Our RS is going to be putting out a book written by the sisters in the ward. We have been asked so share an experience, poem, thought, etc. It's sort of like Chicken Soup for the Soul.....but I think we should call it "Green Jello For The Soul" lol Here is my submission. Thy Will Be Done... There is a picture on my bedside table that my bishop gave to me. It is picture of Christ with the words, �You are never alone.� He gave it to me during one of the darkest times of my life. Whenever I was in much pain or very discouraged and depressed, I would focus solely on this picture and repeat over and over, �I can do this....WE can do this....Help me get through this.� In every condition, in sickness and health.......so thy succor shall be. Fear not I am with thee, oh be not dismayed; for I am thy God and will still give the aid. I�ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand upheld by my righteous omnipotent hand. (LDS Hymn # , How Firm A Foundation) I had undergone surgery for pancreatic cancer and because of complications spent 8 weeks in the hospital--five of them in the ICU. Twice the doctor told my family that I wasn�t going to make it. And many times I prayed that I wouldn�t. When I was first diagnosed with cancer I was given 1-1/12 months to live. �YES�, I said happily. I get to get rid of my yucky body and all the problems associated with it that I�ve had to put up with for 50+ years. (My hospital life began when I was 15 months old in the Primary Children's Hospital. I had severe kypho-scoliosis). I was excited to be �leaving� my body. I felt as though I was going to be taking a trip and I was looking forward to it with great anticipation. Then the biopsy was done.... I learned that I had a slow-growing tumor and the prognosis was 4-6 years. �Oh, no�, I wept, �four to six more years of suffering.� I was not happy. The adjustment to facing the next few years was more difficult than facing death in a month or so. Particularly since there was no sure treatment for my kind of cancer. At first I decided not to do anything. I had watched my husband�s mother suffer through six weeks of radiation for lung cancer only to have her life extended six miserable months and I thought then....why bother? But I remembered the admonitions of Alma: �....even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you....� and I prayed that I might have a desire to fight the cancer. With the love and encouragement of my family and consultation with my Father in Heaven, I finally agreed to seek out treatment somewhere. Eventually I underwent a chemo trial for 9 months and then when we were at a dead end for treatment, we found a surgeon who was willing to take the necessary risks to remove the inoperable tumor. After the surgery there were several complications. Because of infections I had a large open wound across my belly from one side to the other. It had to be left open and irrigated and packed every two hours around the clock; there were also irrigation tubes running in and out of my body all the time. I was being fed through the nose because my digestive system had broken down and there were holes in my stomach and intestines. Later a central line was put in the vein in my neck and I was fed through it. The only pain medication that had any affect was morphine and after five months I became addicted. Next came the withdrawal. I was angry! Hadn�t I suffered enough during the past 50+ years? Why did I have to go through this? What lesson hadn�t I learned that caused this horrible experience? There were so many things I wanted to do...good things...church things....humanitarian things...civic things...traveling....etc. And I prayed to die. I could see no value in my life just lying in bed. I felt like a burden on my family and friends and could do nothing to �pay my way� in this world. I could only lie there and do nothing. I love to read, but because of the medications my mind wasn�t clear and neither books or TV provided any entertainment. �Please let me die, God,� I pleaded. �I just don�t want to do this any more. Please let me come home to you! I can�t do this! Please let me die.� Profound, small miracles happened. One day a dear friend came to see me in the ICU and sat next to my bed and sang songs from the hymn book. The Relief Society President was there almost everyday. Ward members and other friends came to visit or to sing to me. And their love broke through the pain and depression. More than once I felt the profound power of the priesthood as I was given blessings. On several occasions there was a direct result from a blessing. After one of the surgeries I has having trouble breathing and couldn�t get off the ventilator; a blessing restored my breathing and within a few hours I was off the ventilator. My home teachers seemed to be �on call�. Sometimes they were called along with my bishop to come to the hospital in the middle of the night to give me a blessing. Many nights after midnight my son would come to the hospital after work. Sometimes he�d sleep in a chair by my bed. He would hold my hand while he watched TV or slept, and I could feel his love and draw on his strength. My parents came often. One time when I was having a terrible day, my father put his arms gently around me and held me while my body went through the ravages of a very high fever. My mother was always there giving her love and support too. Many times she seemed like my own private duty nurse. After I went home from the hospital , my husband arranged his business so he would be home in the mornings to take care of me and give me medications. With all the stress and responsibilities heaped on his shoulders, he stood strong and gave me even more love. He learned to be my nurse and made sure I didn�t feel burdensome. He always looked for ways to brighten my life and let me know how much he loved me. He never commplained about the inconveniences he has experiencing and would do whatever was necessary to make each of my days the best they could be. My visiting teachers and other ward members also helped with the housework and ironing. One even weeded my rose garden. My mother, who is 75, came several times a week to do housework, laundry and ironing. She nutured and nursed me; many times I felt as though I was a child again. Looking back I can see the lessons I needed to be taught, again. One of the most important lessons was that I am loved. I received a deep Christ-like love and caring from my family, friends and neighbors. I was unable to do anything or give anything back besides love...I could only take. It was a new experience to allow myself to receive. And I also learned that I�m not in control. I�ve tried to control my life and the lives of those I care about....so an important lesson for me was, �I�m not in control�. Fortunately, the one who is in control is a loving, all knowing, wise Father, and I began to let go of the things I could not change. Looking back I�m amazed that I survived the whole experience, but thankful that I did. With God�s help I�ll be able to recover enough to share with others the gifts I have received. Whenever I get discouraged about my health not being good, I remind myself that my Father in Heaven has a plan for me. If that plan requires good, active health, I�ll have it. However, if His plan for me requires, for whatever reason, that my health is not important, he will see me through whatever lies ahead for me. Sharlene Olander

