A Light Unto All

Dear Sisters,


Sister Hikari Loftus, our VT Coordinator, located this special video clip and shared it with me a few weeks ago. Now as Christmas Day is fast approaching, I feel it is most appropriate to send this link to you and hope you will take just a few moments of time during this busy season to feel of the"Christmas Spirit" that emulates from the clip.

If you pay close attention, you may see and hear from someone that is in our midst, who is so much a part of us in our circle of sisters.

• A Light Unto All: A Christmas Gift

Here's wishing you once again a most joyous Christmas as we reflect and ponder and bring closer to our hearts the love we have for our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Blessings,
Sister Beaty

Christmas Day

This Sunday we will have ONLY Sacrament meeting at 11:00 a.m.

Merry Christmas!

Share With Us!

Do you have a personal blog? We are creating a page on our blog to provide links to any personal blogs. If you'd like to share with us, we'll add a link to your blog so we can all get to know you! Leave us a comment to this post or email 33reliefsociety@gmail.com.

Meet Lindsay and Vennis!

Lindsay Oldroyd


1. Are you married, if so, for how long? 5 months :)

2. How long have you been in the ward? 5 months

3. Are you school, if so, what is your major? Law

4. If you are working, what do you do?

5. How many kids do you have, if any at all? None

6. Favorite type of food? Almost everything (excluding tofu... just can't seem to like it no matter how hard I try...)

7. Favorite dessert or treat? Fresh peaches

8. If you could travel anywhere where would you go? Greece- for the ruins and that beautiful scene of Santorini

9. Tell me something interesting about yourself that we don't know? (ei. hobbies, funny story, favorite vacation, any crazy injuries...you get the idea)

10. Do you have a calling yet? If so, what do you do? Nope.



Vennis Nichols

1. Are you married, if so, for how long? yes, we have been married for four years. We met almost 10 years ago just before we graduated high school (Different High Schools).

2. How long have you been in the ward? We moved in the end of July.

3. Are you school, if so, what is your major? No. I graduated from the LDS Business College in 2005 with two associates (General and Business). I hope to go back sometime to get at least my bachelors.

4. If you are working, what do you do? I am the Brigadoon apartment manager which works really well for me as a stay at home mom.

5. How many kids do you have, if any at all? We have one two year old boy Justice.

6. Favorite type of food? I love food so any kind is great.

7. Favorite dessert or treat? Anything with Chocolate and nuts especially Hazelnut and Chocolate.

8. If you could travel anywhere where would you go? Europe

9. Tell me something interesting about yourself that we don't know? (ei. hobbies, funny story, favorite vacation, any crazy injuries...you get the idea) I went on a mission to Utica New York. I love sports and having fun and especially being with my family. My best friends beside my husband are my sisters and brothers.

10. Do you have a calling yet? If so, what do you do? No

Fall Social!

Pumpkin-Carving Basics

Check out Martha Stewart's 5 basic steps for carving a pumpkin!

http://www.marthastewart.com/275075/how-to-carve-a-pumpkin/@center/276965/halloween#

Now get out there and decorate those porches!

Yoga!

Don't forget Yoga Class at the church! Tuesday, October 25 at 7:15 pm.

Freezer Fail Detector

I found this on Pinterest!

"Here's a simple one: what happens if your power goes out while you're on vacation? Well your food will thaw, then go bad, then refreeze, and you'll be none the wiser when you go to eat it. The freezer fail detector is just a jar filled half-way with water then frozen on its side. Put the jar upright and glance at it whenever you open your freezer. No more salmonella!"

Brilliant, right?

Apples Galore

Date: October 13

Ogden Botanical Center

Time: Noon - 2:00 pm

OR

USU Botanical Center

Time: 5:00 - 6:30 pm

This annual event celebrates local flavors as the farmers market season comes to a close. The free tasting will feature artisan products from Beehive Cheese Co., Poppin' Johnny Ice Cream, and Lavender Hill. Children can explore the climbing wall, ride the train, or participate in kids-crafts activities. Join us at Ogden Botanical Gardens from Noon - 2:00 or at the USU Botanical Center from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.

Coming Up This Month

The Primary Program will be on Sunday, October 16 during Sacrament meeting.

