana. I was happy to get out of the hospital anyway since the nurse brought me the wrong baby! I knew that little bald baby was not mine. They had one mad little mama on their hands. When we finally got your baby sister back I told them I was going home with her right now!

You girls loved your baby sister and you would not put her down except in public. Remember how embarrassed you where that anyone would think she was your baby?

Remember when Nana was in the hospital and I would go take care of her while you waited in the van with Christy? You would call me when she was hungry and I would come out and feed her. You guys have always been there when we needed you.

Christy's first word was not mama. It was Lala her name for her big sister.

She adores her big sisters. Thanks for setting a good example for her.

Just like her big sisters she is intelligent and excels academically, she loves the Lord and has a strong testimony. She serves and helps others. She loves sports just like you guys do. She is loyal friend and she loves her family.

Happy Birthday Christy Cora!

“I have it from God, and get over it if you can.” Joseph Smith

2010-01-29T10:28:00.000-08:00

I am finishing reading Joseph Smith's America His Life and Times by Chad M. Orton and William W Slaughter.

It is interesting because it tells what the world was like during the time of our Prophet Joseph, along with telling his history. I loved the illustrations and there were two “photos” of Emma that I have not seen before. However, it drove me crazy that the authors did not cite their quotes. They do have a selected bibliography, but it does not make up not for citing individual quotes.

They included the following quote by Joseph Smith:

“Some say I do not interpret the Scripture the same as they do.... I have it from God, and get over it if you can.”

I found out it is taken from:
History of the Church, Vol. 6, p. 473-479. See also Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith 369-376
SERMON BY THE PROPHET-THE CHRISTIAN GODHEAD-PLURALITY OF GODS.
Meeting in the Grove, east of the Temple, June 16, 1844.

Full text of the sermon

I love our Prophet Joseph. He has it from God, and his enemies and detractors need to get over it if they can...

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Good Places To Buy Used Books

2010-01-29T09:53:00.000-08:00

Melissa and Star, most of the books I purchase for you are either from Amazon used books or my other favorite site for used books, http://www.abebooks.com/. I also have bought used books from http://www.alibris.com/.

Do you remember when I was pregnant with Luke? We decided to sell our house on Bruce St. I was busy packing everything up and getting the home ready to list. I became ill and the doctor put me in the hospital for a week. To make life easier for me, your dad finished packing up the house and put everything in storage except our clothes. He moved us in with Nana. I came home from the hospital and was put on bed rest. Dad had packed up all our books! Thank heavens Nana gave me a stack of her books. One of Nana's favorites was, How Green Was My Valley. I read it and cried like a baby. It was so sad...

I am glad Nana always encouraged me to read good books. When I was in high school she gave me The Good Earth, by Pearl S Buck...I can remember thinking that I would never complain about my life after reading about O-Lan...

Grampa also loved to read history books.

I am glad you girls love to read.

Love you lots and forever ....

The “Take a Daily Question to the Scriptures for 30 Days” Experiment

2010-01-28T17:11:00.000-08:00

"Begin each of the thirty days of this experiment by asking yourself:
What is the one question I most need to have answered today—the question that is burning in my heart and mind, burdening me—the question that is troubling my life?
Then:

Take your scriptures and kneel down and thank your Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the scriptures.
Ask for the Spirit to be with you as you seek an answer to your one question for that day. Picture the Holy Ghost being right there with you as you read.
Ask your Heavenly Father the one question you most need to have answered that day.
Open your scriptures and read until you find the answer.

It is my experience, and the witness of so many others, that you won’t have to read very far before you will find what you are looking for."

Excerpt from the book, Change Your Questions Change Your Life

Waiting for a used copy of this book to be listed at a reasonable price. I am looking forward to reading it and will pass it on to you.

Melissa and Star, most of the books I purchase for you are either from Amazon used books or my other favorite site for used books, http://www.abebooks.com/. I also have bought used books from http://www.alibris.com/.

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Dad's Favorite Corn Bread

2010-01-27T11:47:00.000-08:00

Dad loves this corn bread. He eats it as a meal with beans or as a dessert with butter and honey. Now that he is dieting we will have to make it less often. Sorry dear....

I adapted it from this recipe

1 box Jiffy corn muffin mix
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 can of corn drained
1 cup of cheddar cheese
1 cup of sour cream or if you want a firmer cornbread ½ cup sour cream
1 tbs sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Combine all ingredients and mix well -- it will be thicker than you expect.

Pour into buttered 8" x 8" casserole dish.

Bake in oven for 20-30 minutes until golden brown.

This cornbread is very moist and dense.

Let it cool for 10 minutes for best flavor.

Dad's Lower Calorie Version
2 eggs
½ cup of sour cream
1 can of corn
1 Jiffy corn bread package
Mix together

Put one tablespoon into mini muffin pans (makes 36)
Put ½ teaspoon of cheddar cheese on top of each muffin
Bake in 375 oven for 10 minutes.

Photo and recipe

Another recipe

“Please let me serve, this day. It doesn’t matter to me how few things I may be able to do. Just let me know what I can do."

2010-01-26T14:42:00.000-08:00

You can ask a loving God: “Please let me serve, this day. It doesn’t matter to me how few things I may be able to do. Just let me know what I can do. I will obey this day. I know that I can, with Thy help.”

