Lupe's Notes - Dec 2, 2012

Good afternoon sisters. Hope you have enjoyed your day thus far.

THOUGHT: “ Charity is having patience with someone who has let us down. It is resisting the impulse to become offended easily. It is accepting weaknesses and shortcomings. It is accepting people as they truly are. It is looking beyond physical appearances to attributes that will not dim through time. It is resisting the impulse to categorize others.”

President Thomas S. Monson

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. Tonight at 6 pm is the First Presidency Christmas Broadcast.
2. Empty Nesters: Christmas Party at the Cheney's. Please bring a pot luck dish and a white elephant gift from each person attending. At 6 pm. 1083 E Murdock Dr.
3. Birthday Brunch at Martha's home, this coming Sat., the 8^th at 11 am for those whose birthday falls in Oct., Nov., Dec. or if you missed coming to any of the other brunches.
4. Christmas Elves Rescue Mission, Sat. the 15^th from 9:30-11:00 am at the Church building. Come in p.j.s/comfy clothes. There will be a delicious breakfast, visit and photos with Santa Claus and a Service Project to show WE CARE!
5. Stake Choir rehearsals for Stake Conference will be held Dec. 9^th and 16^th at the Stake Center from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. All voices welcome. This will be a fun experience as the wards meet to sing together, learning beautiful music in preparation for the Sunday morning session of Stake Conference.

Thank you to all who participated in the RS Activity on Thursday. We have so many talented sisters and all of you contribute to the wonderful spirit that is Relief Society.

Our message today was presented by Megan Duckworth, our president. She wrote on the board:

THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

Thanks for all who attended our Thursday activity. It was an incredible evening; for those who were not able to attend your absence was felt. I had hoped that it would be a great start for the Christmas season and thoughts of the Savior and we were not disappointed.

I hope the lesson today will continue to focus on Christ. There are different thoughts and feelings about Christmas. There is the joy and anticipation, but also for some there is the loneliness, the despair, thinking of things that are lacking in their lives. With awareness of all these different feelings, I start my lesson. I don't have any notes, just my scriptures, so I pray for the spirit that it will guide me and you. I spent one day watching all the videos the Church has put on about Christmas. President Monson talks about the spirit of Christmas. If yo what to understand the spirit of Christmas, take off the last syllable of the word. Focus on Christ. I spoke with my presidency about my feelings for this lesson and of sharing a personal story. They all felt it should be so.

In the last week's newsletter, I asked Lupe to ask you to read the scripture from Matthew 25:40. I wanted yo to think and ponder it because we would talk about it today. That will be our text for today. As I studied and ponder about this, I decided that I needed to start with verse 35. As I am sharing my personal example, I encourage you to think about and share your experiences with us.

Matthew 25:35-40

Lupe's Notes - Nov 25, 2012

Good afternoon sisters, glad to be back. What a wonderful Sacrament Meeting we were blessed to attend.

THOUGHT: “The path toward fulfilling our divine destiny as sons and daughters of God is an eternal one My dear brothers and sisters, dear friends, we must begin to walk that eternal path today; we cannot take for granted one single day. I pray that we will not wait until we are ready to die before we truly learn to live...”

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. Sister Ramona B. is still in rehab after surgery on both knees. She would welcome notes, cards, etc. Just give them to Brother B. and he will take them to her. He goes every day to see her.
2. Sally Saunders also had knee surgery and is home and she would welcome some cheerful visits.
3. FINALLY HERE: Our Relief Society Circled in His Footsteps Dinner and Special Photo Presentation of the Holy Land, by Amy N. Thursday, Nov. 29^th at 6:30 at the A-Frame Church across the Stake Center. Enjoy a special Christmas Dinner and visiting one with another.
4. If you need a baby sitter for Thursday's RS Activity, please contact Tara B, lizebethblack@gmail.com or 801 380-1993. Young women will volunteer to watch your children at home.
5. December 8^th will be our final Birthday Brunch for those whose birthdays were in Oct., Nov., and Dec. If you had a birthday any other month but were not able to attend, you are welcomed to attend this one. It will be at Martha's home at 11 am.
6. Ashley P. needs some pancake griddles, some skillets and one more water cooler for the Ward Christmas Breakfast. Please contact her if you have some.
7. Jami will be doing the photography with Santa at the Christmas Breakfast and is in need of White Christmas Trees, and /or green trees with white tips. They can be from 3 to 5 feet tall.
8. December, don't forget our Ward Christmas Breakfast and Service Activity on Saturday, Dec. 15^th from 9:30-11 am at the Stake Center.