Well sisters, Saucyee and I finally found each other. (After sitting almost next to each other but not knowing it!) LOL! I wanted to share something I learned each day. The first day I enjoyed listening to Elder Richard G. Scott. He gave us some guildlines for a happy life. They are: 1. Set "guiding principles" in your life. He said to search out those principles the Savior lived by. And then NEVER COMPROMISE. 2. Center your life in truth. 3. Study the scriptures. 4. Temple worship - attend as often as you can 5. Pray Pray Pray 6. Have Faith 7. Listen to Good Music. I thought the last one was interesting. Another thing I learned was to pray to have the knowledge of Christ. For those sisters with husbands and children who are struggling: Jack Christensen gave a wonderful talk today. He said to pray that those wavering will have knowledge of the truth, instead of praying that they will go to church or change some other behavior. He said to do so would take away their free agency to choose. To paraphrase the scripture, "I am the truth & the life." and "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." Read Mosiah 26:13-14 and Mosiah 27:14. Hope you all have a great day! Cyndee

If I remember correctly there are a few less active sisters in this group. This letter is directed to you. I have been thinking about you all and the less active sisters in my own ward today since I read an article in the new Ensign. If you have access to the Sept. Ensign please read the article on page 54 titled "Returning to the Fold". Author's name is withheld. It is not preachy and I was very touched and as I read it I laughed and cried. If you can't get a copy of it quickly I will type every word for you because I feel you will enjoy the article and it may help you in communicating with your husband. E-mail me if you can't get ahold of a copy and want me to type it for you. Love to you all, ( ) Peg \|/