“A morning prayer and an early search in the scriptures to know what we should do for the Lord can set the course of a day. We can know which task, of all those we might choose, matters most to God and therefore to us. I have learned such a prayer is always answered if we ask and ponder with childlike submission, ready to act without delay to perform even the most humble service.” Elder Eyring

Grateful for patient and loving friends who know what matters most to God. Today Jackie picked me up for the temple. I forgot my new recommend. I thought because my old one hadn't expired yet it they would let me in....They would not let your mama in the temple...Jackie was so patient. I was willing to sit and wait while she did a session but she felt impressed we needed to visit D. So off we went. We had a wonderful time. I love listening to Jackie and D. I felt spiritually renewed. Grateful for Jackie's wisdom and her willingness to obey the Spirit. With all her trials she wanted to help her friends, and she did. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Talk

Your Dad's Favorite Whole Wheat Bread

2010-01-25T15:28:00.000-08:00

Last week, I made bread every day for five days. I had to take bread to a church function on Saturday and I was trying to fine tune the recipe I normally use.

The amount of flour varies depending if you want a light dough or a heavier bread. Christy thinks the heavier bread is best for sandwiches. I like the lighter dough for cinnamon rolls.

This recipe will make two large loaves or two medium loaves and a pan of rolls (cinnamon rolls, hamburger buns etc.)

I adapted my recipe from here

Star, remember when you were in high school and your friends would come over and eat a whole loaf of my home made bread?

The Perfected Recipe

This is the order I add ingredients in my Kitchen Aide mixing bowl:
5 cups of warm water
1 cup of brown sugar
4 tbs of yeast
4tsp salt
1 cup of potato flakes
½ cup of powdered milk
½ cup of gluten
¼ cup of oil
¼ vinegar
9-11 cups of whole wheat flour. Dad grinds our flour. We use white wheat.

I usually mix it in my Kitchen Aid mixer for about 10 minutes.
You know it has kneaded enough when it passes the “window pane” test.

Take the dough out of the bowl. Oil the mixing bowl and put the dough back in. Flip the dough so the oiled side is now up. Cover the bowl and let rise for twenty minutes

Punch the dough down and form into loaves and rolls. Let rise for another 20 minutes.

Bake in a 370 degree preheated oven. I bake the bread for about 20 minutes and then insert a temp probe till it reaches 190 degrees. I bake the rolls and buns for about 10-15minutes and then test the temp.

Photo and Recipe

Happy Birthday Dear Melissa!!!!

2010-01-24T00:26:00.000-08:00

31 years ago you popped into this world bright eyed and smiling. You were worth 48 hours excruciating labor. I have loved every second of being your mom.
You have accomplished a lot in your short time here on earth. You have blessed many lives and you will continue to make your corner of the world a better place.
You have a wonderful future ahead of you, full of adventure, excitement and surprises!

Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We love you, love you, love you!

We miss you!!!!!!!!!!!

How To Make A Hot Rice Bag

2010-01-22T09:36:00.000-08:00

Love the rice bag Matt gave me for Christmas. I heat it in the microwave for about three minutes and it comes out toasty warm. It comes in handy since our goal is to not turn on the heater this winter.

Your baby sister, Christy, made one for herself. I am so proud of her! I also made two for dear friends with birthdays this month. We made them out of soft flannel. They turned out so cute!

We cut two pieces of fabric 18x9. We doubled sewed the seams to make them extra sturdy. We filled them half way with rice.

Easy instructions

Cute eye bag

Makes an outer bag you can wash

Congratulations Melissa!!!!! “You have lived through this horror. You can take the next thing that comes along."

2010-01-21T11:40:00.000-08:00

Way to go girl!!!!!!! 4 semesters down and you have done great! Super great!!!!! You are awesome and amazing!!!!!!

Eleanor Roosevelt
You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, "I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along." You must do the thing you think you cannot do.

cartoon

“I do not know of any, excepting the unpardonable sin, that is greater than the sin of ingratitude.”

2010-01-19T10:40:00.000-08:00

Grateful For All Things

“Regardless of our trials, with the abundance we have today, we would be ungrateful if we did not appreciate our blessings. Despite the obvious nature of the hardships the pioneers were experiencing, President Brigham Young talked about the significance of gratitude. He stated, “I do not know of any, excepting the unpardonable sin, that is greater than the sin of ingratitude.”

Homemade Granola Bars

2010-01-18T11:21:00.000-08:00

No more buying those expensive little bars Dad use to take to work every day. We have been eating our food storage. Dad loves our home made granola bars. He says they are way better than the ones we buy in the stores.

Shhhhh, big big secret. Melissa and Star, you have to promise not to tell......Remember our pinto bean cakes? Remember how much you liked them? What is my secret ingredient that makes my granola bars so good and full of protein? You girls guessed it! Pinto beans!

I adapted my recipe from here

Preheat oven to 350

In a food processor or blender mix one can of drained pinto beans and
½ cup of oil till smooth. Dump in a large mixing bowl

Add to bean and oil mixture
2 eggs
½ cup of melted butter
1 cup pancake syrup
1 and ½ cups of brown sugar
1 tsp of salt
1 tbs of vanilla
2tsp of cinnamon
1 cup of powdered milk
2 cups of whole wheat flour
5 cups of oats (I have used quick and old fashioned both work great)

You can add dried fruit, chocolate chips, white chips, coconut, trail mix, or nuts.

Bake for about 30 minutes. Cut while still warm and in the pan. It makes 30 bars.

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“Feel Like You Would Like To Knock Somebody Down?”...“Forgiving others brings peace and joy into our lives.”

2010-01-17T17:41:00.000-08:00

Along with striving to keep our covenants, mighty prayer and intense scripture study, peace comes to your father and I as our hearts are full of gratitude and we forgive and serve others. We have found we can do everything I just mentioned, but if we leave out the forgiveness part, peace does not come. For us, forgiveness is an important part of the equation to feel peace and love.
.
“Forgiving others brings peace and joy into our lives.”
“Forgiving others brings peace and joy into our lives.From the Life of Heber J. GrantPresident Heber J. Grant’s daughter Lucy Grant Cannon wrote: “One of [my father’s] characteristics which to me seems almost Christ-like is his ability to turn the other cheek, to do good to those who despitefully use him.”