BIRTHDAYS: Nov., 26^th – Melissa B.; Nov. 26^th – Jennifer C., Nov. 27^th – Melissa S., Nov. 28^th – Becky D., Nov. 29^th – Luone I., Nov. 30^th – Jami E., Nov. 30^th – Amy N., Dec. 1^st – Christine A. Happy Birthday sister, hope you have a great day.

Our lesson today was presented by Becca M., who was substituting for Darla. It was General Conference address by President Uchtdorf: “Of Regrets and Resolutions”.

Sisters, I am so excited to be here. My favorite part of teaching is the studying and learning that comes with it. I find that I learn so much. Regrets and Resolutions. We all have regrets. We live in a society where we are all so busy. There are so many things that keep us busy. We may have a list that is a mile long. Let's list on the board some thing that we do everyday, but that keep us from doing things that we would like to accomplish.

Feeding people

Laundry

Cooking

Grocery shopping

Cleaning

Dishes

Driving (car pooling)

work

Kids

Family events

Sports

Homework

Schedules

Facebook and Pininterest

Unfinished projects

We have to find a balance. I have a to do list, but kids, family, everyday routines can get in the way of other things. I felt overwhelmed as I struggled to make it all work for me. I try the hardest to balance everything, but in the end walk away with regret. Then I feel guilt, remorse.

President Uchtdorf talked about “ a nurse who cares for the terminally ill says that she has often asked a simple question of her patients as they prepared to depart this life.

“Do you have any regrets?” she would ask.

Being so close to that final day of mortality often gives clarity to thought and provides insight and perspective. So when these people were asked about their regrets, they opened their hearts. They reflected about what they would change if only they could turn back the clock.”

Then he addressed three regrets and resolutions.

He said: “As I considered what they had said, it struck me how the foundational principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ can affect our life's direction for good, if only we will apply them.”

Martha's Notes for Lupe Nov 19, 2012

Dear Relief Society Sisters,

Lupe is out of town this week; how could we even begin to replicate "LUPE's infamous NOTES"?

We wish you all could have been with us for Pat H. inspiring lesson, "Bringing up Children in Light and Truth" - #22.  We were all blessed and strengthened as Pat so eloquently shared President George Albert Smith's teachings and her own knowledge, insights, and testimony.  We were uplifted and enlightened by wonderful comments.  Oh, if only Lupe were there - you would have felt like you were in the very room.  How we love Lupe! :)  You'll have to read the lesson; it is a great one.  Thank you Pat for blessing us!  I loved this quote she shared from President Smith: "Call your families about you, and if you have failed in the past to give them an understanding of the purposes of life and a knowledge of the Gospel of our Lord, do it now, for I say to you as a servant of the Lord, they need it now and they will need it from now on."

Please know we love you and hope you enjoy a fabulous Thanksgiving with your loved ones!  We feel circled in your love and strength!

Happy Birthday to many of our sisters...Nov 26 - Melissa Brady & Jennifer Cirone, Nov 27 - Melissa Shelton, Nov 28 - Becky Daley, Nov 29 - Luone Ingram, Nov 30 - Jami Edman and Amy Nelson!

