Name:  Evelyn Nickname:  none Favorite scripture: The Ten Commandments Favorite Church leader:  Russell M. Nelson What I enjoy/hobbies:  crafts, quilts, and sewing Where I grew up:  I was born in Salt Lake City, UT, and then moved to Denver, Co, and then moved to Hermosa Beach, CA Favorite thing to do:  family history, reading Come, Follow Me  and the Ensign What is an accomplishment for me:  to keep going to church 1-2 things people don't know about me:  I was an athlete when I was young in high school I played softball pitcher and 1st baseman when I was 40 years old

  This week's talk is from President M. Russell Ballard "Watch Ye Therefore and Pray Always" Click on one of the links below to watch or read this talk: "Watch Ye Therefore and Pray Always" in ASL "Watch Ye Therefore and Pray Always" in English Questions to ponder on: How can prayer help those who themselves do not pray? How is prayer a form of sacrifice for other people? How can we rely more fully on God? What is President Ballard's reassurance to those who are suffering, worried, afraid, or feeling alone?  What was President Ballard prompted to say during his visit to Massachusetts last year? Why do you think he was prompted to say that? What is President Ballard's call to all of us? What did he say was the best way to help the current world situation? Why do you think he said that? Do you find yourself limiting your praying? How can you improve your praying?  What did he emphasize needed to be done after you pray? What else did you learn fro...

  Name:  Rosa Maria Nickname:  none Favorite scripture: 1 Nephi 13:38 - 41 Favorite Church leader:  Thomas S. Monson and Russell M. Nelson What I enjoy/hobbies: volleyball, practicing gardening new things, watching NBA Utah Jazz games, volunteering to help others Where I grew up:  Bisbee, Arizona Favorite thing to do:  spending time with my family, dancing, listening to music What is an accomplishment for me:  Grateful for raising 3 children; happy to be born in a good family 1-2 things people don't know about me:  I hate very cold feet in my bed I tend to tease my hubby, Greg, big time

 

  This week's talk is from Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf "God Will Do Something Unimaginable" Click on one of the links below to watch or read this talk: "God Will Do Something Unimaginable" in ASL "God Will Do Something Unimaginable" in English Questions to ponder on: How does God use adversity to build our foundation in Him? How did God prepare us for such a time as this pandemic or another adversity? What have you learned through adversity? What would you have not learned had you not gone through trials in this life? Why are trials truly such a blessing in our lives? When you think you just can’t make it through your trials, what should you turn to? What are some ‘other’ or ‘better’ ways that we can build His kingdom here on earth? How has the pandemic blessed and changed the ways in which you serve and have been served?  How can you better serve others? What else did you learn from this talk? Elder Uchtdorf's invitation and promise: As an Apostle of...

 

  Name:  Charlene Nickname:  Con Favorite scripture: 3 Nephi 14:33 What I enjoy/hobbies:  sewing, using the quilt machine, puzzles, crochet, knitting Where I grew up:  Phoenix, Maricopa, Arizona Favorite thing to do:  camping, playing cornhole What is an accomplishment for me:  in friendship 1-2 things people don't know about me:  crochet puzzle in the frame

  "The Christ Child"

 Prince of Peace Liz Lemon Swindle, Prince of Peace As the world speaks less of Jesus Christ, let us speak more of Him. - Neil L. Andersen, "We Talk of Christ," Ensign, November 2020 Elder Andersen also said this, " Like a guiding star in a clear, dark sky, Jesus Christ lights our way. He came to earth in a humble stable. He lived a perfect life. He healed the sick and raised the dead. He was a friend to the forgotten. He taught us to do good, to obey, and to love one another. He was crucified on a cross, rising majestically three days later, allowing us and those we love to live beyond the grave. With His incomparable mercy and grace, He took upon Himself our sins and our suffering, bringing forgiveness as we repent and peace in the storms of life. We love Him. We worship Him. We follow Him. He is the anchor of our souls." We have spent the last twelve days thinking on Christ through these posts. Now we challenge you to follow Elder Andersen's invitation to sp...

  Click on one of the links below to watch or read this talk: "Be of Good Cheer" in ASL "Be of Good Cheer" in English

  This week's talk is from Elder Gerrit W. Gong "All Nations, Kindreds, and Tongues" Click on one of the links below to watch or read this talk: "All Nations, Kindreds, and Tongues" in ASL "All Nations, Kindreds, and Tongues" in English Questions to ponder on: What is the Lord's promise to us? What prophecies have been fulfilled? What does President Russell M. Nelson call the Book of Mormon? Why? How can we participate in fulfilling prophecy? What does Heavenly Father invite us to do? How can we "refresh, inspire, and edify the human spirit"? What is "moral agency"? What does it mean to you? What is "moral accountability"? What does that mean to you? How does great things start small? Have you seen any great things in your life that started small? What else did you learn from this talk? Elder Gong's invitation Heavenly Father invites us everywhere to feel His love, to learn and grow through education, honorable wor...