“Feel Like You Would Like To Knock Somebody Down....”
Maybe...

The Prophet of the Lord [President Taylor] said:
“My boy, never forget that when you are in the line of your duty your heart will be full of love and forgiveness, and that when you get out of that straight line of duty and have the determination that what you think is justice and what you think is equity and right should prevail, you ofttimes are anything but happy. You can know the difference between the Spirit of the Lord and the spirit of the adversary, when you find that you are happy and contented, that you love your fellows, that you are anxious for their welfare; and you can tell that you do not have that Spirit when you are full of animosity and feel that you would like to knock somebody down.”

Words of Jesus: Forgiveness
“Those who wish to consider themselves as disciples of the Master must understand that we, like the first servant, owe a great debt to our Heavenly King... This understanding unlocks the door to the gifts of repentance and our own forgiveness. The retention of these gifts depends upon our faithful forgiveness of those who have offended us. The Savior said, “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy” (Matt. 5:7)

Even the Mayo Clinic agrees we should forgive...
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/forgiveness/MH00131

"Hope Ya Know, We Had a Hard Time"

2010-01-17T10:02:00.000-08:00

“I testify that the Atonement of Jesus Christ covers all of the trials and hardships that any of us will encounter in this life. At times when we may feel to say, “Hope you know, I had a hard time,” we can be assured that He is there and we are safe in His loving arms.”

This week has brought an array of emotions. Dad and I have had moments of worry, heartache, and peaceful moments of gratitude and hope. Our heart aches for all suffering in the world. I am so grateful we have the Humanitarian Fund we can contribute to. They had another round of cuts at Dad's work. My heart goes out to those families. Melissa and Star, I know your lives are busy and stressful, you are always in our prayers. Thanks girls for being there for us. You are great blessings in our lives.

Star's Famous Best Ever Rolls And Suzy's Best Ever Chocolate Bundt Cake Cupcakes

2010-01-16T21:19:00.000-08:00

Tonight we cooked dinner for the McDonald House. I made my infamous spaghetti sauce and a lovely green salad. What was the biggest hit of the night?????? Star's rolls (I topped them with a mixture of melted butter, olive oil, garlic and lots of Parmesan cheese) and Suzy's Chocolate Bundt petite cupcakes. They flew off the serving platters. Everyone raved about how wonderful they were. People kept coming back for more and we caught a couple pocketing them to take up to their room. I am just happy we could bring a little joy into their lives. I must add my lemon curd baby tartlets made a respectable showing. It was fun cooking and serving with your baby sisters and dear dad.

Star's Famous Best Ever Rolls

3 cups warm water
9 tsp yeast
1 cup sugar
1 cup of oil
3 tsp salt
4 beaten eggs
12 cups of flour

I cut the recipe in half and it made 30 breadsticks.

Suzy's Super Delicious Chocolate Bundt Cake

Photo and recipe

1 pkg. German chocolate cake, or chocolate cake mix
1 pkg. instant chocolate pudding
1 c. sour cream
4 large eggs
1/2 c. water
1/2 c. oil
1 1/2 c. mini chocolate chips (Suzy used milk chocolate chips..the best)

Mix first six ingredients together with a beater. Add chocolate chips. Pour into a greased bunt cake pan (cooking spray works best). Cook in oven at 350 degrees for 45-50 mins. Remove from oven. Let cool for 20 mins. Remove from pan. (I think it tastes best if you put it on a serving plate, wrap it well in Saran Wrap, and let it sit overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving..)
Icing
2 (8 ounce) pkgs. cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. butter, softened
3-4 c. powdered sugar
2 tsp. vanilla extract
In a medium bowl, cream together the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Mix in the vanilla, then gradually stir in the powdered sugar (start with 2 cups then keep adding more until it is nice and thick).

We made little mini cupcakes and dipped the tops in melted milk chocolate chips with a little melted shortening They were divine!!

Miss you girls! Wish you were here.... I am so very very proud of you both. Love ya lots forever and ever

The Best Black Bean Patties On Whole Wheat Pita Bread

2010-01-15T21:19:00.000-08:00

Here is the recipe I promised you Melissa. I know you and Star wish you could be home right now munching on one of these goodies!

Dad loves them! They may sound weird but they are yummy!

Original recipe

1 16 ounce can of black beans
Rinse and mash beans
Add to mashed beans:
2 tsp of beef bouillon
2 tbs of chopped green pepper (I always keep some in the freezer)
1 tsp of dehydrated onion
2 tsp of hot sauce
1 tsp of chopped garlic
1 tsp – 2 tsp of McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Steak Seasoning
You can adjust seasonings to your taste

Stir in one beaten egg and then add ½ cup of smashed saltine cracker crumbs.

Form into patties (I use 1/4 cup of mixture and it makes 5 patties.) and fry in a small amount of olive oil till crispy on both sides (about 2-3 minutes each side)

They are so good. I like to eat them as is. Dad eats them like a hamburger in pita bread

Pita Bread recipe
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees)
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
3-4 cups wheat flour
2 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoon salt
1-2 tablespoons olive oil
Preparation:
Dissolve yeast in warm water. Add sugar, salt, olive oil and flour.

Knead about 10 minutes

Coat large bowl with vegetable oil and place dough in bowl. Turn dough upside down so all of the dough is coated with oil. Allow to sit, covered, in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.

Once doubled, roll out in a rope, and pinch off 18-20 small pieces. Place balls on floured surface. Let sit covered for 10 minutes. Preheat oven to 500 deg F. and make sure rack is at the very bottom of oven. Be sure to preheat your baking sheet.