Please come to our FINAL RS BIRTHDAY BRUNCH - Sat, Dec 8th at my house at 11 am.  (Martha Montagnoli, 1198 N 1190 E)  

If you have/had a birthday in OCT, NOV, or DEC - or if you had a birthday in another month and have not yet gone to a RS Birthday Brunch - THIS PARTY IS FOR YOU! 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

* Circled in His Footsteps - Thurs Nov 29 at 6:30 pm at the A-Frame church across from our bldg.  Come enjoy a lovely dinner and photo presentation of the Holy Land, by Amy Nelson.

If you need a babysitter for this event, a young woman will come to your home to offer this great service!  Email Tara Barrus if you would like a babysitter.  She'll arrange it.  lizabethblack@gmail.com

* Ward Christmas Party!  Sat Dec 15th at 9:30 am.  CHRISTMAS ELVES RESCUE MISSION!  Come enjoy a delicious breakfast and an opportunity to give back and spread Christmas cheer!  Wear your PJ's or comfy clothes, kids will visit with Santa, and we'll have fun as Santa's elves - participating in some great service projects!  There are sign ups for fruit, muffins, and donuts.  Also if you have a skillet the committee can borrow, please let Jen Rutter or Ashley Pead know.  Thank you!

* Tithing Settlement begins next week.  Please remember to sign up.

Lupe's Notes - Nov 4, 2012

Good morning sisters. Sorry this is late, but I had company from out of town and wanted to spend my time with them. What a wonderful spirit from Testimony meeting and our Relief Society.

THOUGHT: “There are many sisters who are living in rags—spiritual rags. They are entitled to gorgeous robes, spiritual robes....It is your privilege to go into homes and exchange robes for rags...

“...You are going to save souls, and who can tell but that many of the fine active people in the Church today are active because you were in their homes and gave them a new outlook, a new vision. You pulled back the curtain. You extended their horizons...

“You see, you are not only saving these sisters, but perhaps also their husbands and their homes.”

President Spencer W. Kimball

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. Cannery Assignment: Contact Brother Moon
2. Donna Larsen: If you would like to be on the list to sit with Donna between the time that her assistant leaves and the family gets there, contact Christy Smith or Amy Waldron. She also would appreciate visits.
3. Exercise Classes: Sisters, did you know that every Monday, Wed., and Friday, there is an exercise class for you? You can even bring your children. It is at 9:15 am at the Stake Center. On Mon., Turbo Kick, Wed;, Yoga and Fri., Boot Camp.
4. Sister Ramona Backman will be having knee surgery this week. Please keep her in your prayers.
5. Stake Employment Net Working Meeting, Nov. 7^th at 8:00 pm at the Stake Center
6. Circled I His Footsteps – Thurs., Nov. 29^th, 6:30 pm at the A-Frame church across the street. Mark your calendars for an amazing dinner & photo presentation of the Holy Land by Amy Nelson.

BIRTHDAYS: Nov., 4^th – Jenny Holman and Janet Mora; Nov., Robby Bottom and Nov., 10^th McKenna McCracken Happy Birthday Sisters.

Our lesson today was presented by Megan Duckworth, our RS President. “We Can Achieve the Miraculous...”

(on the board) We Can Achieve the Miraculous

1. What is the real need?
2. What will bring the most relief?

a. advanced planning

b. Communication

c. “natural' service

WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER!

Preparedness - 100 Items to Disappear First In An Emergency

Knowledge is power...in the event of some natural or man-made calamity...having these items can be INVALUABLE!

