Need a break from finals?

Come visit some free local events going on in the Provo Valley.  They make great date ideas, family home evenings, or just a way to relax during the Holiday rush.

Ice Carving!
Thanksgiving Point: Water Tower Plaza
Tomorrow! (Dec 17th) 6:30pm-7:30pm

Springville's Museum of Art
Museum Hours: Tues-Sat 10am-5pm, Wed 10am-9pm & Sun 3pm-6pm. Closed Monday and Holidays

Provo City Library Ballroom "A Christmas Carol"
Dec 22nd at 7PM
Drama Teacher Dane Allred performs a one-man telling of the classic Christmas Carol story!

Relief Society Lesson

This weeks lesson comes from the Teaching of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Fielding Smith. Chapter 20: Love and Concern for All Our Father’s Children.

Follow the link to read the Lesson: https://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-of-presidents-of-the-church-joseph-fielding-smith/chapter-20-love-and-concern-for-all-our-fathers-children?lang=eng

Allie Hales began her lesson by sharing an article written by a non-LDS writer who came to visit BYU, The article is called “The Trick to Being More Virtuous” and can be found at http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/28/opinion/the-trick-to-being-more-virtuous.html?_r=0 The writer talks about how a BYU briefcase had a major effect on his behavior. “I found that I was acting more cheerfully and courteously than I ordinarily would… I was unconsciously trying to live up to the high standards of Mormon kindness, or at least not besmirch that well earned reputation.” The writer continues to talk about moral elevation and the trick to being more virtuous.

So thinking about this experience the non-member had trying to represent Mormon kindness, why do you think Mormons are so kind and so helpful?

Some answers from comments in class:

• To love others is the second great commandment. and we try to live our commandments
• We have our Prophet Thomas S. Monson’s example and counsel which centers around service and love for others
• We have Christ as our Ultimate example, and He is the greatest example of service
• Members have a unique perspective. We believe we use to all live together before, and we are all brothers and sisters.

Following the story and discussion we went on to talk about the following from teachings of Joseph Fielding Smith.

1. With the Knowledge that God is the Father of all People, we Desire to Love and Bless others
1. “I think if all men knew and understood who they are, and were aware of the divine source from whence they came, and of the infinite potential that is part of their inheritance, they would have feelings of kindness and kinship for each other that would change their whole way of living and bring peace on earth.”
2. How has this knowledge changed you and how you act?
2. As we Love and Support One Another in the Church, We Become a Power in the World for Good
1. Matt 5:16 “Let your Light so Shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven”
2. “We have not reached a condition of perfection yet, it is hardly to be expected that we will in this life, and yet, through the aid of the Holy Ghost, it is possible for us to stand united together seeing eye to eye and overcoming our sins and imperfections. If we will do this, respecting all the commandments of the Lord, we shall be a power in the world for good”
3. How can we become a power for good in the world?
3. We Express Love for our Fellowmen by Serving Them
1. “Our mission is to all the world—for the peace, and hope, and happiness, and temporal and eternal salvation of all of our Father’s children. … With all my powers of persuasion I urge this people to continue to reach out and bless the lives of all our Father’s children everywhere.”
2. How can we serve others?
4. We Need to Appreciate and Love People for Themselves
1. Junie The Horse. Junie was stubborn and would out-smart Joseph Fielding by letting herself out of her stall. However the horse was reliable and dependable and took Joseph Fielding’s mother where she needed to go every time.
2. “She was a wonderful horse with only a couple of bad habits. People are a lot the same way. None of us is perfect; yet each of us is trying to become perfect, even as our Father in heaven. We need to appreciate and love people for themselves.”
3. Can you remember the time you felt unconditional love? How did you feel?
5. When we Love The Lord With all our Hearts and our Neighbors as Ourselves, we are in Harmony with all Sacred Law
1. Matthew 22: 37-40
2. “ If we love the Lord with all the heart, with all the soul, and with all the mind, and our neighbors as ourselves, then there is nothing more to be desired. Then we will be in harmony with the total of sacred law.”