Welfare Assignment: The Dairy at Welfare Square, 8am-noon, Monday, October 17.

Building Cleaning: Saturday, October 22 at 9am. We are back to sign-up sheets, which can be found by the front door. All members of the ward are asked to volunteer twice a year, so if you haven't yet, here's your chance!

Ward Temple Night: Thursday, October 27, 7pm endowment session.

Special Notice: If your temple recomment expires by the end of October, please note that recommend interviews will be held on October 9 and 16. There will not be any temple recommend interviews on October 23 or 30. Sign-up sheet is by the Bishop's office.

Our New Bishopric

In case you haven't heard, Bishop Alvord has been released from his calling and a new bishopric has been sustained. Please congratulate them if you see them!

Bishop David Smurthwaite
1st Counselor Kevin Timm
2nd Counselor Jared Zemp

Don't Forget!

General Conference is THIS weekend!

October 1: General Sessions 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm

                  Priesthood Session 6pm-8pm

October 2 General Sessions 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm

Come listen to our prophet speak!

2011 Relief Society Broadcast

In case you missed it (or just want to watch your favorite parts again), you can catch Saturday's broadcast here:

Relief Society Broadcast, September 2011

Our Studies

The best part of this life is our oppotunity to learn. Every day, whether we recognize it or not, we learn something new. Our knowledge of the gospel and of other disciplines will follow us for the rest of our mortal lives and into the eternities. How we balance our spiritual and temporal learning is an individual choice, but we need to remember, as Mary did, to seek after that good part.

President Spencer W. Kimball said, "The cultivation of Christlike qualities is a demanding and relentless task--it is not for the seasonal worker or for those who will not stretch themselves again and again."

As we pray, study, and ponder and teach, we become more like our Savior. We feel His love more fully and we can lift and teach those around us. Never underestimate the contribution you can make as one of God's most beloved daughters. He needs you here and that is why He sent you. He is nver far away and wants you to come to a knowledge of that truth.

*ahem*

I apologize for the lag in posts, folks! The weeks (okay, months) have gotten away from me. But rest assured, we are back in full swing! Stay tuned for more of your fabulous 33rd Ward Relief Society!

Love,

Jodi

Attend the Temple!

"The all-important and crowning blessings of membership in the Church are those blessings which we receive in the temples of God."  -President Thomas S. Monson

Attend with the Relief Society: Tuesday, July 19 at the Jordan River Temple. We will attend the 7:00pm endowment session.

Attend with the ward: Thursday, July 28 at the Salt Lake Temple, 7:00pm endowment session.

Temple Cleaning Assignment

Help us clean our temple: Thursday, July 21 from 8:30pm to midnight. Sign up sheet is in the foyer. Blessings abound!

Meet & Greet

We know you've all been waiting for our "Meet and Greet on the Lawn" to arrive and it has!!! Here are the details:

Date: Tuesday June 28

Time: 6:30pm sharp (you never know what's in store for those we are on time wink wink); it will most likely round up at 8pm!!!!

Place: no directions needed cause it is behind our beautiful ward house and in front of our incredible community/ward garden!!! If you do get lost just look for lovely glowing ladies and you've found us!!!

WHO: Everyone! bring those neighbors, friends and your cute sisters you get to visit every month!!!

We are excited and we hope you are too, it will be an evening of food, new friends and faces, laughter and of course some good 'ol fashioned s'mores roasted over a fire pit!!!! Can't get much better than that!!!

Email us with questions, concerns or excitement you just can't contain!!!

See you there!

Lots of Love as always!!!

"If we love the Lord, we will have reverence for him, we will have reverence for his house, we will have reverence for the home, for ourselves, and for his priesthood."

-Marion G. Romney, September 1982 Ensign

Reverence is Love

In the Testimony of Mark we are given at least 4 accounts of the Savior spending time alone in reverence and prayer. The Savior was teaching us an important principle: reverence is love. The events that occurred during and after the Savior spent time in reverence and prayer are the greatest testaments of His love for each one of us.