Roll out each ball of dough with a rolling pin into circles. Each should be about 1/4 inch thick.

Bake each circle for 4 minutes until the bread puffs up. Turn over and bake for 2 minutes.

Remove each pita with a spatula from the baking sheet and add additional pitas for baking.

Take spatula and gently push down puff. Immediately place in storage bags.
Storing Pita Bread
Pita bread can be stored for up to a week in a pantry or bread box, and up to a month in the freezer.

Pita bread dough can also be refrigerated for up to one week in the refrigerator

Adapted from these recipes:

http://mideastfood.about.com/od/breadsrice/r/wholewheatpita.htm

http://www.thefreshloaf.com/recipes/pitabread

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/WHOLE-WHEAT-PITA-BREAD-108122

Lemon Curd (A Great Honey Butter Substitute) And Mock Clotted Cream

2010-01-15T10:11:00.000-08:00

For their Christmas gift to us, Joyce and Don took us to a quaint English Tea Room where we ate scones with lemon curd and clotted cream. Yum!!!!!! It was soooo good!

Yesterday as I was looking at our abundance of lemons I decided to try my hand at making lemon curd.
It was so easy, inexpensive and very yummy! I made a “pot” of it for less than 50 cents...It reminded me of Nana and her love of all things citrus including her favorite lemon pudding.

Lemon Curd From The Barefoot Contessa

3 lemons (We only needed 2)
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 pound butter, room temperature (I used salted butter)
4 extra-large eggs (I just used large)
1/2 cup lemon juice (3 to 4 lemons) With our large lemons we only used two.
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
Directions
Using a carrot peeler, remove the zest of 3 lemons, being careful to avoid the white pith. Put the zest in a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Add the sugar and pulse until the zest is very finely minced into the sugar.
Cream the butter and beat in the sugar and lemon mixture. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, and then add the lemon juice and salt. Mix until combined.
Pour the mixture into a 2 quart saucepan and cook over low heat until thickened (about 10 minutes), stirring constantly. The lemon curd will thicken at about 170 degrees F, or just below simmer. Remove from the heat and cool or refrigerate.

Mock Coddled Cream
This is not exactly the same, but it makes a great poor man's substitute.

¼ cup of Cool Whip
¼ cup of sour cream
Mix together, put it on a piece of toast topped with lemon curd. Close your eyes and pretend you are having high tea with the Queen!

Dad loves to top his “coddled cream” and lemon curd with granola.

He also put it on some left over cake.

He loves to slather the lemon curd on his toast and scones like he would honey butter.

You could make a pie (or tiny little English tarts...) with a lemon curd filling and topping it with the mock coddled cream.....

It is so rich so a little goes a long way.

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“Find someone who is having a hard time, … and do something for them.”

2010-01-14T14:12:00.000-08:00

"When our beloved prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, was asked on his birthday this past August what would be the ideal gift that members worldwide could give him, he said without a moment’s hesitation, “Find someone who is having a hard time, … and do something for them.”"

My heart goes out to the suffering around the world including the horrific events in Haiti. I am so grateful we belong to Christ's Church were the members are so keenly aware of the suffering of others and devote their lives to helping those in need. I am grateful that through the Humanitarian Fund we are able to help.

“SALT LAKE CITY 13 January 2010 In the wake of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is mobilizing resources to address the most pressing needs of the people in the Caribbean nation. Images of collapsed buildings and devastated families tell the story of the widespread destruction.
Two planes, one departing from Denver as early as Thursday and another leaving from Miami later this week, will each include over 80,000 pounds of food and emergency resources such as tents, tarps, water filtration bottles and medical supplies donated by the Church. Transportation is being provided by Airline Ambassadors and Food for the Poor will aid with distribution in Haiti.
“We are constantly assessing needs to determine how our resources can directly help the people of Haiti,” said Nate Leishman, manager of the Church’s humanitarian emergency response efforts. “We are fully committed to this ongoing process and doing our best to help wherever we can.”
These new shipments are in addition to emergency supplies, including personal hygiene kits and supplies for newborns, being sent by truck from the Dominican Republic, as announced early Wednesday by the Church.
“We express our sympathy and prayers on behalf of the citizens of Haiti following the recent devastating earthquake,” said Kim Farah, Church spokesperson.
All Latter-day Saint missionaries serving in the country are safe, and Church leaders continue efforts to account for Church members in the area.”

Donations for relief efforts

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“Permanent remorse about failing to do your human duty, in my opinion, can be worse than losing your life."

2010-01-12T13:19:00.000-08:00

Meip Gies A Real Hero

Melissa and Star, remember reading The Diary Of Anne Frank? Remember reading The Hiding Place?
While your grandfather and great uncles were bravely fighting Nazi aggression in Europe and Northen Africa brave women were doing their part to help those in need.

"Miep Gies, the office secretary who defied the Nazi occupiers to hide Anne Frank and her family for two years and saved the teenager's diary, has died, the Anne Frank Museum in Amsterdam said Tuesday. She was 100."

“Jan and Miep Gies worked with four other employees in the firm to sustain the Franks and four other Jews sharing the annex. Jan secured extra food ration cards from the underground resistance. Miep cycled around the city, alternating grocers to ward off suspicions from this highly dangerous activity...
Touched by Anne's precocious intelligence and loneliness, Miep also brought Anne books and newspapers while remembering everybody's birthdays and special days with gifts.”

"I don't want to be considered a hero," she said in a 1997 online chat with schoolchildren.
"Imagine young people would grow up with the feeling that you have to be a hero to do your human duty. I am afraid nobody would ever help other people, because who is a hero? I was not. I was just an ordinary housewife and secretary."

