Youth Conference Slideshow of pictures

Youth Leaders, Youth ages 12-18, Beach, Clouds, Tents, Cold, Fire - Mix Well

The Silva Valley Youth Conference hit the road on Thursday, July 30 at Dillons Beach and Lawson's Landing for three days and two nights roughing it... in cold, misty fog and scary toilets.


We had a stalwart group of youth aged 12-18. There were tireless youth leaders from both the Young Men and Young Women's organizations. April our energizer bunny YW Pres who our Bishop was inspired to call. Erin and Lisa (3 mos away from giving birth to her sixth) who provided more than enough food for all the kids and adults...and then some. Amie who brought the camper for the women leaders, literally saved us. Aaron the YM Pres who like April was unstoppable in energy and joy. Rob who could capture attention without a bullhorn and could get down and have fun with the kids. I was in awe of how hard-working all of these individuals are. They deserve our gratitude.


Thursday was a busy day, traveling, setting up camp, cooking the food and finally we were able to enjoy messages prepared by Brady Garrett and Alise Coppin. They both shared just what being an example means. It was so assuring to hear our youth speak so eloquently, and from their hearts about what they believe. Our YM president, Aaron Martin shared great stories from his Grandfather who served in WWII. His message also brought inspiration and touched the hearts of those that had the privilege of being at youth conference.


Friday Amie, Stephanie and the Beehives organized EFY games and a Fear Factor challenge for the youth who were divided into four teams. The youth inspired us with their energy, go-to attitude and willingness to get dirty and eat some nasty mealworms, anchovies and even raw squid. mmmmm...


After getting dirty the youth had a chance to enjoy the beach. Despite the cloud cover the YM and YW were able to thoroughly have a good time. These kids are amazing.


One of the highlights was the Friday night fireside. Candice Jones sang and demonstrated her self-taught, guitar strumming, beautifully, as well as shared some frank, relevant and inspiring words to the youth about following the standards the Lord has set. Her message warmed our hearts and touched our souls. Bishop Andrus also shared stories from his youth, and inspired our youth to strive to be good examples.



The last day, the sun finally broke through the clouds. We had an amazingly lovely time out at the beach. Despite the cold, the wet and the wind... the youth remained remarkably positive. As did all our leaders. It was a fantastic youth conference. Perhaps the Lord was smiling on us that last day...."well done."



ps... I think we all couldn't wait for REAL showers and toilets...

Happy Fourth of July

LET FREEDOM RING!!!

FRIEND Magazine Web Site

The Church's magazine web sites are still early in development, but the FRIEND magazine site is seeing some new interactivity.

Go check it out.

You can also learn more, and stay abreast of LDS Media issues from the blog - this is not an official Church blog, but it does have some interesting content related to technology and how it relates to LDS families.

For those of you who use google mail - it is very easy to subscribe to various blog sites via Google's "Reader".

President and Sister Wood

The family of our Stake President and Sister Wood have set up a blog to update the status of President Wood. We as a ward pray for his speedy recovery and peace for their family during this tremendous trial.

Please see this link to the blog site.

Revolutionizing Missionary Work/Sacrament Meeting

My friend Jon has a fantastic, yet simple idea to aide missionary work/change the tenor of our Sacrament meetings.

You can find the post at his blog Sixteen Small Stones. Just click.

Home Teaching and Visiting Teaching

Brothers and Sisters,

Home teaching and Visiting teaching are vital to the spiritual welfare of families and wards.

 With this in mind I would ask for your help. Too many times we have had home-teachers who attempt to visit an active family and are told they are too busy, or are simply put off. 

Out of common courtesy, if a time proposed by your Home/Visiting teacher is inconvenient for you, please suggest another time in which they can come by. You may not feel your family is in need of the visit, but regular contact is necessary, if for no other reason than to establish that pattern in the minds and hearts of your children. 

Remember, those visitors are acting as God's messengers and as such are bringing an added measure of the spirit into your home. There is no telling what specific fruits of the spirit will be yielded by such visits, what message your spouse or child or you need to hear, or what knowledge the spirit may bring to your mind as you welcome God's servants into your home. 

I urge you to be accommodating in allowing home-teachers to come into your house. I do realize there are times when the proposed visit will not work, but please never just decline the invitation without offering up an alternative date/time. These are messengers of the Lord, acting under his direction to come unto you. Both you and they will be blessed as you act with flexibility to allow His prescribed methods of fellowshipping to be fulfilled.

 

Ward Regards, 

Bishop Alan Andrus

A BIG THANK YOU

THANK YOU to the recently released presidencies of the Relief Society and Young Women, and our Activites. We are grateful for the dedicated work you gave, your spirit and joy.

Bishop's Office

A Precious Testimony
by Bishop Alana Andrus

My Dear Brothers and Sisters, the most important knowledge you can obtain in this life is a testimony of the Saviour Jesus Christ and of His restored Gospel. All other truths necessary for your earthy and eternal happiness are contained therein. It is vital that one have a clear understanding of what a testimony is, and what it is not. To that end, I have compiled some thoughts on testimony that I wish we all might understand and discuss with our children.

Brigham Young stated, “Your testimony will grow gradually through your experiences. No one receives a complete testimony all at once. Your testimony will grow stronger through your experiences. It will expand as you show your willingness to serve in the Church, wherever you are called. It will increase as you make decisions to keep the commandments. As you lift and strengthen others, you will see that your testimony continues to develop. As you pray and fast, study the scriptures, attend Church meetings, and hear others share their testimonies, you will be blessed with moments of inspiration that will bolster your testimony. Such moments will come throughout your life as you strive to live the gospel.”

A valid testimony of the gospel is based on the following three factors:

1. A spiritual conviction. The individual must have a true spiritual confirmation and revelation that the Church is true…one knows that the gospel is true through the power of the Holy Ghost.

2. A practical conviction. The gospel must work in the life of the individual so that he actually enjoys the gifts and fruits of the Spirit. In other words, one knows the gospel is true because it works when he lives it.

3. An intellectual conviction. There must be a rational consistency between the theology, religion, scriptures, and prophets, both living and dead. In other words, one knows the gospel is true because it’s reasonable and makes sense.

“A testimony is a spiritual witness given by the Holy Ghost. The foundation of a testimony is the knowledge that Heavenly Father lives and loves us; that Jesus Christ lives, that He is the Son of God, and that He carried out the infinite Atonement; that Joseph Smith is the prophet of God who was called to restore the gospel; that we are led by a living prophet today; and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Savior’s true Church on the earth. With this foundation, a testimony grows to include all principles of the gospel” (True to the Faith, Testimony, 178–79).