100 Items to Disappear First In An Emergency

1. Generators (Good ones cost dearly. Gas storage, risky. Noisy...target of thieves; maintenance etc.)
2. Water Filters/Purifiers
3. Portable Toilets
4. Seasoned Firewood. Wood takes about 6 - 12 months to become dried, for home uses.
5. Lamp Oil, Wicks, Lamps (First Choice: Buy CLEAR oil. If scarce, stockpile ANY!)
6. Coleman Fuel. Impossible to stockpile too much.
7. Guns, Ammunition, Pepper Spray, Knives, Clubs, Bats & Slingshots.
8. Hand-can openers, & hand egg beaters, whisks.
9. Honey/Syrups/white, brown sugar
10. Rice - Beans - Wheat
11. Vegetable Oil (for cooking) Without it food burns/must be boiled etc.,)
12. Charcoal, Lighter Fluid (Will become scarce suddenly)
13. Water Containers (Urgent Item to obtain.) Any size. Small: HARD CLEAR PLASTIC ONLY - note - food grade if for drinking.
16. Propane Cylinders (Urgent: Definite shortages will occur.
17. Survival Guide Book.
18. Mantles: Aladdin, Coleman, etc. (Without this item, longer-term lighting is difficult.)
19. Baby Supplies: Diapers/formula. ointments/aspirin, etc.
20. Washboards, Mop Bucket w/wringer (for Laundry)
21. Cookstoves (Propane, Coleman & Kerosene)
22. Vitamins
23. Propane Cylinder Handle-Holder (Urgent: Small canister use is dangerous without this item)
24. Feminine Hygiene/Haircare/Skin products.
25. Thermal underwear (Tops & Bottoms)
26. Bow saws, axes and hatchets, Wedges (also, honing oil)
27. Aluminum Foil Reg. & Heavy Duty (Great Cooking and Barter Item)
28. Gasoline Containers (Plastic & Metal)
29. Garbage Bags (Impossible To Have Too Many).
30. Toilet Paper, Kleenex, Paper Towels
31. Milk - Powdered & Condensed (Shake Liquid every 3 to 4 months)
32. Garden Seeds (Non-Hybrid) (A MUST)
33. Clothes pins/line/hangers (A MUST)
34. Coleman's Pump Repair Kit
35. Tuna Fish (in oil)
36. Fire Extinguishers (or..large box of Baking Soda in every room)
37. First aid kits
38. Batteries (all sizes...buy furthest-out for Expiration Dates)
39. Garlic, spices & vinegar, baking supplies
40. Big Dogs (and plenty of dog food)
41. Flour, yeast & salt
42. Matches. {"Strike Anywhere" preferred.) Boxed, wooden matches will go first
43. Writing paper/pads/pencils, solar calculators
44. Insulated ice chests (good for keeping items from freezing in Wintertime.)
45. Work boots, belts, Levis & durable shirts
46. Flashlights/LIGHT STICKS & torches, "No. 76 Dietz" Lanterns
47. Journals, Diaries & Scrapbooks (jot down ideas, feelings, experience; Historic Times)
48. Garbage cans Plastic (great for storage, water, transporting - if with wheels)
49. Men's Hygiene: Shampoo, Toothbrush/paste, Mouthwash/floss, nail clippers, etc.
50. Cast iron cookware (sturdy, efficient)
51. Fishing supplies/tools
52. Mosquito coils/repellent, sprays/creams
53. Duct Tape
54. Tarps/stakes/twine/nails/rope/spikes
55. Candles
56. Laundry Detergent (liquid)
57. Backpacks, Duffel Bags
58. Garden tools & supplies
59. Scissors, fabrics & sewing supplies
60. Canned Fruits, Veggies, Soups, stews, etc..
61. Bleach (plain, NOT scented: 4 to 6% sodium hypochlorite)
62. Canning supplies, (Jars/lids/wax)
63. Knives & Sharpening tools: files, stones, steel
64. Bicycles...Tires/tubes/pumps/chains, etc.
65. Sleeping Bags & blankets/pillows/mats
66. Carbon Monoxide Alarm (battery powered)
67. Board Games, Cards, Dice
68. d-con Rat poison, MOUSE PRUDE II, Roach Killer
69. Mousetraps, Ant traps & cockroach magnets
70. Paper plates/cups/utensils (stock up, folks)
71. Baby wipes, oils, waterless & Antibacterial soap (saves a lot of water)
72. Rain gear, rubberized boots, etc..
73. Shaving supplies (razors & creams, talc, after shave)
74. Hand pumps & siphons (for water and for fuels)
75. Soy sauce, vinegar, bullions/gravy/soup base
76. Reading glasses
77. Chocolate/Cocoa/Tang/Punch (water enhancers)
78. "Survival-in-a-Can"
79. Woolen clothing, scarves/ear-muffs/mittens
80. Boy Scout Handbook, / also Leaders Catalog
81. Roll-on Window Insulation Kit (MANCO)
82. Graham crackers, saltines, pretzels, Trail mix/Jerky
83. Popcorn, Peanut Butter, Nuts
84. Socks, Underwear, T-shirts, etc. (extras)
85. Lumber (all types)
86. Wagons & carts (for transport to and from)
87. Cots & Inflatable mattress's
88. Gloves: Work/warming/gardening, etc..
89. Lantern Hangers
90. Screen Patches, glue, nails, screws,, nuts & bolts
91. Teas
92. Coffee
93. Cigarettes
94. Wine/Liquors (for bribes, medicinal, etc.,)
95. Paraffin wax
96. Glue, nails, nuts, bolts, screws, etc..
97. Chewing gum/candies
98. Atomizers (for cooling/bathing)
99. Hats & cotton neckerchiefs
100. Goats/chickens