From an interview with Scholastic

Why did you take on the responsibility of hiding the Franks?
My decision to help Otto was because I saw no alternative. I could foresee many sleepless nights and an unhappy life if I refused. And that was not the kind of failure I wanted for myself. Permanent remorse about failing to do your human duty, in my opinion, can be worse than losing your life.

Photo and Story

Just Move It Move It

2010-01-12T09:28:00.000-08:00

Melissa, when you need a break from all your studying....Just move it move it! Your baby sisters are working out every day with Just Dance. Just try it try it...You know you want to!!!!!

Love ya!

Japanese Tempura Batter For Orange Chicken

2010-01-11T16:06:00.000-08:00

This is Dad's favorite batter to use when making orange chicken. Thanks Star and Ryan for the chicken and the Panda Express orange sauce. Dad loves it!
I adapted it from this recipe

1 egg
1 cup very very cold water
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp rice vinegar

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“One’s life … cannot be both faith-filled and stress-free. …

2010-01-10T10:39:00.000-08:00

The Growth Required to Return Home

“One’s life … cannot be both faith-filled and stress-free. …

“Therefore, how can you and I really expect to glide naively through life, as if to say, ‘Lord, give me experience, but not grief, not sorrow, not pain, not opposition, not betrayal, and certainly not to be forsaken. Keep from me, Lord, all those experiences which made Thee what Thou art! Then let me come and dwell with Thee and fully share Thy joy!’ …

“Real faith … is required to endure this necessary but painful developmental process.”

Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926–2004) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Lest Ye Be Wearied and Faint in Your Minds,” Ensign, May 1991, 88, 90.

She Is Awesome!

2010-01-09T18:08:00.000-08:00

Your baby sister did great! She scored 10 points including two three pointers!

Thanks Melissa for helping me and your encouraging words. You are a blessing.

Thanks Star for sharing the boys. Our house seems way too quiet....

Love you girls. Miss you a lot.

Big hug.

Dad's Favorite Sugar Free Hot Chocolate Mix And Mom's Fake Mocha Cappuccino Latte

2010-01-08T11:44:00.000-08:00

Using a quarter cup of Dad's mix per cup of hot water, this recipe makes about 116 servings. It comes out to about 12 cents per serving. Since we already have most of these items in our food storage, it is almost no out of pocket expense.

1 can of powdered milk

3-5 cups of powdered imitation cream
(We had some in our food storage. You can also purchase a generic brand at Sam's Club.)

1 41 serving container of Nesquick no sugar added chocolate (You could substitute one small can of cocoa and 3 cups of diet sugar.)

1 small container of cocoa

3 cups of diet sugar

1 cup of cornstarch

Mix all together. We store it in two empty # 10 powdered milk cans.

Mom's Fake Mocha Cappuccino Latte

Put one cup of boiling hot milk in blender add a quarter cup of Dad's hot cocoa mix and a teaspoon of Pero. Whirl away until frothy. Pour into microwave safe cup and heat till froth boils up. Stop microwave before it spills over. Yum!

Reminds me of Grandma and Grandpa. Pero was their favorite coffee substitute. Love you Mom and Dad!

Photo and recipe to make one cup of hot chocolate using real sugar.

Recipe for hot cocoa mix using real sugar.

“Could They Do This Had They Not Suffered Themselves?”

2010-01-06T13:33:00.000-08:00

I have always loved reading and listening to the words of Elder Neal Maxwell. He had been through so much in his life. It is hard to believe he has been gone for six years.

Today while listening to one of his talks, this quote came to mind:

Elder Orson F. Whitney (1855–1931) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
“To whom do we look, in days of grief and disaster, for help and consolation? … They are men and women who have suffered, and out of their experience in suffering they bring forth the riches of their sympathy and condolences as a blessing to those now in need. Could they do this had they not suffered themselves?
“… Is not this God’s purpose in causing his children to suffer? He wants them to become more like himself. God has suffered far more than man ever did or ever will, and is therefore the great source of sympathy and consolation.” 10

Yummy Granola

2010-01-04T12:20:00.000-08:00

Your dad and siblings love granola. The little boys eat it like candy!

I adapted my recipe from this site: http://amysfinerthings.com/crystals-lazy-granola

Preheat oven to 350

I use a whole can of oats (15 cups) from the cannery. I have used whole and instant and both taste great.

Dump the can into a large bowl. You can add coconut, nuts and dried fruit. I don't because your sisters like theirs plain and you know your sisters rule the roost around here....

In a microwave proof bowl melt 1/2 cup of butter
add to the melted butter:

1/2 cup of oil

2 tsp of salt

1 cup of honey (Because it is cheaper, I use pancake syrup. You can buy a 24 oz bottle of syrup for a dollar at the dollar store.)

1 and 1/2 cups of brown sugar (Or, 1 cup brown sugar and 1 cup diet sugar)

2 tsp of cinnamon, more if you want it spicier

put back in the microwave and let it come to a boil.

Pour over the oatmeal and stir well until all the oatmeal is well coated.

I grease two large baking pans to bake the oat mixture

Put the pans in the oven. My oven is too small to hold both pans on the same shelf so after 10 minutes I switch shelves and bake for another 10 minutes.

Turn the oven down to 250 take pans out and stir pans and switch pans. Bake for another 20 minutes, switch pans and bake for another 20 minutes. If you need to, switch pans and bake again for another 10 minutes or more until brown.

Take out of oven, let cool and then break up into bite sized chunks. I store it in two cans that the oats came in.

Photo and another great granola recipe.