Mini Chicken Pot Pies

 I love simple recipes! Mini Chicken Pot pies are easy to make, they are delicious, and they are super cute! This is a great idea for an appetizer, finger food at a party, Include at your next Christmas gathering. The Video is great and will step you through how to make the mini Pot Pies, and below I have included the recipe.

Ingredients:

Chicken Mixture

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground thyme
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (4 oz)

Baking Mixture

1/2 cup Bisquick Mix
1/2 cup Milk
2 eggs

Directions

1) Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 12 regular-size muffin cups with cooking spray.

2) 10-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in oil 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is no longer pink in center. Add onion and chicken broth; heat to simmering. Add frozen vegetables and seasonings. Heat until hot, stirring occasionally until almost all liquid is absorbed. Cool 5 minutes; stir in cheese.

3)In medium bowl, stir baking mixture ingredients with whisk or fork until blended. Spoon 1 scant tablespoon baking mixture into each muffin cup. Top with about 1/4 cup chicken mixture. Spoon 1 tablespoon baking mixture onto chicken mixture in each muffin cup.

4)Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes. With thin knife, loosen sides of pies from pan; remove from pan and place top sides up on cooling rack. Cool 10 minutes longer, and serve.

Recipe and video can be found at http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/impossibly-easy-mini-chicken-pot-pies/9a1006cf-5b40-4c87-acd8-9c3436210129

Meet Sydney Bruce!!

Meet Sydney Bruce!

Sydney has been in our ward since August of this year. She is currently working at KT Tape in Lindon and is studying Pre-Management at BYU. She is planning on applying to the Recreation Management program in the Fall of this next year. 

Aside from work and school, Sydney of course has a wonderful husband who she met when her best friend became friends with her husband during her Freshman year at BYU. On her first day in Utah before Summer term began, she saw him riding his long board through the Riviera parking lot. He stopped to say hi to her friend and ended up giving Sydney a hug, and we all know what happened after that! They were married in the Nauvoo Temple shortly after :)

Sydney loves to craft and decorate, and she and her husband love outdoor activities like hiking!

Her favorite food is sweet potatoes or spaghetti, or basically anything with carbs or cottage cheese :)

Two of her favorite movies are, 500 Days of Summer, and Tangled.

Her favorite book is, The Promise

and Her favorite TV Shows are, The Bachelor and Bachelorette, Modern Family, Shark Tank and Ellen.

One of her and her husbands favorite things to do is visit the temple each week, and they love company!

We're so glad to have Sydney in our ward and hopefully you all learned something fun you didn't know!

Look for more spotlights about our sisters every week on Thursday!

Relief Society Lesson

This Sunday's Relief Society Lesson was about Visiting Teaching and what we can do to help make it a greater priority in our lives.

A Few weeks ago Elder Packer gave a talk in Regional Conference about taking the time to conduct a personal interview with ourselves.  His thoughts were in harmony with a previous speaker as we were encouraged to examine the intentions of our hearts.

What do you want for yourself and for your family?
What are you doing so that you can reach those goals?

As our amazing Relief Society President (Kristina) taught the lesson she put 3 question on the board and asked each of us to ponder them:

  1 - Where am I Spiritually?
  2 - Where are my areas that need improvement?
  3 - What will I do this week to improve one of these areas?

Many of the quotes used in class came from President Uchtdorf's Talk "Lord, is it I?" This amazing talk portrays the Apostles introspection during the last supper when the Savior said that He would be betrayed by one of them. Instead of pointing fingers at the men around them, these ordained Apostles looked at themselves and asked "Lord, is it I?"

When we find it difficult to do something the Lord asks of us we should not look for someone to blame or external factors to excuse our behavior.