“Testimony comes through the quiet influence of the Holy Ghost. The results of a testimony can be miraculous and life changing, but the gift of testimony usually comes as a quiet assurance, without spectacular displays of God’s power. Even Alma, who had been visited by an angel and had seen God sitting on His throne, needed to fast and pray so he could receive a testimony through the power of the Holy Ghost (see Alma 5:45–46; Alma 36:8, Alma 36:22). - Brigham Young

“Remember these saying, for many of you will live to see them fulfilled. The time will come when no man nor woman will be able to endure on borrowed light. Each will have to be guided by the light within himself. If you do not have it, how can you stand?” (Life of Heber C. Kimball, pp.446, 449-450)” (Harold B. Lee in CR, 1965, p.128).

A valid testimony includes belief in the following truths:

1. God is a glorified and exalted man who is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient with a body of flesh and bones and who lives in the family unit and we are literally His spirit children.

2. Jesus Christ is the literal Son of God in the flesh and therefore had the capacity to perform the atonement and, through His literal resurrection all who pass through mortality will likewise be resurrected, soon or late, with literal, perfect, physical bodies. A testimony of Christ hinges on the resurrection: “I believe that a testimony of Jesus Christ hinges on a belief in the resurrection. If Jesus rose from the dead, he is the Son of God! If he is the Son of God, his gospel is true! If his gospel is true, men must believe or disobey at their peril!” (Bruce R. McConkie, “Gaining a Testimony of Jesus Christ, Ensign 10 (December 1980): 11).

3. Joseph Smith’s First Vision was a real historical event during which he literally saw the Father and the Son.

4. The Book of Mormon chronicles historical reality and is true as are the other Standard Works of the Church and was translated by the gift and power of God by the Prophet Joseph Smith.

5. Joseph Smith was a prophet of God through whom the modern gospel dispensation was restored and over which he presides today.

6. Because of the baneful effects of the Great Apostasy, the priesthood and its keys have been restored by heavenly messengers and are operative in the Church today.

7. The plan of salvation or the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true and contains the principles, ordinances, and covenants which give access to the full blessings and graces of the Atonement.

8. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is “the only true and living Church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased” (see D&C 1:30) and as the earthly Kingdom of God it will triumph in all nations in preparing a people for the millennial reign of Christ.

9. The keys of the kingdom were transferred by Joseph Smith to the Quorum of the Twelve in March, 1844 and have been held by every man who has presided over the Church to the present day.

10. President Monson is a living prophet of the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Do not exhort each other; that is not a testimony. Do not tell others how to live. Just tell how you feel inside. That is the testimony. The moment you begin preaching to others, your testimony ended. Just tell us how you feel, what your mind and heart and every fiber of your body tells you” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 158).

“Oh, if I could teach you this one principle. A testimony is to be found in the bearing of it! Somewhere in your quest for spiritual knowledge, there is that ‘leap of faith,’ as the philosophers call it. It is the moment when you have gone to the edge of the light and stepped into the darkness to discover that the way is lighted ahead for just a footstep or two. (President Boyd K. Packer, Ensign, Jan. 1983, 54–55).

“Testimony meetings are some of the best meetings in the ward in the whole month, if you have the spirit. If you are bored at a testimony meeting, there is something the matter with you, and not the other people. You can get up and bear your testimony and you think it is the best meeting in the month; but if you sit there and count the grammatical errors and laugh at the man who can’t speak very well, you’ll be bored, and on that board you’ll slip right out of the Kingdom. Don’t forget it! You have to fight for a testimony. You have to keep fighting! Every month the First Presidency and the Twelve meet with all the General Authorities in the temple. They bear testimony... Why do the General Authorities need a testimony meeting? The same reason that you need a testimony meeting. Do you think that you can go three, and six, and nine, and twelve months without bearing your testimony and still keep its full value? Some of our good people get so terrified at triteness that they try to steer around and away from their testimonies by getting out on the fringes. Don’t you ever worry about triteness in your testimony? When the President of the Church bears his testimony, he says, “I know that Joseph Smith was called of God, a divine representative. I know that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.” You see, the same thing every one of you says. That is a testimony. It never gets old, never gets old! Tell the Lord frequently how much you love him. A testimony is not an exhortation; a testimony is not a sermon; it is not a travelogue. You are there to bear your own witness. It is amazing what you can say in 60 seconds by way of testimony, or 120, or 240, or whatever time you are given, if you confine yourselves to testimony. We’d like to know how you feel… Do you love the Lord?” (Spencer W. Kimball, “President Kimball Speaks Out on Testimony,” New Era, Aug. 1981, 4)

Finally, men captained by Christ will be consumed in Christ. To paraphrase President Harold B. Lee, they set fire in others because they are on fire. (Stand Ye in Holy Places, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1974, p. 192.)

High Priest Group

“High Mountain Experience”, or “If You Love ‘Em, Leave ‘Em”
by Jay Jorgensen, High Priest Group Leader

The Troys (Hull and Yost), Stan and Chase Bastian, Dan Gregory and others in the Ward are avid mountain climbers. What causes them to leave their homes and family to trudge up freezing rugged glacial covered terrain with little air and no shrubbery? Is it the challenge, the camaraderie, the peace of leaving everyday life, or the view from the top? I’ve asked several times, but never quite understood the answer. Maybe, because I’ve never experienced climbing mountains myself. I imagine, though, the first few times were really difficult because most of their attention was on the fundamentals of climbing and their efforts to make it to the top. The more often they climb, however, the less they need to focus on these basics and the more they enjoy the mountain experience which leads to a stronger desire to do it again!

The Lord provided “High Mountain” experiences to the Brother of Jared; Abraham; Moses; Nephi; Peter, James, and John; and I’m sure others. They were taken out of this world and brought to a “high mountain” where they were shown the history of this earth, the plan of salvation, and the mission of Christ. Given this perspective, they were able to withstand the temptations, persecutions, and trials that lay ahead while praising God and thanking Him for their blessings.

Joseph Smith, although in a below ground dungeon, was given a “High Mountain” experience. For months, he had been unjustly imprisoned in Liberty jail. It was cold, dirty, cramped, dark, and the food was course and filthy. He cried in agony, “O god, where art thou?...How long shall thy hand be stayed…”(D&C 121: 1, 3) He continued, “Let thine anger be kindled against our enemies; and , in the fury of thine heart, with thy sword avenge us of our wrongs.”(D&C 121: 5) The Lord answered with one of the most beautiful instructions on the Priesthood-in part he said, “No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned…”(D&C 121: 41). Joseph asked for vengeance and received instruction on God’s infinite patience, mercy, and charity. By the end of this “High Mountain” experience, Joseph, though still imprisoned with no assurance of escape, expressed his newfound optimism and faith when he wrote, “Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.” (D&C 123: 17).