My Gifts This Year: Malice Towards None, Charity For All

2010-01-04T11:05:00.000-08:00

My gifts to our loving Heavenly Father, our Redeemer Jesus Christ and my dear family:

1. Complete faith and trust in the Lord's plan for us. More trust in the Atonement of our Savior, and to be a better follower of our Redeemer.

2. Stop complaining and have more joy and gratitude for all things.

3. Stop, Consequence, Slow, low, less.

4. Not worrying and fretting about people or things I can not control or change. Pray about what the Lord wants me to do, but turn the rest over to the Lord.

5. Be more faithful and diligent in keeping my covenants with the Lord and His commandments.

6. Be as healthy as I can physically, emotionally and spiritually.

7. Be more aware of the needs and loneliness of those around me. Pray that I can be an instrument in the Lords hands to help ease their suffering.

8. Paraphrasing President Lincoln, Malice towards none, charity and forgiveness for all, strive to be a peacemaker
and a healer.

9. Be more loving and patient with my family.

10. Work on overcoming my stubborn pride.

Celebrating The New Year With Crayfish and Rockband!

2010-01-02T12:31:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Melissa!

Your family celebrated with putting Cash to work, eating crayfish (Thanks Ryan!), and playing Rockband, the Beatles edition.

Don't you wish you were here? We miss you!
Love ya!

Blessings Blessings Blessings

2009-12-31T09:45:00.000-08:00

Dear Family

My heart is filled with gratitude for our family. Thank you guys for being there for each other. Siblings make the best friends. You have each stepped up to the plate to help each other and to help us. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Grateful For Our Ward Family

I don't know how people deal with major trials without a loving ward family. I have seen members of our ward reach out with Christ like charity to those in need. I never dreamed we would be on the receiving end of their kindness. I am so grateful for how good people have been to all of our children. Thank you.

Dear Friends

Grateful for loyal loving friends. We are so blessed.
As D said, many of us are going through trials we never expected. I wish I could ease their burdens. We tried to fortify our families spiritually and temporally and at times our efforts seem futile, yet we keep moving forward with faith.

Old Year New Year

09 was filled with experiences I never dreamed we would go through. Aunt Carol use to say, “99% of the things I worried about never happened. I was always hit with things I never expected.” While I accept what has happened as learning and growth experiences, it is hard watching beloved children suffer from trying to do what is right.

The good news is our testimonies are strong. We have learned forgiveness brings us peace, the importance of “remembering” when the test is feeling abandoned or betrayed. There is healing power in hope, faith, charity, gratitude for all things, keeping our covenants and the commandments. The Atonement of our Savior not only saves us, it completely heals us. Because of the loving Atonement of our Savior no matter our mistakes, struggles or sins, we are not left as second class citizens or abandoned as unwanted and unworthy steps siblings He makes us throughly clean and worthy of all blessings in the kingdom of our Eternal Father.

No more whining about the past. We have hope for the future and we are moving forward with faith. We are entering 2010 with more gratitude, more compassion for those around us and more faith and trust in our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ.

The Boys

2009-12-30T17:25:00.000-08:00

They are so cute and so fun to have around. Thanks for sharing them with us!

Austin
He is a wonderful big brother. He is good about sharing and helping his little brothers. He is very patient with them.
Like all of us, there is a point where he has had enough and needs a break. However, his little brothers want to be by his side at all times!

Braxton
Mr. Sunshine loves to rule the roost! He is always plotting something! He loves his brothers.

Cash
Someone forgot to tell him he is a baby! He thinks he is just as big as his beloved brothers. What ever the big boys are doing Cash is right behind them. They are so good to him.

Fun Times
The boys have had a homemade fondue dinner. Dad thought they would love it. They did for the first 5 minutes but then they wanted their dinner NOW! We have been to the park, made bread, candy and cookies. We have read stories, played games and gone on walks.

It is so funny watching them play Just Dance. Those boys can move it!

Their favorite thing so far? They love to beat Grandma at Mario Go Cart. I don't get it???? I have been driving for almost 40 years, they don't even have a drivers license...they can't ride their bikes without crashing into walls and each other. Poor boys, they are perplexed (and so am I...) about why their beloved granny cannot stay on the track and keeps falling into the abyss. However, that doesn't stop them from leaving me in the dust and they enjoy every minute of it!

How Smart Is He?

2009-12-29T20:38:00.000-08:00

This kid is incredible! He has learned to say “Yes” while nodding his head and “No” while shaking his head.

He says,“Poopy” and he is always right on that one....

He says "Cheese" when his picture is taken.

He plays the Alphabet game on the computer with Grandpa and Cash can say all the letter sounds..

He loves to clean up a room and throw the garbage (and his pajamas..) in the trash.

His favorite chore is unloading the dishwasher and putting the silverware away!!!! Wahoo!!! Nothing like free help around here!

Leave him a little longer Star and we will teach him to do laundry!

Thanks for sharing the boys! We have had a blast!

What Are We To Learn? Help Us Come Through This As Better Followers Of Christ. The Friends of Job Syndrome, The Purpose Of Life And Enduring Trials...

2009-12-29T11:08:00.000-08:00

If Thou Endure It Well
Francisco J. Vinas
We learned that trials are easier to endure when we diligently serve the Lord. We came to know that as we endure our trials and afflictions with diligence, faithfulness, and prayers of faith, we can learn to have joy through—and despite—our suffering.
Gospel Library > Magazines > Ensign > July 2009

Dad's Prayers
Dad gave a beautiful prayer in Sacrament Meeting. We have sweetheart prayers together almost every night. I love listening to your Dad . He covers everything and everyone and you can feel the Spirit so strong as he prays.

Dad is keenly aware of the trials of others. He prays for them by name and asks for them to be blessed He always prays that he can help others.

My Prayers, Why Me? What Are We To Learn?