The last bit of relief society was spent discussing how we can balance doing all we are asked to do without overloading ourselves. Some of the wonderful advice given include:

•   Don't feel Overwhelmed
•   Know that your priorities may change overtime, especially after you have a baby
•   Don't focus on what you're NOT doing. Focus on what you ARE doing
•   Give yourself credit for the little things you do each day
•   The Adversary is trying to get you to doubt yourself
•   Write down a list of what is most important to do that day, and then do it in that order.

The Reason Behind Christmas

I wanted to share this video to remind us about the true meaning of Christmas and this time of year. This time of year can be very stressful because of school, work, and sometimes our families.

It's easy to forget about Christmas and Christ's Gift of the Atonement when we are busy with finals, caring for our families, concerned with getting that perfect gift for our spouse, family, and friends, or concerned with the difficulties we face everyday.

Our lives are stressful and full of difficulties. BUT whatever our situation, whatever our difficulty, we have a Savior who knows us and can help us through what ever trial we may face. He loves us and is ready to give us comfort and strength in our times of need. We need Him, and we need His love, and we need Him to carry us through this stressful time, and I know He will continue to carry us when ever we need for the rest of our lives.

It is my hope that through this season we will remember to look to Him and remember that He is The Greatest Gift.

Video from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugV6QGcafEE

Mom's Famous Pumpkin Pie

This is the best pumpkin pie recipe you'll ever make!  It's a recipe my mother had passed down to her and has been in my family forever.  But since this relief society is so amazing, I'd love to share the secret with you!

Mom's Famous Pumpkin Pie:
   - 2 Eggs
   - 16 oz Pumpkin
   - 3/4 Cup Sugar
   - 1/2 tsp Salt
   - 1 tsp Cinnamon
   - 1/2 tsp Nutmeg
   - 1/4 tsp Cloves
   - 1 Can Sweetened Condensed Milk

Mix all ingredients together until smooth and pour into pie pans.  Bake at 350 for 40-50 Minutes, or until you can stab it with a knife and it comes out clean.

Tip: If you're really into the holiday spirit you can try baking pumpkin in the oven and blending up the cooked mash instead of using canned pumpkin.  It makes the pie taste even better!

Tip: For Pumpkin Custard make the exact same recipe and just pour it into a greased pan instead of a pie crust.  This is great if you don't want to worry about making or buying crust and tastes just as good with cool whip on top.

Easiest DIY Christmas Wreath!

This is literally the easiest and possibly least expensive DIY wreath you will ever make. All you need are some ornaments from the dollar store, a wire hanger, and some ribbon. THAT'S IT! Just click on the link below for easy step by step instructions. Great gift idea too!

Beautiful Made Easy Blogspot

Be Prepared 11/30

Preparedness:

The  head of the Preparedness Committee gave us some great advice:

• Prepare now while things are peaceful.In Alma 15, Moroni instructed the Nephites to build fortifications against the Lamanites BEFORE they were attacked.

• Get out of debt. One for the Money, published by the Church, is a helpful guide to money management.

• Store food and clothing and save money so you won't be destitute in hard times.

• Prepare spiritually as well: pay tithing, repent, and try to follow the commandments.

Family History Work:

Zack and Callie Smith talked about their committee, Temple and Family History Work. Here is a summary of what they told us:

• Family history is for everyone, not just "old people." We're the ones who have grown up with the Internet.

• Get kids involved by telling family history stories at bedtime

• When we redeem our ancestors we are redeeming ourselves at the same time. Not enough to just go to the temple and do work for people who are not our ancestors.

• Our ward goal is for every ward member to take a family name to the temple

• We also have great stake goals as well--ask the bishop if you'd like a copy.

• Committee members can come to your home to do help you do family history work if you would like!

The work is easy now because of familysearch.org, ancestry.com. findmypast.com, myheritage.com, and puzzilla.org (all of these sites are now free with your LDS login!)

Bishopric Message:

• Use the LDS Tools app for the ward directory, info about callings, and events, birthdays, etc. 

• If you don't a have a smart phone, use lds.org for the same features.

• Also, the Gospel Library app is really great to have because it gives you access to the scriptures, manuals, Church magazines, etc.