We are so lucky (blessed). We’ve been given the ability to have our own “High Mountain” experience at will. We can attend the Sacramento Temple only 15 min. from our homes. I grew up in Oregon. Our closest Temple was 10 hours away in Oakland, CA. Often, my parents would leave us kids overnight to attend the Temple. They would drive all night and begin their day with the first session and end with the last, only taking one short break for lunch, and then drive home that night to go back to work, or church the next day. Later, the Seattle Temple was built and they visited even more often. When the Portland Temple was built, they became ordinance workers and could be found in the Temple every Friday night. I knew from my early childhood that dad and mom loved the House of the Lord and would go to extraordinary lengths to attend. Something divine drew them to do Temple work.

Receiving my endowments for the first time was not as I expected. For many of us it takes time, maybe even years, to learn how to leave the world, hear the subtle whisperings of the Spirit, and understand the language of symbolism. I recently learned it takes 15 years for an olive tree to be fully productive, but once it does, the tree bares fruit for hundreds of years and its roots grow sprouts (read: children) that produce for millennia. Fifteen years seems like a lot of time to receive a return on your investment until you realize the “fruits” of your labors will benefit your heirs for thousands of years. Because of my parents’ example, I continued to go to the Temple. After we were married, Angela and I found the more often we attended, the less we had to focus on the fundamentals and the more we learned, prayed, and felt the spirit. At first we rewarded ourselves with dinner out for attending a session, later the session itself became the reward. Over the years, we learned how to find solace in times of sorrow and answers to prayers when perplexed with choices in our lives. I thank my parents for showing me how to find joy in the Temple.

As High Priests, we invite everyone to receive the blessings of Temple service. Come often. There isn’t any soccer game, work assignment, play, homework, or any other worldly pursuit, that could possibly bring the same long lasting happiness as acting as a “Savior on Mount Zion”. If bringing but one soul unto Christ brings great joy (D&C 18: 15), why not one soul a month?...or one soul a week? For those with children, showing them that nothing will keep you from regularly attending the Temple together as a couple could eventually save their souls as they make the same commitment as adults. So, if you love them, leave them for a few hours to serve the Lord in his Holy House.

p.s. For bonus blessings, plan a romantic evening together at the Temple! Do a Sealing Session and be reminded of the wonderful promises you’ve been given regarding your Eternal marriage!

p.s.s. For additional bonus blessings, attend with your Ward family each fourth Thursday at 6:30pm, or just invite a friend or group of friends to attend together when convenient!

Relief Society

Participate in Sincere Prayer
by Carrie Newby, RS Second Counselor

This month our visiting teaching message is: Participate In Sincere Prayer. As I have read over this message several times these past couple of weeks I have thought about how blessed we are to have a loving Heavenly Father who hears and answers our prayers. Is anything more comforting then to know that we are not alone,we can get down on our knees and offer our sincere prayers to Heavenly Father and he will listen!

Elder Bruce R. McConkie said: Prayers change our lives. I know that to be true. If we communicate with our Heavenly Father on a daily basis it truly can change our lives. "Through it we draw near to the Lord, and he reaches out his finger and touches us, so we never again are the same."

Elder Russell M. Nelson said in his talk in April General Conference : "Our prayers follow patterns and teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. He taught us how to pray.....At the close of Jesus Christ mortal mission, He prayed that His will-as the Beloved Son-might be swallowed up in the will of the Father. In that crucial hour the Savior cried, "Father,....not as I will ,but as thou wilt. So we should pray to God , "Thy will be done."

I have a deep testimony of the power of prayer, I have been so blessed in my life through the Lord answering my prayers. I know that God lives and Jesus is the Christ. I know that our Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers! It is my hope that throughout this next month we can "Participate In Sincere Prayer".

A Mother’s Day Experience

A Mother’s Day Experience
by Patty Spangler

On May 6th I left for Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, with my 2 1/2 y.o. grand-daughter, to watch my son graduate from Military Basic Training (on May 8th)

On May 7th the troops had their "Family Day", and we were given a brief talk, and introduction, to/from the Drill Sergeants.

At the end of our "briefing" (what the soldiers can and can't do while off the base and where and when they had to return to the barracks) we heard what sounded like "shouting" coming from outside.

Well, needless to say, all the parents and family members scrambled to get out the auditorium doors to see what was up, and what we saw, actually what we heard, was our "troops" marching from their barracks a 1/2 mile away! They were so loud, and strong, and as we looked towards where the noise was coming from, up and over a small rise, in the road, came our young men sounding out a cadence as they marched their way to where we were waiting (very anxiously).
I couldn't believe it! They were so loud, strong, in their voices! We could hear them almost a half mile away, and inside the building.

So, their Sergeant marched them right up to the front of the auditorium, and gave them their briefing before dismissing them to spend the rest of the day with their families.

Now, my son new I was going to be there, but what he had no idea was that his niece (my grand-daughter) was going to be there.


After about 15 minutes of "mixing" through the waves of people my son suddenly seemed to "appear" right before my eyes. And what I saw was amazing. Here is my middle child, the one that always seemed to be the "slob" and lazy one of our family, now standing in front of me neat, proud, looking fit and trim, and with a curious "glow" surrounding him (that I would later come to find out why).

And for the first time in since he had hit the teenage years, I was given ( I didn't have to ask) a big, huge, long hug! He was no longer the shy, and quiet person he used to be. He looked so happy. Then he looked down and saw his niece...and the smile he already had on his face got even bigger and he had what looked like tears, in his eyes, from the joy he had in seeing his niece.

Now that is a great Mother's Day gift right there...getting to see my son.

Watching the 2 of them hug, and hug, and hug, was so heart warming, that I "snuck" a picture of the 2....it was definitely one of those "Kodak" moments you hear about.


So, for the rest of the day, my son wrapped my arm around his and showed me some of the places on the base, that he could, and then we went off base to have a nice day together, and listen to him talk about his training, and his upcoming assignment and future deployment date.
During dinner I got a surprise...my sound announced that during his time in Basic Training he decided to investigate the LDS Church.