Let's add:  SOLAR POWER – more later on affordable solar units..

From a Sarajevo War Survivor:
Experiencing horrible things that can happen in a war - death of parents and friends, hunger and malnutrition, endless freezing cold, fear, sniper attacks. 

1. Stockpiling helps. but you never no how long trouble will last, so locate near renewable food sources.
2. Living near a well with a manual pump is like being in Eden.
3. After awhile, even gold can lose its luster. But there is no luxury in war quite like toilet paper. Its surplus value is greater than gold's.
4. If you had to go without one utility, lose electricity - it's the easiest to do without.
5. Canned foods are awesome, especially if their contents are tasty without eating. One of the best things to stockpile is canned gravy - it makes a lot of the dry unappetizing things you find to eat in war somewhat edible. Only needs enough heat to "warm", not to cook. It's cheap too, especially if you buy it in bulk.
6. Bring some books - escapist ones like romance or mysteries become more valuable as the war continues. Sure, it's great to have a lot of survival uides, but you'll figure most of that out on your own anyway - trust me, you'll have a lot of time on your hands.
7. The feeling that you're human can fade pretty fast. I can't tell you how many eople I knew who would have traded a much needed meal for just a little bit of oothpaste, rouge, soap or cologne. Not much point in fighting if you have to ose your humanity. These things are morale-builders like nothing else.
8. Slow burning candles and matches, matches, matches

Lupe's Notes - Oct 14, 2012

Good afternoon sisters. It sure felt like we had come home finally after three Sundays of not having regular meetings.

THOUGHT: “...I firmly believe that by reason of neglect of this simple requirement, faith has diminished in the hearts of some our people—that, by a more general observance of the Word of Wisdom, faith will be increased among the Latter-day Saints, and greater knowledge will flow to us as a result; for by obedience to it, there will come a disposition to obey other laws of our Father, and compliance with each insures a blessing.”

President George Albert Smith

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. Thursday, Oct 18^th will be our RS Temple Day for the 10 am session. Meet in the chapel (lunch after in the cafeteria if you are able).
2. Friday, Oct 19^th – 11 am., Mommy Mingle at the pond behind Lone Peak HS. Bring your kids, a sack lunch and some bread to feed the ducks!
3. Saturday, Oct. 20^th – Birthday Brunch at Lupe's home, at 10 am. 1245 N 1150 E. Mexican Brunch.
4. Thursday, Oct. 25^th “Things that Matter Most”, at 7 pm; meet at Sarah H. home. A visit to the Genealogy Center to set up your log in, Family Search, Learn to index, & more. Details to follow...
5. Thursday, Nov. 29^th, 6:30 pm at the A-Frame church across the street, “Circled in His Footsteps” Mark your calendars for an amazing dinner & photo presentation of the Holy Land by Amy Nelson!
6. Cannery Assignment. See Brother Moon for more info.
7. Blood Drive: also see Brother Moon for more info.
8. Sisters, be sure to visit the Relief Society Blog. There are new additions and changes. Http://manila12thwardrs.blogspot.com

BIRTHDAYS: Oct. 8^th – Sally J.; Oct. 10^th – Camie B., Carol B. and Melissa B.. Oct. 17^th – Alison R.; Oct 20^th – Lindsey H. and Angie T. Happy birthday to all.