I loved this, I believe in angels, those living and those watching over us. Love Kim (KimbrlyDwn) In a message dated 97-08-20 08:26:58 EDT, BZEMOMA writes: << WHAT DO ANGELS LOOK LIKE? Like the little old lady ~who returned your wallet yesterday. Like the taxi driver ~who told you that your eyes light up the world, when you smile. Like the small child ~who showed you the wonder in simple things. Like the poor man ~who offered to share his lunch with you. Like the rich man ~who showed you that it really is all possible, if only you believe. Like the stranger ~who just happened to come along when you had lost your way. Like the friend ~who touched your heart when you didn't think you had one to touch. Angels come in all sizes and shapes, ~ all ages and skin types. Some with freckles, some with dimples, ~ some with wrinkles, some without. They come disguised as friends, enemies, ~ teachers, students, lovers and fools. They don't take life too seriously, ~ they travel light. They leave no forwarding address, ~ they ask nothing in return. They wear sneakers with gossamer wings, ~ they get a deal on dry cleaning. They are hard to find when your eyes are closed, But ~ they are everywhere you look, when you choose to see. ~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~ Author unknown >> --------------------- Forwarded message: Subj: Fwd: For you...from me... Date: 97-08-20 08:26:58 EDT From: BZEMOMA To: KimbrlyDwn CC: [email protected] I thought this was kind of nice, makes you think! -Jan --------------------- Forwarded message: Subj: For you...from me... Date: 97-08-15 17:41:53 EDT From: Huggyb0325 To: BostonNice,Tedybearrr,ThosJoe To: Shadoe1959,BZEMOMA,Groovylady To: Spiritptc WHAT DO ANGELS LOOK LIKE? Like the little old lady ~who returned your wallet yesterday. Like the taxi driver ~who told you that your eyes light up the world, when you smile. Like the small child ~who showed you the wonder in simple things. Like the poor man ~who offered to share his lunch with you. Like the rich man ~who showed you that it really is all possible, if only you believe. Like the stranger ~who just happened to come along when you had lost your way. Like the friend ~who touched your heart when you didn't think you had one to touch. Angels come in all sizes and shapes, ~ all ages and skin types. Some with freckles, some with dimples, ~ some with wrinkles, some without. They come disguised as friends, enemies, ~ teachers, students, lovers and fools. They don't take life too seriously, ~ they travel light. They leave no forwarding address, ~ they ask nothing in return. They wear sneakers with gossamer wings, ~ they get a deal on dry cleaning. They are hard to find when your eyes are closed, But ~ they are everywhere you look, when you choose to see. ~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~ Author unknown

I joined the church almost 7 years ago. I was very active for about1 year and then got involved with nonmember and fell away from the church. I was in active until July of last year. In that time I had a wonderful older lady as my visiting teacher. I never met her but every month she would call, after the first year I started dodging her calls but she continued to write to me. One day she stopped writing. At first I didn't realize but about a year later I came back to church and asked about her. A lady I had known before told me that she had passed away and I mentioned that I missed her letters. From that day I started receiving letters from that sister and to this day we are good friends. Sonya

My full name is Kimberlie Wheeler and I am the "baby" of the group -- only 23 years old. I have been married to a wonderful man for nearly 3 years. We were sealed in the Portland temple on Oct 21, 1994. We have .5 children (I'm currently 25 weeks pregnant with our first). I live in the "thriving metropolis" of Bonney Lake, WA (it's a small city). Bonney Lake is about 40 miles south of Seattle. I work full-time as a customer service rep for an ink manufacturing company. I'm kind of a VT, but my partner who has the list hasn't called me to go out so I don't know what's going on. My last calling was the ward choir pianist, but I was released when the choir was disbanded, due to lack of participation. I've also been a primary pianist, Young Women pianist (for opening exercises, and was going to be the stand-in primary choraster, but that fell through. I enjoy cross-stitch, reading, music (piano and vocal), physical labor (anything so that I'm not sitting "doing nothing," and travelling when I get the opportunity. I am a convert to the Church. I've been going to church since I was 15 (almost 16), but didn't get baptized until my 18th birthday (Dec 31, 1991). I'm kinda inactive, but I'm working on getting myself (physically) back into church. I'm not very good about talking about myself, so if anyone has any questions, please ask. Kimbers