I'm thinking "wow, that's great, this is so wonderful that he's choosing to do this on his own, I don't know how things could get any better...spending time with my son, and hearing that he's investigating the church."

Well, it got better...he went on to say that he got baptized into the church during Basic Training! My head was spinning after hearing this. I felt so happy, excited, etc...I thought my heart was going to burst through my chest...and that's when I realized...that is what that curious "glow" about him was!

As the time with my son came to an end, and we took him back to the base to check in at the barracks, I thought to myself, "I think this is going to be the best Mother's Day weekend I have had."

On the morning of the 8th, we woke up to find that the area we're in is now under a Tornado Watch, but, I could feel that Heavenly Father was with us, and that things would be fine. And they were. The storm seemed to just "bypass" us with tornadoes touching down in cities/towns before and after the area we were in.

We went to the Base at 10:00 and watched the platoons come marching inside singing their cadence (again to all our delight) and proceeded to watch as each of the 180 men went from being volunteers to actual soldiers.

I was so happy to be a parent at that moment. I was watching a son, who once seemed to have no direction or purpose while growing up, now achieve purpose and direction in his life. Not only from the military, but also from Heavenly Father.

I can only imagine that Heavenly Father feels the same way when we strive to "stay on the path" of righteousness, and do those things he asks of us. He must feel so happy when he sees his "children" achieving goals.

Primary

You are a Child of God
by Kahna Andrus, Primary First Counselor

Summer is just around the corner and you will have the freedom to play, do family activities and just relax. I hope you have a great last couple weeks of school. We have a fun temple Primary activity coming up, so watch for the dates on that. We love seeing each and every one of you during the week… especially at the Primary Activities.

I want all of you to know how much I love you. You have wonderful spirits, bright eyes, and innocent wonder. Just being around you all on Sundays is a blessing, and a comfort knowing that you are the future of the church and world.

I hope each of you know how wonderful you are.. not only because I love you, or because the Primary Presidency loves you, or because your parents love you, BUT because you are a child of God. Being a child of God makes you special. Heavenly Father loves you just the way you are. He thinks of you, smiles when you smile and is sad when you are sad.

If you can only remember one thing from Primary this year, remember this one super important lesson. You are a son or daughter of Heavenly Father. I hope you continue to smile, be curious, and happy. You are truly a joy to be around.

Love,
Sister Andrus

Primary News:
We welcome Caysen Whittaker to Primary and the CTR 6 class!

Congratulations to Kraigon Smith and Luke Crockett on their recent baptisms! We’re looking forward to Kelsey Fairchild’s, Luc Delavoye’s and Jackson Smith’s baptisms in June!

Kyler McCombs will be graduating from Primary and moving on to Young Men’s in June!
Congratulations Kyler and we’ll miss you!

Our Primary activity at the Temple on May 22nd was great! We had tours of the temple grounds, and family photos were taken to put in a frame that was made there. Thank you to everyone that came and those that helped!

McKenley Johnson v. Brooke Sedgwick

The Tether Ball Match of the Century

The winner got oatmeal cookies made by McKenley, and the loser got - cookies.

CONGRATS CLASS of 2009

Chase Bastian

What is your favorite memory from 12 years of school?
One of my proudest memories from high school is when I ran my fastest mile time ever. It was during my freshman year at our final track meet of the season. My time was 5 minutes and 20 seconds which had been my goal, so it felt great when I accomplished it.

What will you miss most about your family?
I will miss going to my Grandpa and Grandma Haag's house with my family and just hanging out. It's even better hanging out there when the cherries or apricots are on! I will also miss taking trips and going places with my Dad and brothers.

Where are you headed post-graduation?
I am headed to BYU in Provo for one year, and then I will serve a mission.

What are you most looking forward to?
I most look forward to meeting tons of people and having tons of fun at BYU.

What one word describes how you feel?
The word that best describes how I feel is EXCITED!

Bonnie and Stan Bastian

What has been your graduate's greatest accomplishment thus far?
Chase has achieved many things, but the one thing that stands out is the semester he spent in Mexico when he was 16 years old. It took tremendous courage to leave the comfort of our home and venture out into a foreign country. He lived with a Mexican family and learned more Spanish than we ever imagined he would.

What will you miss most about them?
I will miss many things about Chase but one small thing comes to mind: Chase is a big patron of public libraries. For years, he has regularly checked out materials from many different libraries. He has a card with the Boston Public Library as well as the San Francisco Library and others in between. Chase takes our younger children to the El Dorado Hills Library and gets childrens books for them. This is especially nice because he takes the responsibility of getting the books returned as well. His siblings and I will miss having those books around.

What do you hope for them now that high school is over?
Now that high school is over and Chase is leaving home for BYU, we hope he realizes how blessed he has been in his life thus far. We hope he continues to apply himself to his studies and that he is ready to serve a mission when he turns 19. His dad hopes he gets a mission call to Spain!

What one word describes your graduate?
The best word to describe Chase is RESPONSIBLE.

Riley Butler

What is your favorite memory from 12 years of school?
Starting home school and being able to get closer to people in my ward.

What will you miss most about your family?
I will miss how close we are. I will only have one sister with me.

Where are you headed post-graduation?
BYU-Idaho YAY!!!

What are you most looking forward to?
Having the college experience and meeting new people.


What one word describes how you feel?
READY

Alexis Garrett

What is your favorite memory from 12 years of school?
Meeting new friends and spending time with them.

What will you miss most about your family?
One of the many I will miss are our crazy conversations that we have. We talk about the weirdest, but best stuff.

Where are you headed post-graduation?
I’m headed to Provo, UT this summer, then BYU-Idaho for the fall.

What are you most looking forward to?
Ha, well at this moment my returning missionary, but besides that, starting my own life in Utah.

What one word describes how you feel?
Grateful

Lisa (Sr.) and Scott Garrett

What has been your graduate's greatest accomplishment thus far?
Alexis’ greatest accomplishment thus far is her testimony of the Savior.

What will you miss most about them?
As her parents, we will miss her engaging personality, big smile, generous heart, her singing, and her helpful nature.

What do you hope for them now that high school is over?
Our greatest hope for Alexis is to FLY GIRL, FLY! Alexis has what it takes to rock this world and make a difference with her family, her peers, and her connections to the world at large.

What one lesson would you like them to remember?
One lesson to remember—her self-awareness of her divine nature and that she is profoundly loved.

What one word describes your graduate?
STRONG.SMART.SPIRITED.STUNNING!

Jenna Jorgensen

What is your favorite memory from 12 years of school?
Meeting my best friend in 1st grade.