Our lesson today was presented by Tiffany Weight, fro George Albert Smith manual, lesson 19 “ Temporal and Spiritual Blessings from the Word of Wisdom”.

Sisters, it feels like it's been a long time since we last met. I am grateful for the spirit of the testimonies and the General Conference talks. For the specific messages and counsel from the Brethren that we received. The personal loving counsel from our Heavenly Father.

If you have your scriptures, please turn to Section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants. If you do not, I have put it on the back of the handout.

In the beginning of the lesson, George Albert Smith talks about when he was a child. “he was afflicted with typhoid fever. He doctor who diagnosed him told his mother that he should stay in bed for three weeks, eat no solid food, and drink some coffee. President Smith later recalled:

“When he went away, I told mother that I didn't want any coffee. I had been taught that the Word of Wisdom, given by the Lord to Joseph Smith, advised us not to use coffee.

Lupe's Notes - Sep 30, 2012

Good afternoon Sisters. What a wonderful Sacrament Meeting we had today.

THOUGHT: “As you love Him, trust Him, believe Him, and follow Him, you will feel His love and approval.”

Elder Neil L. Andersen

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. Please report you visiting teaching to your Supervisor.
2. Empty Nesters tomorrow night at the North's home at 7 pm. Ken N. will share with us his visit to China.
3. Mini class - “Things that matter most” by Sarah H. at her home (1157 N 1190 E) at 7 pm. On October 25^th.
4. “Circle in His Footsteps” - dinner and presentation by Amy N. on her trip to Israel in November. More info coming.
5. We have a cannery assignment for October 15^th. If interested contact Milt M.
6. Birthday Brunch on October 13^th at 11 am at Lupe's home (1245 N 1150 E) for all sisters who had a birthday in July, Aug and Sept. It will be a Mexican Brunch. If you were not able to attend the other brunches, you can attend this one.

BIRTHDAYS: October 3^rd – Sondra Holmstead; Oct. 3^rd – Karen Moon. Happy birthday to you. Have a great day.

Our lesson today was presented by Darla Cox from Conference address “What Thinks Christ of Me?” by Elder Neil L. Andersen.

I am so grateful to be here; it has been an awesome month. Two weeks ago we had our Regional Conference and last Sunday the dedication of the Brigham City Temple. Last night we enjoyed the General Relief Society Broadcast. It was fantastic. I want to share with you something interesting. Six month ago Neil Andersen have a talk “What Thinks Christ of Me?” and last night the new Relief Society General Presidency sisters took many of his words as they talked to us. He was there lst night and I'm sure he was pleased as how the sisters reinterated his remarks. We get to review it today. The Lord's timing is always perfect.

“Jesus asked the Pharisees, “What think ye of Christ?” In the final assessment, our personal discipleship will not be judged by friends or foes. Rather, as Paul said, “We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” At that day the important question for each of us will be, “What thinks Christ of me?”

President Monson has described our day as moving away “from that which is spiritual...[with] the winds of change [swirling] around us and the moral fiber of society [continuing] to disintegrate before our very eyes.” It is a time of growing disbelief in and disregard for Christ and His teachings.”

Loved how Brother Chou commented on preparing. We are living in different times.

Lat night Sister Linda Burton, the new General Relief Society president mentioned three things that refer to the Atonement.

• All will be made right through the Atonement.
• There is power in the Atonement to enable us to become disciples of Jesus Christ.
• The Sacrifice of his perfect son is evidence that his Father loves us.

Holly B read: “Being a disciple in these days of destiny will be a badge of honor throughout the eternities.” Like Sister Burton said last night. Have it written in our hearts; that will be our badge of honor.