I just wanted to share a story of fellowshipping. One reason I went inactive was due to the sisters in the RS of my ward. They were probably unaware because they were too wrapped up in their own little world to notice, and also, I didn't share my feelings. What happened was a RS lesson on fellowshipping. One by one, the sisters got up on their soapboxes and preached on how good they are because they were there to welcome a new member of the ward (sometime in their past) or they were the one welcomed and they would do the same. Here I was, feeling completely alone, and then miserable and hurt because I had only been in that ward a couple of months, and not one sister had said that I was welcomed. In a story told by Elder Boyd K. Packer in a book called "Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled," he told of a man who was inactive and asked to speak at a stake conference. In his testimony, the inactive man said, "I have been trying to come back, but you won't let me!" Elder Packer then wrote: "Of course we would let him come back, but somehow we hadn't let him know that." It is important to let every member know they are welcome. You can't just assume they know, because more people than we realize probably don't know they are welcome. It doesn't take a whole ward or branch to welcome a person, it just takes one loving heart to reach out and be that person's friend. If it wasn't for my wonderful RS president in my current ward, I probably would be less active than I am now. One of the highest honors a person can be given is to be called "friend." Just some food for thought........Kimbers

Sisters, I just wanted to say that as a teacher. I feel that sex education should begin in the home. It we help educate our children as they grow up. They will be better aware of the dangers and choices they may have to make as teenagers. Please don't be afraid or embrassed to talk about sex and the human body to your children. Thanks for listening. Sharon

To all My Dear sisters in Zion, As some of you may already know my husband has been laid off last week. He has been searching for jobs on-line daily. He has found many great opportunities in different states. Some he has send his resume by E-mail. A lot of them require Faxes. This is where my problem is. For us to fax his resume it will cost quite a bit. Seeing neither of us are working at this time we have no income. (I am recovering from a broken foot, Its doing great hope to go back to work very soon) I plan on having him apply for unemployment very soon. What I am wondering if any of you out there have faxes in your homes and if you do if you are willing to fax his resume for us it would be a local call for you if he found something in your area. We have a long distance block on our phone or we would fax from our home and would only have to pay for the call. We are only able to fax localy.There are not many jobs in this area and my husband and I both feel because of things going on here that it is time for us to pick up and move on. If you are able to help us with faxing localy please E-mail me back with where you are so we can see if there are any jobs he wants in your area. Again Thank you if you are able to help us and thank you to those sweet sisters out there that have already helped us. May Heavenly Father Bless each and every one of you and your families. Linda (linmontoya)

This is my first posting to MOMZ since we've gone onto the new system. I just got home from picking up my missionary son. Yippee!!!!! I'll be anxious to see if I did this right and if any of you out there get this message. I've been in group 2 for quite some time and when this new system kicked in I found that I'm missing most of the neat spiritual uplifting messages that I need to get me through the day, SOOOO, I've changed over to this new way to give it a try. Hello to all the new members of the group, and welcome. I know you'll love the sisterhood here. Love you all, Donna

I have been reading the comments on Visiting Teaching, and have a couple of things to add. First I totally agree with Sharlene(Shlool) on making it easy for our VT to come see us. I have dropped other plans, knowing that my VT were late in coming and that was the only night they could come. I also make sure they come see me. I get to cheat cause one of my VT is on AOL, and I just e-mail her and ask when she's coming. Visiting Teaching is as important to the Teacher as it is to the Teachee. Even when I was not active I always allowed them to come see me. While on that, I want to mention that my husband was not a member when we married, and these people kept coming to check on me. They brought gifts when I had babies, dinners etc....It made a big impact on him to see my VT and HT come visit. He knew that they genuinely cared for all of us. Rather than giving the lesson, getting to know them first is a great way to start with inactives. It is much less intimidating, and some people will avoid VT because of it. About visiting Active members. Never assume because someone is very active that they don't need you. I had a VT that would visit all her inactives, and see me at Church and say "I can't come to see you this month, but I know you are OK!" It wasn't always true. There were times that we could've used the extra contact with the church. The other thing I wanted to say is What a wonderful idea that Deidre had about folding laundry while visiting. I am going to pass that idea on to my RS Pres. Small things can mean so much. I for one would be thrilled if my VT offered something like that. Even taking one of the kids for awhile! One of my VT is a Young Adult, and the other doesn't have kids yet. I just recently was called again to be a VT. I am looking forward to finding out who the sister is, so that I can get to know her, and hopefully be to her what some of my VT have been to me. A friend, someone helpful, someone she can talk to and share with, someone that she can call when she needs me. Love, Aud