What will you miss most about your family?
Always having them there when I need them.

Where are you headed post-graduation?
Attending Southern Virginia University with my brother.

What are you most looking forward to?
Study Abroad.

What one word describes how you feel?
Enchanted.

Jay and Angela Jorgensen

What has been your graduate's greatest accomplishment thus far?
High school and seminary graduation after successful transition to ORHS from NJ as a junior


What will you miss most about them?
Long talks, sense of humor & style.

What do you hope for them now that high school is over?
Keep learning and progressing and be happy.

What one lesson would you like them to remember?
Power of prayer.

What one word describes your graduate?
Solid.

Mackenzie Newby

What is your favorite memory from 12 years of school?
Hanging out with friends.

What will you miss most about your family?
Going on family outings, and family night.

Where are you headed post-graduation?
To BYU-Idaho.

What are you most looking forward to?
Making new friends, and attending a school with people who share the same standards.

What one word describes how you feel?
Excited.

Carrie and Gene Newby

What has been your graduate's greatest accomplishment thus far?
Making it into BYU-Idaho.

What will you miss most about them?
I will miss Mackenzie's testimony.

What do you hope for them now that high school is over?
I hope that Mackenzie will be able to study hard and get good grades At BYU-I.

What one lesson would you like them to remember?
To keep her standards high.

What one word describes your graduate?
Spiritual

Chase Pearson

What is your favorite memory from 12 years of school?
My favorite memories will be of playing lacrosse.

What will you miss most about your family?
I'm not going off to school so I will still be here with my family.

Where are you headed post-graduation?
I'm headed to Folsom Lake College.

What are you most looking forward to?
I'm looking forward to the experience of going to college, first here and then later, another school somewhere else.

What one word describes how you feel?
The one word that describes how I feel is RELIEVED.

Julie and Cody Pearson

What has been your graduate's greatest accomplishment thus far?
Chase's greatest accomplishment was moving in the middle of his Freshman year of high school, from a town where he knew everyone to El Dorado Hills, and in a short time making it home. We are also proud of him for earning his Eagle Scout Award.

What will you miss most about them?
We won't miss him for a little while longer because he will stay home and go to Folsom. He is fun to have around.

What do you hope for them now that high school is over?
We hope that Chase will move ahead and do his very best at Folsom, enjoy his job, and prepare for his mission.

What one lesson would you like them to remember?
We want Chase to remember that hard work pays off and that we will always love him, and that he can turn to his Heavenly Father for direction in his life. That's three lessons to remember, but we couldn't narrow it down to just one.

What one word describes your graduate?
Friendly!

Editor's note: for the graduates that missed the print deadline - email svwardnewsletter at gmail dot com and we can still add you to the blog!


Cooking Corner

Watermelon Lemonade

submitted by Stephanie Porter - from her friend Stephanie Chipman

8 cups 1-inch pieces seedless watermelon (from about 4 1/2 pounds)
1 cup fresh lemon juice
3 1/2 cups water
1 cup sugar
Ice cubes
Lemon wedges

Working in 2 batches, blend watermelon and lemon juice in processor or blender until smooth. Transfer to pitcher. Bring 3 1/2 cups water and sugar to boil in medium saucepan over high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Add hot syrup to pitcher with watermelon-lemon juice. Refrigerate until cold, about 2 hours. Fill tall glasses with ice. Pour Watermelon Lemonade over and garnish glasses with lemon wedges.

Stacey Ball’s Summer Salad
note from Stephanie Porter - back in 2007 I was at a baby shower and Stacey Ball made this savory, summer salad.

Cucumbers chopped
Avocados chopped
Grape Tomatoes
Feta Cheese
Finely chopped red onion
Newman's LIGHT Balsamic Vinaigrette
Fresh ground pepper

Toss and enjoy!

Cucumber Mint Tea Sandwiches
Gourmet, July 1992

1/4 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves, rinsed, spun dry, and chopped fine
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons cream cheese
6 slices of whole-wheat bread
a 3-inch length of an English cucumber, cut into thin slices

In a small bowl combine the mint, the butter, and the cream cheese and stir the mixture until it is combined well. Spread the bread slices with the butter mixture, top 3 of them with the cucumber, distributing the cucumber evenly and seasoning it with salt, and top the cucumber with the remaining bread slices. Cut off and discard the crusts and cut each sandwich diagonally into quarters.

Editor's Note

Summer Baby
by Stephanie Huang Porter

I’m a summer baby. I was born in the heat of summer. My daughters are fall babies, but I carried them, heavily, like a blow fish in the summer.

Admittedly the summer heat is not my favorite time of year. My favorite time of year just happens to be when I was married, and when my girls were born--the Fall. The weather is more temperate and the colors of fall are deep, rich and intoxicating.

Despite this, I do enjoy summer. The chance to throw out routines, stay outside late into the evening, and the constant sound of little voices asking for ice lollies.

There’s something about summertime that makes me feel like I can adjust my course, try things out, get my methods and thoughts worked out so I can be prepared for the Fall. It’s like a time of renewal, time to get a little wild, and time to go with the flow...to let life take you, rather than try to guide life...at least for a little while.

So it’s exciting for me to read about some of our graduating class of 2009. It’s nice to remember what it was like to be filled with all the excitement of possibility. I hope they keep that wonder, that joy of possibility. We have more graduates that didn’t make it before deadline - but you’ll find them online soon, and we’ll make sure to include them in the next issue.

I’m grateful for Patty Spangler’s beautiful Mother’s Day. For the joy of seeing her son find a renewed purpose.

I also loved reading the responses from a few of our spectacular marathon runners. I love the endurance they have for the sport. I am thrilled so many are relatively new to running marathons. It gives the rest of us pause to think, “hmm, maybe I’ll do that one day”.

I don’t know about you, but I have very few plans laid in stone this summer. I’m happy with that, because I can’t wait to see where it takes me - I’m ready for a wild, and precious adventure. How about you?

Run Forest, Run

Ward Members Run Marathons

(Stacey Ball, Amie Brink, Bonnie, Joe, Brian, Riley, Kaitlin, Kevin, and Katie Butler, Julie Danielson, Lindsay Humphrey, Stacy Rogers, Gen Soulier, Erin Whiteley)

1. Was this your first marathon? If not, how many have you done? Do you consider yourself a marathon runner?

Lindsay Humphrey: Yes, and I just got picked to run the Nike Women's Marathon in S.F. this October. That will be number 2!