 Christmas & Easter Liz Lemon Swindle, The Lord's Prayer There would be no Christmas if there had not been Easter. The babe Jesus of Bethlehem would be but another baby without the redeeming Christ of Gethsemane and Calvary, and the triumphant fact of the Resurrection. - Gordon B. Hinckley President Hinckley shared a touching story in this First Presidency message from the December 2000 issue of the  Ensign. Please take a few moments to read it here:  "The Wondrous and True Story of Christmas" "O Come O Come Emmanuel" Translated by John Mason Neale "O Come O Come Emmanuel" Lyrics O  come, O come, Emmanuel And ransom captive Israel That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan's tyranny From depths of Hell Thy people save And give them victory o'er the grave Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. O co...

 Worth of a Soul Liz Lemon Swindle, The Worth of a Soul Human beings as a whole have a tendency to label each other or to classify them. But that's not how Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ see us. There's a wonderful little story written by Max Lucado, You Are Special .  The people in the story, the Wemmicks, had stickers, grey dots and gold stars. All day, the Wemmicks would put a dot or a star on the other people around them. The ones who are pretty or talented would get the gold stars, while those who aren't as pretty or as talented would get the grey dots. This story focused on Punchinello and a Wemmick he met, Lucia. What was very special about Lucia was that she had absolutely no dots or stars on her. In fact, they wouldn't stay on at all! When Punchinello asked her how, she told him she visited Eli, the woodcarver that lived up on top of the hill, every day. Punchinello gathered up his courage and visited Eli, and ... you'll have to read the rest of the story...

 Storing Butter for Long-term Storage Ghee was first made in India. Why make ghee? It's a great way to preserve butter --- for years!!! It has a higher 'smoke point' than regular oils --- it can be used for frying. It tastes so good! Step 1: Wash  your canning jars. Put them in a low temperature oven to dry  and to get hot  so the hot butter won't break them.  Step 2: Unwrap butter. They say  unsalted  works best, but many people use both salted and unsalted. Step 3: Place butter in heavy pot.  If pot is light-colored inside, it's easier to see if the milk solids are browning or burning. Step 4: Use medium to low heat  while melting the butter. Step 5: Stir while melting the butter. Step 6: After the butter is melted, turn on low to cook, usually between 15 - 20 minutes. Stir until white foam  forms on top. It should begin to simmer. Don't let it boil hard. The white foam is from the milk solids and it will soon sink to the bottom o...

Watching Over Me  Liz Lemon Swindle, When Did He Know After the Wise Men came to honor Jesus, an angel visited Joseph in a dream, telling him, " Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him" ( Matthew 2:13 ). Joseph listened and they escaped to Egypt. Heavenly Father was watching over this little family. They were poor, but because of the wise men's visit and the gifts they gave to the Christ child, they had the means to flee to Egypt. We are Heavenly Father's children, and He watches over us just like He did with Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. When we are obedient and pray for His help, He will  help us. Though it may not always be what we expect, it is always done with love and hope.  "Star of the East" Written by George Cooper "Star of the East" Lyrics Star of the East, oh Bethlehem's star, Guiding us on to heaven afar! Sorrow and ...

  Name:  Carol Nickname:  none Favorite scripture: D&C 8:2 Favorite Church leader: I like all the church leaders. Our current prophet, President Nelson, is remarkable and I believe he is called by God to lead us today. What I enjoy/hobbies:  I enjoy hiking, painting, shopping, crafts, and making jewelry. Where I grew up:   I grew up in a small town near Idaho Falls called “Iona.” I went to Idaho School for the Deaf and Blind for many years.  Then I went to mainstream school in California for the last two years of high school. I played sports and was involved in clubs. Favorite thing to do:  try new local restaurants, hot springs, and the outdoors What is an accomplishment for me:   I have a college degree. I served in a Relief Society presidency, Primary presidency and teacher, Young Women presidency, ward missionary, Gospel Principle teacher, branch music leader, temple worker, and sign language teacher for a stake. 1 thing people don't know ...

Following the Star Liz Lemon Swindle, The Holy Men The Wise Men of the East knew the prophecies about Jesus Christ and His birth. They kept watch for the new star to appear, just like the Nephites did in the Americas. As soon as the new star appeared, the Wise Men went out to search for Jesus Christ to honor Him. Their examples of knowing the prophecies and being watchful are examples we should emulate. We live in the last days; we are preparing for the Lord's Second Coming. We need to know the prophecies about Jesus Christ and we need to be watchful for the signs, just like the Wise Men were, so when the time comes, we are ready to bow down before our King and honor Him. We Three Kings Written by John Henry Hopkins, Jr. "We Three Kings" Lyrics We three kings of Orient are Bearing gifts we traverse afar. Field and fountain, moor and mountain, Following yonder star. O star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright, Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us...