Read This Sentence: Finished files are the result of years of scientific study combined with the experience of years. Now count aloud the F's in that sentence. Count them ONLY ONCE; do not go back and count them again. See Below.... >>> >>> >>>Answer below.... >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>>Answer below..... >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>>ANSWER: >>> There are six F's in the sentence. One of average intelligence finds three of them. If you spotted four, you're above average. If you got five, you can turn your nose at most anybody. If you caught six, you are a genius. There is no catch. Many people forget the "OF"s. The human brain tends to see them as "V's" instead of "F's".

OK.. i forgot about something that my VT from back home did... and it helped EMENSLEY.... When i was prg with my 3 child, they prepared about 6 different meals to put into the freezer that after i got out of the hospital, i could just throw in the oven and cook them... well, my family of 5 then (one of which didn't eat food LOL) lived on those meals for about 2wks... it was so nice not to have to think about what to cook, or even get up and do it... I loved it and they did it again with about 3 meals before i moved.. it was something i hadn't thought of but will definatly use myself.. love faith

I am so glad to know I am not the only lds Mom that does not loves to cook...let alone can or bake bread!!!! UGH I do it because I love my family(the cooking part...bread is gonna take more then love LOL ) =) Cora

Sisters, Okay, okay, I've just got to type up a few recipes for you all. I know this is the day and age of take out and after 25 1/2 years of marriage I am tired of planning meals and cooking! With our three oldest gone, (the girls leave for BYU next week) it will just be my hubby, son and me and we three are the easiest to please thank heavens! I will share as many recipes as I have time to type. What Mormon home is without a good brownie recipe (or a Betty Crocker Supreme Chocolate Chunk Premium Brownie Mix)--LOL Well here is a great one. It is call "Best Brownies" it is from the "Favorite Brand Name Cookie Collection" BUT the best thing about this recipe is it comes with the most delicious frosting you've ever tasted!!! So here goes. Best Brownies---makes 9 inch square pan--you might want to double like I do. 1/2 c. butter or marg. melted 1 cup sugar 1 teas. vanilla 2 eggs 1/2 cup flour 1/3 cup cocoa 1/4 teas. baking powder 1/4 teas. salt 1/2 c chopped nuts (optional) Preheat oven to 350. Blend butter, sugar and vanilla in large bowl. Add eggs; beat well. Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt; gradually blend into egg mixture. Stir in nuts. Spread in greased 9 inch square pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until brownie begins to pull away from edges of pan. Cool; frost with Creamy Brownie Frosting. Creamy Brownie Frosting 3 TBS softened butter or marg. 3 TBS cocoa 1 TBS light corn syrup OR honey--THIS IS THE KEY--DON'T LEAVE IT OUT 1/2 teas. vanilla 1 C powdered sugar 1-2 TBS milk Cream butter, cocoa, corn syrup and vanilla in small bowl. Add powdered sugar gradvorite dinner ---But remember I've been cooking a long time and my directions won't be exact--adjust it to the size of your family. Hawaiian Haystacks--great for big crowds also 4-8 chicken breasts --It is easier if the chicken is thawed and cut up before you cook it. Cook with water, (just enough to cover chicken) onions and sliced carrots. Drain and save the chicken stock (water) (dice the chicken if you didn't do it before you cooked it) Add chicken/carrot/onion mixture to: 2--6 (depends on amount of people you are feeding) cans cream of cream of chicken soup---I use Campbell's Healthy Request Add some of the reserved chicken stock to thin it out a little. Okay that was easy, now you have the base for the haystacks! LOL Cook as much rice as your family will eat. Then chop or grate any of the following your family likes--give the kids each an item or two to prepare: ( use your imagination--you will come up with other items they will eat also) green/ red/yellow pepper cheese celery tomatoes We also use: coconut peanuts or sliced or slivered almonds pineapple mandarin oranges chow mien noodles Start with rice on the plates, spoon on the chicken sauce. Then let everyone fend for themselves adding just whatever they like. I have one son who just puts the chicken sauce on and that is it--the rest of us pile on the works! Hope this helps out---this is a great make ahead recipe. Everything can be made and chopped the day before. Just heat up the sauce and rice and you have a delicious, nutritious and colorful meal (I'm into colorful--it looks so nice on the plate). Let me know if you try any of these recipes and if your family liked them. Love Ya, ( ) Peg \|/