Amie Brink: My first 1/2 marathon was 2 years ago with Julie Steenblik..love her..miss her!!! I've completed 3 so far...and hope to do more..maybe a full marathon soon.

Bonnie Butler: Yes this was my first as well as the first for Joe, Brian, Riley, Kaitlin and Kevin, but not for Katie. I would say no none of us consider ourselves marathon runners.

Stacey Ball: Yes, this was my first half marathon- I don't know that I will ever do a full marathon.

Stacy Rogers: This was my first half marathon. I am working towards a marathon but it may be a while! :) I definitely don't consider myself a complete marathon runner yet, but it is something I aspire to in the future.



2. Why do you run?

LH: I run to stay in shape and to have some time to take care of me.

AB: I run for my sanity...freedom from my children...time alone...sometimes I just want to keep on running, and not go back..it has crossed my mind, but of course I go back :)

BB: I walked to prove to myself that after a difficult year of health problems I could still accomplish something positive and that I was still capable of doing something hard. We encouraged Riley, Kevin & Kaitlin to try it so that we could participate as a family and we felt that this would help them to feel like they were able to accomplish something as well. Joe participated to keep me company.

SB: I like the alone time. Time to think and gather my thoughts. It gets me outside and I love to push myself to go faster or longer . I love the feeling that comes from accomplishing a goal.

SR: I got into running about a year and a half ago when my best friend moved back to town and we would run in the mornings together. It was a mix of social and exercise. I started to miss it on the days that I wasn't running and it became a part of me and a way that I could relax, get some exercise and unwind. It also is a motivation to push myself. When I accomplish a mileage goal that I had, I feel like I can push myself to do anything I set my mind to.

3. How did you start running for marathons?

LH: I've always wanted to run a marathon and I feel like it is a huge accomplishment that I wanted to fulfill in my life.

AB: Julie Steenblik suckered me into my first one, and now I look forward to the challenge each time.

BB: Katie heard about this from Sis. Danielson and she decided to participate with Brian. When I heard them talking about it I asked if the rest of us could crash the party as I felt we all needed something to challenge ourselves with individually as well as together as a family.

SB: I have wanted to run a half for about 4 years. Other things kept coming up and I didn't want to run one on a Sunday. My friend did the American River Parkway last year and told me how great it was and that they always do it on a Saturday. So I set the goal to do it this year.

SR: It's always been a sort of "Bucket List" goal of mine so I upped my workouts by printing a training schedule from the Runners World website and decided that this was the year I was going to do it. I regisitered and told myself I couldn't back out.


4. Do you have any tips? What equipment (types of shoes, etc...) do you use to train?

LH: My tips would be to get up and run even on the days you just don't feel like it.

AB: I don't have any tips for anyone...except that it is mostly mental. If you believe you can, you can.

BB: Work with people who have done it before and know what to tell you.

SB: No tips really. I love my nike ipod!! I have shoes that I found work best for me- everyone is different. I used a training schedule off of the internet.

SR: Stretch, keep hydrated and get a good running mix on the i-pod. Songs that will keep you motivated and thinking positively. I run in Nike's but after this half marathon, I think I may need to get fitted for some different shoes.



5. Do you have a training schedule?
LH: Yes. I run between seven and ten miles six days a week. Three weeks before the race I back off.

AB: No training schedule. I'm not a scheduled person. I just run when I can and if I feel like running longer, I do. If not...I hightail it home.

BB: I could only walk every other day but the others walked and ran more often to get ready.

SB: I did a novice training schedule- It was 12 weeks long.

SR: SR: I found a traning schedule on the runners world website, and based my runs off of that.

6. What does it feel like the day before a race? What goals do you set, if any? What is it like, or what do you do before a race?

LH: The day before is a day I take off. I have a little anxiety, but I tell myself that it is still just one foot in front of the other.

AB: The day before the race I am nervous. The funny thing is..noone cares about my time except for me. Everyone who finishes receives a medal. My goals are always to do better than I did the previous one.

BB: My goal was just to walk as far as I could and hopefully finish. None of us knew if I would be able to do it due to my health but I really wanted to try. Riley, Kevin & Kaitlin set goals to due their best and not to give up no matter how long it took. Joe's goal was to just be there with me. All of us finished with in half an hour of each other and each of us achieved our personal goals.

SB: I was nervous the day before the race. Two days before I couldn't sleep- I think I was worried about the rain. I slept fine the night before and when I woke up NO RAIN! I was thrilled until the drops started coming down right as we were about to start. As far as a goal- once you decide to do it you just have to stick to the schedule. I know after each week of training- I always felt proud of the accomplishment. I felt very prepared by the end. The 10 mile run was the best for me. I have never run that far before and it was exhilarating when I finished.

SR: The day before the race was a mix of nerves and excitement. I kind of started to psych myself out about as I worried about the weather, whether I would wear shorts or pants, hat or not hat...worrying whether or not my i pod was fully charged. Then, that evening I had a rough nights sleep of only 5 1/2 hours. I think now that I've done one, next time will be a little less nerve wracking and crazy. I had set a few goals for myself-I wanted to finish under 2 hours and 20 minutes, and I finished in 2 hours and 3 minutes. I wanted to make it in the top 1000 runners, and I was number 616 out of 1800, and finally I wanted to run the entire 13.1 with no stops, and despite bleeding feet, I did it. It was amazing to accomplish the goals I set for myself.
7. How does your family help? Or do they?
LH: Ryan is so supportive and he is training to do a marathon with me this year.

AB: Gabe and the kids made encouraging signs and met me at mile 8,9, and 10, and then at the finish line.

BB: We decided to do this together as a family with some of us running and others walking so we all encouraged each other and did training together when ever we could. It was very helpful to have most of the family participating since none of us felt alone.

SB: My sister is a runner- she flew out to run with me- she wanted to see me cross the line for my first half. It was very cool that she was there doing it with me!

SR: My husband was my biggest supporter-everytime I worried that I wouldn't be able to do it, he'd tell me with the uttermost confidence that he KNEW I could do it- and I knew that he meant it. I understood and supported the time I needed to go run and my little girl was very good about playing in the gym care while mommy ran.
8. Would you say this is a team or an individual sport?
LH: Both. I love to run with friends when I can.

AB: This is an individual sport as far as time, but with a team of gals encouraging each other.

BB: Individual

SB: I would say it is very individual- although it is good to have at least on person you train with. It gets you out running knowing that someone is waiting for you to show up.