  Christmas Jingle Bells Supply List All supplies can be found at Walmart except the jingle bells Jingle Bells ( found at Hobby Lobby ) Wired ribbon (any color) white spray paint hot glue gun small letter stickers fake leaf and pinecone or red puff  Merry Christmas Book Stack All supplies can be found at Walmart 2 pieces of wood - 2x4 white paint hot glue gun twine or strong string wired ribbon - any color fake leaf and pinecone or red puff medium-sized letter stickers

Trusting Liz Lemon Swindle, Child of Grace Joseph and Jesus Liz Lemon Swindle "The relationship of Joseph and Jesus is easily overlooked. The scriptures say little about this man who humbly accepted the role of father to the Son of God. I am sure there were nights when Joseph held Jesus in his arms and, feeling the weight of his responsibility, looked heavenward and prayed, 'He is not my son. He is Yours. Please, Father, help me. "We too may feel the weight and responsibility God has given us in raising His children , and we too look heavenward and offer the prayer of every parent, 'They are not my children. They are Yours. Please, Father, help me.'" The First Christmas Spirit  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints made a video about Joseph reflecting on his experiences raising Jesus.  "When Joseph Went to Bethlehem"  Written by Bessie Saunders Spencer,  Children's Songbook, p. 38 "When Joseph Went to Bethlehem" Lyrics 1. Whe...

  The Come, Follow Me manual for this week in ASL: Moroni 7 - 9

 Silent Night Liz Lemon Swindle, Silent Night "Silent Night, Love's Pure Light" Sister Sharon Eubank from the Relief Society General Presidency during a First Presidency Christmas Devotional gave a brief talk about how Heavenly Father loves us so much and He knows we will make mistakes, so He sent us His Son to help us. Watch the talk in ASL here:  Silent Night, Love's Pure Light Watch President Russell M. Nelson play the song "Silent Night," accompanying Claire Crosby who sings it. "Silent Night" Lyrics Silent night, holy night All is calm, all is bright Round yon virgin mother and child Holy infant, so tender and mild Sleep in heavenly peace Sleep in heavenly peace Silent night, holy night  Shepherds quake at the sight Glories stream from heaven afar Heavenly hosts sing alleluia Christ the Savior is born Christ the Savior is born

Thank you to all who came yesterday!

 A Gift to Give Liz Lemon Swindle, Swaddling Today was the ward Christmas activity where we donated onesies to Joyful Welcome for the preemies and newborns in the hospital.  ...When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God - Mosiah 2:17  Christmastime is a time of giving gifts. This tradition hearkens back to when the Wise Men gave Jesus the gifts of frankincense, gold, and myrrh. Sometimes we may feel like there is not enough money to give the kind of gift we want to give, but there is something we do have to give - it is the gift of self. Jesus Christ was born on this earth because He loves us more than His own life, and He was willing to come here to live for each one of us, to atone for each one of us, to die for each one of us, and to rise for each one of us. We can show gratitude for His gift to us by giving of ourselves to others, whether it's a smile, a listening ear (or eye), a hug, a little bit of time, a prayer, or a so...

  This week's talk is from Elder D. Todd Christofferson "Sustainable Societies" Click on one of the links below to watch or read this talk: "Sustainable Societies" in ASL "Sustainable Societies" in English Questions to ponder on: What is an ideal society? Why does an ideal society, like the one in 4 Nephi or the city of Enoch, not exist? What are the two commandments that led these two societies? Why are they so important? What does it mean to trust in the arm of flesh? What do those living in sustainable society seek? How important are family and religion to sustainable societies? Why are they so important? What are some of the consequences of not following God as a society? What are the truths that are the foundation of Heavenly Father's Plan of Happiness? How can you incorporate them into your own personal foundation? Elder Christofferson's promise: If enough of us and enough of our neighbors strive to make our decisions and guide our lives ...

 Fear Not Liz Lemon Swindle, Fear Not Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy ... For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. - Luke 2:10 - 11 We have no reason to fear when the Lord is with us. He brings only joy and love, goodness and light. We need only to go to Him and let Him guide us. We need to see, hear, and know Him, that He is Christ the Lord.  Laura Osnes sings with the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square "Do You Hear What I Hear?" Written by Noel Regney and Gloria Shayne Baker Said the night wind to the little lamb, Do you see what I see Way up in the sky, little lamb, Do you see what I see A star, a star, dancing in the night With a tail as big as a kite With a tail as big as a kite Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy, Do you hear what I hear Ringing through the sky, shepherd boy, Do you hear what I hear A song, a song, high above the trees With a voice as big as the sea With a voice as big as th...