I have heard you are not to ask, “Why Me.” However, trying to make sense of it all and trying to figure out what we are to learn from this, it is hard not to ask, “Why me?” Was I too prideful? Was I so wicked the Lord had to smite me with this trial to humble me? What do you want us to change? What do you want us to learn? Please bless us that we will come through this as better followers of Christ, more loving and kind and that we will be more aware of the needs of others and to be better about helping those in need and we will be instruments in the hands of God to help ease their suffering.

Friends of Job Syndrome

It is easy to fall into the “Friends of Job” mentality. Righteous living always equals posterity and a good life. Trials and suffering are always the products of a sinful unrepentant life.

I think when our lives are going well and see others suffering it is easy to be as Job's friends and assume our lives are good because we are righteous and those who are suffering deserve their fate.

I pray we will never fall prey to the friends of Job syndrome.

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: Why?
(Old Testament | Psalms 34:19)

I see so many good people going through difficult hard trials. Some of the best people I know are being tested. Why? Why did the righteous in time past have so many afflictions?

President James E. Faust said, “Into every life there come the painful, despairing days of adversity and buffeting. There seems to be a full measure of anguish, sorrow, and often heartbreak for everyone, including those who earnestly seek to do right and be faithful. … For some, the refiner’s fire causes a loss of belief and faith in God, but those with eternal perspective understand that such refining is part of the perfection process” (Ensign, May 1979, 54).

“Trials, disappointments, sadness, and heartache come to us... The ... reason for adversity is to accomplish the Lord’s own purposes in our life that we may receive the refinement that comes from testing. … [Some trials] are evidence that the Lord feels you are prepared to grow more” Elder Richard Scott (Ensign, Nov. 1995, 16).

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all
(Old Testament | Psalms 34:19)

As Christy said, “Often the Lord does not take away our trials, instead He gives us the strength to cope with them..”

Our Prayers For Our Country And The Economy

So many good people are suffering the effects of the economy. I pray the economy will improve, people will be blessed with work to provide for their families and pay their obligations. I pray we will all come through this less materialistic, more in tuned to the needs and sufferings of others and we will use our resources to bless the lives of those in need and to build up the kingdom of God.

The Purpose of Life
R. Val Johnson
D&C 122:7–8.) Trials, then, are a fundamental part of the plan of life. Mortal life allows us to learn by trial and error; and when we make the inevitable mistakes, the principles and ordinances of the gospel help us to bring our lives into harmony with truth.
Gospel Library > Magazines > Ensign > April 1993

A Wonderful Christmas

2009-12-28T13:44:00.000-08:00

It was simple, peaceful and Fun!

Melissa, you will love the game Just Dance. It is a blast. Love watching your family play.
Watching Star dancing to You Can't Touch This brought back fond memories!

Just so Daryl knows this is not just a girl game....

Have fun! Love ya!

"When persons manifest the least kindness and love to me, O what pow'r it has over my mind." Joseph Smith

2009-12-22T09:53:00.000-08:00

We feel so blessed by the over whelming kindness that has been shown to our family by friends, neighbors and secret Santas. It has been as a balm of Gilead, helping to heal our wounds and bring feelings of peace and love. I hope and pray our feeble attempts of service have helped to ease the heavy burdens of others as our burdens have been lifted.

Thank you,

Thank you

Thank you

We Had A Lot Of Fun On Grandma's Feather Bed

2009-12-19T10:13:00.000-08:00

Melissa, remember when you and your siblings sang this song?
Austin and Braxton love to sleep in our room. We lie on my bed tell stories(Scripture stories, family stories and remember the alligator stories?), talk and sing songs. As soon as they fall asleep Dad puts them down on mats at the side of our bed. When the first glint of sunlight hits the window I hear, GRANDMA, WE ARE HUNGRY, WAKE UP! Love it!

O Holy Night

2009-12-18T15:26:00.000-08:00

Thanks Melissa for remembering all the music, dance and voice lessons. We love you!

Suzy's Toe, Good Friends, and Feeling Peace

2009-12-15T21:32:00.000-08:00

Suzy's Toe
Your poor baby sister Suzy. Now that she is 18 she feels like an adult..
She decided she wanted to see a doctor about her broken toe. She felt so grown up making her own doctor appointment, driving herself to the doctor and even paying the doctor bill herself...Makes a mama proud and makes your daddy happy it wasn't his seventy dollars...

Melissa it is so fun listening to you and Suzy taking law!

Thanks Jackie and Michell

Jackie and Michell called this morning and invited me to go to the temple with them. It was a great experience. It was the first time in a long time I felt at peace. Jackie said the night before she was praying what she could do to help me and the prompting came to invite me to go to the temple with them. I loved visiting with them. Jackie is a wise and good friend. Grateful for her example. Michell is a sweetie, she will be an awesome missionary. Love my beautiful Christmas candy dish too!

Thanks Mona

Love all my Christmas goodies from you and for being Santa's helper. Love the honey. Tom was so happy to see it on our door stoop!....You are a great friend!

Making Peace With The Lord

It was a tough weekend. So much inner turmoil, guilt (still working on that one...) and having my faith tested. Grateful that even during that time I made myself pray, read my scriptures, go to the temple and to church and do my callings. Monday as I was praying the prompting came to me to let it go. The Lord knows the truth. He knows the mistakes others made, He knows the injustices. He understands the pain. I felt the weight of all the consequences of other's actions that I can not change be lifted off my shoulders. Thank you!

...and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

(Book of Mormon | Alma 7:12)

14 And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.

(Book of Mormon | Mosiah 24:14)

To Celebrate Chanukah You Can Crochet A Yamaka

2009-12-13T22:37:00.000-08:00

Ok... it doesn't look like a yamaka, but I wanted to show you the hat I crochet for your dad.
Isn't he cute!

