A Gift

Saturday there were several of us that were able to attend the funeral services of the husband of our sweet sister Lou. Lou--we love you and mourn with you. We pray for you daily.

During the service, I couldn't help but regret that I didn't get to know Dane more personally. It got me thinking. Will I be saying that about a lot of people that pass in and out of my life? Will you? Let's make more of an effort to love, support, and get to know those around us. You never know what kind of an impact someone can make in your life or what impact you can make in theirs. We are all here for each other.

Scripture Mastery Challenge

We have a challenge from our bishopric to memorize the Book of Mormon Scripture Mastery scriptures by June. After feasting upon the word and completing this challenge, we will gather to feast upon some pizza! This challenge is for all members of the family. If you don't have a scripture mastery list you can get one from a member of the bishopric or RS presidency. Check the column to the right each week for memorizing a new scripture and by the time June rolls around, you'll be done!

Cookies!

Cooking Group will be Wednesday at 7 PM at Sara S.'s house. This month we will be sharing our favorite overseas treats! If you have a great recipe that you like to send your loved one while they are overseas...bring it and come join in the fun. If you want to bring a batch of the recipe, we will have a food saver available and we will put together some packages to send to the members of our ward that are currently deployed. We will also be having a demonstration of two different cake mix recipes, that are easy to make and keep well! So come enjoy some great conversation, get some tips on overseas treats, how to use a food saver, and get some new fun recipes!! Hope to see you there.

Scripture Reading Challenge

We have been challenged by our Stake Relief Society Presidency to read all of the Pearl of Great Price, Joseph Smith History, and the Doctrine and Covenants by April Conference. How is this going? After our lesson on Sunday, I hope you are all excited about making scripture study a more important part of your day. If you are just starting with this challenge you will need to read roughly 4 pages a day to complete it (if my math is right.)

Here's another reason to read...

"The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity—the pure love of Christ—will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness” -Marion G. Romney

Here is a link to a website that can assist you in your reading. Give it a try.

Marriage and Family Relations

There will be a Marriage and Family Relations class starting soon in our ward. If you are interested in attending, please contact us or a member of the bishopric.

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

Saturday, January 16: The Parable of the Ten Virgins: Ten Women, Ten Stories. Lakewood Stake Relief Society presents eleven performers who will provide an hour of musical theater in costume as they tell the story of preparation for the return of the Savior in a world beset by distractions. You won't want to miss it! YM, YW, and all adults are invited. 7 pm at the Stake Center. Refreshments to follow.

Ward Christmas Party

Come one Who, come all to our annual Whonderland of Whobilation! A celebration of the most wonderful occasion in the Whoville calendar, to a Christmas Wholiday Celebration! This year your presence is most important as we are celebrating our 1000th Whobilation! As mayor of Whoville, I strongly decree this is the place on Saturday, December 19th at 5 PM that all Whos shall be!

There will be dinner with roast beast, Who hash, and more! A rumor is had that Santa will be there to see all the good little Who boys and girls!

Christmas pajamas or long striped thigh highs; you will be judged on how Whonderful you arrive! So bring your favorite Who treats and sing with us at the Who Christmas feast!

Sincerely,

The Mayor of Whoville

Relief Society Christmas Party

You won't want to miss this one! Thanks to the generosity of the Robinsons, our RS Christmas Party this year will be held at Thornewood Castle on December 17 at 7 PM. You can find directions here. Please find people to carpool with since there is minimal parking. Bring a white elephant gift--just something from home, no need to buy anything.

First Presidency Christmas Devotional

What a great way to start the season! I love listening to the First Presidency and hearing the beautiful music during the Christmas Devotional. It helps you remember the reason we have Christmas. It will be broadcast online live this Sunday at 6 PM MST--that's 5 PM our time. You can access that here. It will also be broadcast at 7 PM at the church if you'd like to watch it there.

Need to Finish Making Christmas Gifts?

Bring those unfinished projects and we can work on them together! Amy S. will also be teaching us one stroke painting. She's got some cute Christmas patterns so pick up a candle, paper box (you know, the ones from Michael's), wooden tray, or anything else you'd like to paint on and you can go home with a great Christmas gift. This will be at Amy's house on Thursday, December 10 at 7 PM. See you there!