SR: I'd have to say it's ultimately an individual sport. It definitely was nice to know that I had friends running but the outcome ultimately depended on me and what I did. I had no feelings of competition towards anyone but myself and while it's nice to have other friends that support, understand and cheer you on, during the run its all about you keeping one foot in front of the other and completing personal goals.

9. What is race day like?

LH: Fabulous, especially when you finish.

AB: Race day is crazy...lots of people. But the food at the end is so delicious when you are starving!

BB: Fun but tiring!

SB: Exciting. Lots of adrenaline.

SR: Race day was definitely nervousness and excitement again-it starts pretty early in the morning so really you are just trying to get your body woken up and moving. I woke up plenty early to make sure I got my breakfast in, had time to digest and keep it down and feel settled enough to run. I'm sure each race I run will get a little less nerve wracking, but I definitely was a ball of nerves that morning. I don't think it really hit me that I was running a half marathon until I crossed the start line.

10. Many runners have talked about the wall that hits you - does it hit you? How does it feel? What do you do to overcome that wall?

LH: If you have trained properly this shouldn't be a problem. Also you must pace yourself.

AB: At mile 11 and 12, your body wants to fall apart. That's when you push your body aside and mentally finish the last few miles.

BB: Since I walked it I don't know how runners felt but I know I started to really hurt about mile 8 and from mile 9 to 11 I was singing primary songs and making up rhymes to keep myself moving. Once I got to mile 12 I started to feel relief that I was actually going to make it.

SB: The wall is where you feel like you are so done. I hit the wall at the end of my 11th mile. I turned my ipod to a power song and pushed myself through it. Everyone has a different coping technique. My sister was cracking up at me yelling "pump it" as I kept going. When you get through it you get a rush and can keep going. It is amazing!

SR: For me on shorter runs I almost know whether its going to be a good run or a hard run. With the longer runs, I've felt the wall hit me and to be honest there have been times that I have hit the wall and stopped. But the times that I've overcome the wall are the most rewarding runs and I'd say the only way that I've overcome it is with positive thinking and a mentality that I'm going to fight through it. I remember telling myself over and over in my head during the half marathon, when I hit a wall of sorts, that this was "The Moment of Truth"... I knew that if I couldn't get myself to push through to accomplish these goals that I had trained and worked for, that I'd have a hard time having the faith in myself in the future to accomplish other goals. I'm glad that I could push myself through it mentally and I'd say for me, that is my tool to overcome the runners wall.



11. They say as a runner the competition is with yourself - how does that determine how you motivate yourself?

LH: Give yourself goals. I always tell myself I am way stronger then I think I am.

AB: I'm motivated with the goal of surpassing my last time.

SB: I just wanted to run the entire thing and do it around a 10 min mile or less. I ran a 9:40 most of the way- I was happy with that.

12. What would you tell someone who has never run, who'd like to try a marathon?

LH: Start slowly, and build. Push yourself.

AB: I'm motivated with the goal of surpassing my last time.

BB: Go for it even if you have to walk it.

SB: Just do it.

SR: I'd tell them (as cliche as it sounds) that if I can do it, you can do it. I used to hate to run a mile in high school and never did it by choice. In college I ran breifly for exercise and quickly switched over to the elliptical. But, I told myself that I could do it and that I wanted to see why runners loved to run. Now I know why and I'm confident that anyone can do it. I'd also tell them to set their own pace, their own goals and make it about them and no one else.

13. Are you running again? When?

LH: Yes. Nike Woman's marathon in October. Frisco.

AB: Yes..running again. Another 1/2 and hopefully the full marathon (CIM)here in Sacramento in December.

BB: I don't know.

SB: I already am out running. I am going to do a 5K on Memorial day with my kids.

SR: I did a 5K the week after with my husband- he started getting into running at the tail end of my half marathon training. It was great to run it together and cross the finish line as a couple. As far as another half marathon or a marathon, I am aware of a few this year that I am toying with in my mind. I'm at a transitional phase as I'm trying to get pregnant so my next run is contingent upon that status! :) But, if I am not pregnant come time to train for those runs, then my next run will most likely be at the end of this summer.
14. How does marathon running help you in your daily life... personal... etc?

AB: Running helps me clear my head,relax, and think about nothing.

SB: I like doing something for myself. It helps keep me centered and I like the exercise.

SR: It has helped me to have more faith and trust in my abilities. As a whole, my daily exercise makes me a happier person with more energy and confidence.
15. Any last parting thoughts?
AB: This one was fun to run. Julie Danielson, who just had her baby, put it all together. Everyone was excited and motivated. A great group of gals!

BB: Whether it's running, or walking or doing something else that requires you to step outside your comfort zone it's always good to push yourself to achieve something positive.

SB: I think I might have to do it again next year and hope for better weather.


Editor's note: A BIG THANK YOU to Lindsay, Amie, Bonnie, Stacey and Stacy for taking the time to share their experience with us.

Getting to Know You...Getting to know and to like you

Melissa and Robert Sanders Family

Robert and Melissa Sanders moved to El Dorado Hills in January after living in Elk Grove for 4 1/2 years. They have one boy, Blake (4) and two daughters: Grace (2) and London (1). Robert grew up in Fairfield, CA and Melissa grew up in Arlington, TX. They met at BYU in 2001 and were married in August of 2002. Robert studied finance and Melissa's major was international studies. They moved to the Sacramento area in 2003 for Robert to attend U.O.P.'s McGeorge School of Law.

Robert was a law clerk and later an attorney at a small litigation firm in Elk Grove until 2007, when he accepted a position as in-house counsel at a medium-sized commercial real estate firm. He enjoys the combined aspects of finance, the law, and real estate transactions in his position.

Melissa enjoys being at home with the kids. She loves to read books with them, go for walks, play at the park, cooking, and playing games together. She also loves going on dates with Robert, especially when they involve amusement parks, swimming, ice skating, or anything outdoors.


Blake will be starting kindergarden at Lakeview Elementary in August. He is excited for school and for all of the new things he will be able to learn every day. Grace will be turning three in July and wants to spend her birthday at Chuck-E-Cheese, the Galleria ("Gallerina"), all of her friend's houses, Grandma's house, the pool, and the "babyswing park". She has big plans for that day! London just turned one and enjoys crawling after Blake and Grace and dancing to music. She has a great laugh and is a delightful lady.

April and Greg Howard Family

Greg and I met met while we were both going through divorces. I was living with my parents, and my sister and her husband would invite themselves and Greg over for dinner each week. I had two girls from my first marriage, Brittany and Chelsea (2 years old, and almost 1, at the time). They LOVED Greg instantly.