This video is for you Melissa and Star! Love you girls! Have a happy happy Chanukah!

“Good days are just for living, bad days are for growth.”

2009-12-13T17:41:00.000-08:00

It was a fun weekend hanging out with family and friends. I love talking with you Melissa and Star. It is so fun talking with the little boys on Skype. Dad said it is like communicating with monkeys. I must add they are adorable, charming, smart and funny monkeys. Sunday your sisters did a wonderful job in their YW presentation in Sacrament. They are good girls with good hearts. Saturday Dad and I visited the boys. They are good together. Saturday night The Carter's took us out dinning and dancing..it was a blast.

Ugh. I started crying uncontrollably in the temple on Saturday and Sunday during Sacrament meeting the tears started flowing again. I don't mean for that to happen. I fight it. I pray that I can control it and not make a fool of myself and not make others feel uncomfortable. Oh well, I guess part of God's plan for me is to completely strip my stubborn soul of pride.

In the temple, a lady sitting next to me was also crying. I gave her a mint. How silly was that....I would have handed her a tissue but mine were all soggy...In the dressing room she thanked me and told me, “Good days are just for living, bad days are for growth.”

So what did I learn from my bad days? My trial is keeping faithful to my testimony of the restored gospel of Christ and keeping my covenants with the Lord ...no matter what. Having this trial because of the very institution I have revered and trusted, is at times more than I can bear. However, this is the test. It is easy to say you believe when times are good. It is easy to believe in forgiving others, it is hard to actually do it. Life is not suppose to be easy. We are here to be tried and tested..

I learned how real the adversary is and how hard he is working to make us miserable. Lehi's dream has become very real to me, traveling through the midst of darkness, having to press forward and holding fast to the iron rod.

I also learned how much the Lord has blessed us. Every good thing in our family is because of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

I am grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ and for our Heavenly Father. I am grateful for our family. I am grateful for loyal friends. I am grateful for the kindness and charity we have been shown.

I am grateful for honorable priesthood leaders. Our priesthood leaders carry a heavy load with their own imperfections, weaknesses and personal struggles, their own family and work problems plus having to bear the burdens of their stake and ward members. You know they are called of God because no sane person would volunteer for that. I appreciate their efforts to bless the lives of those in their ward and stake.

In Christy's talk she said, "Often God does not take away our trials, instead He gives us the strength to handle them."

We will continue moving forward with faith....

How To Crochet A Hat

2009-12-09T21:20:00.000-08:00

Diane and I made caps for chemo patients.

They turned out so cute. We donated them to the American Cancer Society.

Melissa, do you want me to make you a hat?

Star, remember that cute red scarf I made you when you were on your mission? You silly goose. You wore it as a turban....It did look good on you!

The first video shows in detail how to make a hat. Star and Melissa, I included the second video because she cracks me up and reminds me of you guys.

Love you girls!

http://www.crochetspot.com/how-to-crochet-a-beanie/

http://www.headhuggers.org/patterns/patterns.htm

Easy and Delish Saltine Toffee Chocolate Cookies

2009-12-08T12:56:00.000-08:00

This is our new favorite treat. Easy to make and so yummy. It makes a big batch so there is enough to share!

I line a greased cookie sheet with crackers. I use milk chocolate chips and I leave out the nuts. It is so good!

Melissa and Star, I thought this might be an easy dessert for you to share during this busy time of year.

Love you girls!!!!!

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Saltine-Toffee-Cookies/Detail.aspx

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But If Not

2009-12-06T18:37:00.000-08:00

“Our scriptures and our history are replete with accounts of God’s great men and women who believed that He would deliver them, but if not, they demonstrated that they would trust and be true.”

“Faith is not bravado, not just a wish, not just a hope. True faith is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ—confidence and trust in Jesus Christ...”

“Faith is believing that although we do not understand all things, He does. Faith is knowing that although our power is limited, His is not. He has the power, but it’s our test. Faith in Jesus Christ consists of complete reliance on Him.”

“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego knew that they could trust God—even if things didn’t turn out the way they hoped. 4 They knew that faith is more than mental assent, more than an acknowledgment that God lives. Faith is total trust in Him.”

The three young men quickly and confidently responded, “If it be so [if you cast us into the furnace], our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand.”... But then they demonstrated that they fully understood what faith is. They continued, “But if not, … we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.” 3 That is a statement of true faith.

We must have the same faith as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego.

Our God will deliver us from ridicule and persecution, but if not. …

Our God will deliver us from sickness and disease, but if not …

He will deliver us from loneliness, depression, or fear, but if not. …

Our God will deliver us from threats, accusations, and insecurity, but if not. …

He will deliver us from death or impairment of loved ones, but if not, …

Our God will see that we receive justice and fairness, but if not. …

He will make sure that we are loved and recognized, but if not...

We will receive a perfect companion and righteous and obedient children, but if not,

We will trust in the Lord.

We will have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, knowing that if we do all we can do, we will, in His time and in His way, be delivered and receive all that He has.
I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.”

Elder Dennis E. Simmons
Of the Seventy

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Silent Monks Singing Halleluia

2009-12-04T08:22:00.000-08:00

Love it! Thanks Pam. Melissa and Star, the lady laughing reminds me of Grandma Andrews. Love you girls!

We Are Praying For You Melissa

2009-12-03T14:21:00.000-08:00

You are going to do great. You are awesome! Love ya babe

"The good lawyer is not the woman who has an eye to every side and angle of contingency, and qualifies all her qualifications, but who throws herself on your part so heartily, that she can get you out of a scrape."
Ralph Waldo Emerson

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