Dear Sisters, I was wondering if any of you are going to the temple, could you please put my dear friends names on the prayer list? Their names are Ronald Danner Jr. and Theresa Danner. They are going through some difficult times. Thanks so much! Love, Wendy (WJMinnie)

Hello Sisters, I wanted to share a thought that I heard several years ago. I'm not sure where I heard it, but it was talking about feeling welcome in a group. There are two ways to enter a room, do you enter with the attitute: Here I Am or: There You Are I am not real outgoing, so I am afraid that I fall into the ...Here I am...category too many times waiting for someone to approach me.....but there are many who are feeling that same way, so we need to be one of the....There You Are people when we want to feel a part of a group. Have a great day Dianne �

In a message dated 97-08-20 11:43:34 EDT, you write: << my favorite receipe is the local pizza joint...haha...I am such a lazy cook. Kim >> Kim's comment reminds me of a time when I was working full-time and my in-laws came for a visit. Mom and I had planned on having Sloppy Joes for dinner. My DH decided to take advantage of having baby sitters on hand and took me out for dinner and a movie. When we got home, Mom commented that the kids didn't seem to know what Sloppy Joes are. My comment was, "Well, they don't serve those at Burger King!" A sad commentary on how much I cooked when working full-time. I'm pleased to say that right now I'm fortunate to be a full-time at-home Mom and Wife, and we don't eat out nearly as often. I still don't particlarly enjoy cooking, but I'm gettin there! Tina [email protected]

I don't remember who requested this poem, so I'm sending it to all. (It's worth reading again if you have time). Sorry it took so long to reply, but it was on my HD and it had crashed. My DH just got it up and running. THE TOUCH OF THE MASTER'S HAND 'Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer Thought it scarcely worth his while To waste much time on the old violin, But he held it up with a smile. "What am I bidden, good folks," he cried, "Who'll start the bidding for me?" "A dollar, a dollar," then, two! Only two? "Two dollars, and who'll make it three? "Three dollars once; three dollars, twice; Going for three. . ." But no, From the room, far back, a grey-haired man Came foreward and picked up the bow; Then, wiping the dust from the old violin, And tightening the loose strings, He played a melody pure and sweet As a caroling angel sings. The music ceased and the auctioneer, With a voice that was quiet and low, Said: "What am I bid for the old violin?" And he held it up with the bow. "A thousand dollars, and who'll make it two? Two thousand! And who'll make it three? Three thousand, once; three thousand twice; And going and gone," said he. The people cheered, but some of them cried, "We do not quite understand What changed its worth?" Swift came the reply: "The touch of the master's hand." And many a man with his life out of tune, And battered and scarred with sin, Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd, Much like the old violin. A "mess of potage," a glass of wine; A game--and he travels on. He is "going" once, and "going" twice, He's "going and almost "gone." But the Master comes and the foolish crowd Never can quite understand The worth of a soul and the change that's wrought By the touch of the Master's hand. Myrna B. Welch

Hi everyone! I would like to welcome Shaunene to the group, and also show you what she looks like! Visit my web page and browse through it. She is the one with her two handsome boys. She is also shown with all of her family in the huge group shot. <A HREF="http://members.aol.com/KFCPhoto/photos.html">CLICK HERE</A> or go to: http://members.aol.com/KFCPhoto/photos.html Her sweet spirit is as wonderful in person as you can see in her smile. Love ya all! Karen