Greg asked me out and I discovered why my daughters liked him so much. He is completely selfless. We married October 8th, 1999. Maybe it's because we were both married before, but neither of us ever remember our anniversary. The day we got married doesn't seem to matter--we just like being married :) Brittany is now 12, Chelsea 11, and we have since
had 2 boys, Parker (7) and Cameron (5).

Greg grew up in Massachusetts, but left at age 17 to be a travel guide in Russia, Germany, and France. He speaks Russian, German, French and English, and is currently interested in learning Chinese. He graduated from UMASS, then went to BYU for his MBA. He is currently studying for a degree in Statistics while working as a quantitative analyst for a mortgage servicing company. Most importantly, after living in California for 16 years, Greg is finally loving California and its beautiful weather.

I grew up in Martinez, California, and am a stay at home mom. I cook, clean, drive and clean some more, every day. I served a mission in Texas Houston East, Spanish speaking (but I don't speak Spanish). I love sports, and I am an identical triplet--so please, if you see me and I don't say hi, it isn't me.

Brittany, Chelsea and Parker all take piano. Chelsea, Parker and Cameron love to play sports. Parker loves to read and take things apart. Cameron has been swimming like a fish since he was 1, and Brittany loves Gymnastics.

Brittany and Chelsea visit their bio dad every other weekend, and have a step-mom, a step-sister, and a half brother on their dad's side. Though the situation has been difficult and definitely not ideal, the Lord has blessed them with a lot of love from so many people, and our family has grown as we've watched Heavenly Father answer our prayers, regarding them, throughout their lives.

CA SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS MARRIAGE

Today the CA Supreme Court UPHOLDS MARRIAGE BETWEEN ONE MAN AND ONE WOMAN.

See article here.

Providing Living

Includes Education.

See this post on the Segullah Blog.

Spoiled Mormon?

Loved this post on Segullah.

I am certainly guilty of being a spoiled Mormon. Go check out the article here.

Silva Valley Relief Society May 2009 Newsletter

Relief Society Presidency Message

by Shannon Draper

I have been inspired recently by President Henry B. Eyring's talk from General Conference. He spoke on Adversity, a very relevant topic. He said:

"With all the differences in our lives, we have at least one challenge in common. We all must deal with adversity. There may be periods, sometimes long ones, when our lives seem to flow with little difficulty. But it is in the nature of our being human that comfort gives way to distress, periods of good health come to an end, and misfortunes arrives.

My purpose today is to assure you that our Heavenly Father and the Savior live and that They love all humanity. The very opportunity for us to face adversity and affliction is part of the evidence of Their infinite love. God gave us the gift of living in mortality so that we could be prepared to receive the greatest of all the gifts of God, which is eternal life.

It is clear that for us to have that gift and to be given that trust, we must be transformed through making righteous choices where that is hard to do. That education can come only as we are subject to trials while serving God and others for him."

I really appreciate that perspective Pres. Eyring gives us. It helps me to better appreciate the various challenges I experience and see others experience.

It is my hope that throughout this next month, we might see our challenges as part of our schooling to reach our full potential and become like Christ.

Visiting Teaching Message

Sisters, for the visiting teaching message in May, please prayerfully choose a message from one of the April General Conference talks.

Events

PARK DAY each Wednesday- Villagio park at NOON (Bring your lunch)

May 10- Mother's Day all sisters invited to RS lesson, light refreshments
May 13- SV Sealing Session 6 PM
May 14- Depression Edu Series 7 PM at Newby's home
May 18-31- DI Trailer at Scholar Way Bldg.
May 23- Ward Primary Activity 9 AM at the Temple
May 31-- Adult Fireside at Mormon Center at 7 PM

RS Lesson Schedule

May
3 - Leaders - Goodwin
10 - JS Ch. 32 - Terry
17 - JS Ch. 33 - Gordon
24 - Conf. Talk - Sheridan


Birthdays
May:
5- Barbara Brown
5- Crystal Coppin
5- Melissa Gray
12- Alexandria Jones
19- Debra Kenny
20- Sherrie Peterson
24- Lisa Hassey
27- Amie Brink
28- Kathy Sonico

June:
6- Julie Rawlins

Welcome New Sisters

Lisa Hassey - Lisa and her husband Matthew have been married for seven years. They have two children, Aislyn, age six and Crue, age 2. Matthew is a chiropractor in El Dorado Hills. Lisa is a stay-at-home-mom who also helps out at the office. Lisa’s other talents include professional home decorating.

The Hassey family loves the outdoors, camping, hiking, boating, the beach. They are excited to be in El Dorado Hills, after living in Iowa for four years. They are definitely ready for the California sun!

Please welcome Lisa Hassey and her family!

Quote Corner

“Duct tape is like the force. It has a light side, a dark side, and it holds the universe together.” -Carl Zwanzig

“The world is divided into people who do things, and people who get the credit.” -Dwight Morrow

“The surest sign that intelligent life exits elsewhere in the universe is that it has never tried to contact us.” -Bill Watterson, Calvin & Hobbes

“Enthusiasm is the greatest asset in the world. It beats money and power and influence.” -Henry Chester

From C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

“A silly idea is current that good people do not know what temptation means. This is an obvious lie. Only those who try to resist temptation know how strong it is. After all, you find out the strength of the [opposing] army by fighting against it, not by giving in. You find out the strength of a wind by trying to walk against it, not by lying down. A man who gives in to temptation after five minutes simply does not know what it would have been like an hour later. That is why bad people, in one sense, know very little about badness. They have lived a sheltered life by always giving in. We never find out the strength of the evil impulse inside us until we try to fight it: and Christ, because He was the only man who never yielded to temptation, is also the only man who knows to the full what temptation means--the only complete realist.”

Let Your Light Shine by Marianne Williamson

OUR GREATEST FEAR IS NOT that we are inadequate.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. and when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
We are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Recipe Box

Broccoli Salad
submitted by Shannon Draper
8-10 Pieces of bacon, crispy and crumbled
4 C. Broccoli flowerets
1 C. Quinoa (or any grain you wish)
1 C. Red grapes, halved
1 C. Green grapes, halved
1/2 C. Scallions, chopped (can substitute purple onion, if desired)
1/2 C. Pecans, chopped
Mix Broccoli, grapes, scallions and cooked whole grain and chill. Add bacon and nuts. Toss in dressing before serving.

Dressing:
1 C. Mayonnaises
3 TBS. Apple cider vinegar
1/2 C. Sugar
1/2 C. Flax oil (can use any oil)
Whisk together.