When we spend time in reverence at church, at home, in the temple, and many other places, our hearts and minds should be turned to thinking of our Heavenly Fatherand our Savior. As we reflect on blessings and miracles in our lives, our path and wil should be redirected and realigned withour Heavenly Father's; we will feel peace and happiness that allows us to feel love from others and feel love toward others.

The last line of the primary song, Reverence is Love, is a beautiful promise that is made if we will clear out worldly thoughts to make room for heavenly thoughts: "When we are reverent we know in our hearts Heavenly Father and Jesus are near."

SLC's Friday Night Flicks

FREE family-friendly movies at a different SLC Park each week

Fridays, June 3 through July 15
A new park each week

Salt Lake City will show a FREE movie at a new park for seven straight Fridays starting in June. The movies are all family-friendly, but fun for all ages. They are shown on a large inflatable screen and popcorn is free while it lasts, thanks to Salt Lake City and CW30.

Bring your blankets and chairs and enjoy a neighborhood party under the stars. Community booths will open at 8pm and the movies will begin around 9pm (or so)!

Check out "Friday Night Flicks" for a list of the movies.

Summer Pool Tips

For pool owners:

• Point your jets slightly upward and to the left. This will help your water flow clockwise and not fight mother nature. You will achieve better circulation.
• Toss a tennis ball into your pool. The fibers absorb oils (like sunscreen and BBQ grease) and keep your pool clean longer. (Want to know what else you can do with a tennis ball? Check out "Tennis balls: Little. Yellow. Useful.")

For pool/beach-goers:

• Always lose your keys when you get out the pool/beach bag? Use an extra metal shower curtain holder. Loop the ring around the handles of your beach bag, then just hook your key ring on when you get out of the car! (Thanks to Martha Stewart for this one.)
• Stay safe in the sun: Wear sunscreen on overcast days, and try to stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm (when the sun is hottest). For more sunscreen tips, check out: 10 Sunscreen Tips.
• Feeling a little sandy after the beach? Sprinkling baby powder on your feet (or affected areas) loosens the hold sand has on your skin and helps it brush off faster. Bonus: you smell good AND your skin feels nice and soft!

Spring Clean Your Mattress

Check out this article from Make It Do: http://www.make-it-do.com/clean-it/spring-clean-your-mattress/

“The very experience of enduring chastening can refine us and prepare us for greater spiritual privileges.”
—Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Ward Temple Night

Join us Tuesday, May 24th for the 7:00 p.m. session at the Salt Lake Temple!

Three Hours

Time is one of the most precious gifts we are given. We are encouraged to use our time wisely and that timing is everything. When we evaluate what things deserve the most of our time, we often find that they are getting the least amount. During May and June, our Relief Society goal is to be on time to our church meetings and to create a reverent atmosphere where we can invite the spirit to teach and to touch us.

The three hours we are given each week on the Sabbath are to receive those answers, confirmations, reassurances, and revelations we have been asking and searching for. They will come in times of quiet and reverence.

The structure of our meetings is to encourage reverence to prepare us for the message that will be an answer, the comment that will touch our heart, or the spirit that will bear witness of the love our Heavenly Father and Savior have for us. The prelude music, prayers, and messages in their entirety are vital parts in our spiritual development; they create the spiritual learning environment to help us better understand our purpose and mission as daughters of God. When we take the time to prepare and study, God will teach in His reverent, assuring way.

Stake Relief Society Education Day

Saturday, May 14

9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

At the Stake Center

9:30 a.m. Fun Walk (please wear casual clothes)

10:00 a.m. Mini Classes

Tasty lunch to follow

Classes include:

• Finance 101
• Great Tips for Looking Your Best
• Children's Book Review
• Cooking Quick, Easy, Healthy Meals
• Or come enjoy working on a quilt with us!

New Ward Directory

The new lds.org ward directory is now up. On the new version, you can:

• Update your phone number and email address directly, rather than submitting requests through the membership clerk.
• Enter separate phone numbers and email addresses for each family member.
• Upload individual photos of each of your family members as well as family photos.
• View your ward photo directory online, with all member photos and names consolidated in one view.
• View member addresses on a map (the directory integrates with Google Maps).
• Get driving directions to and from members' addresses.
• Hide your contact information from view (directory administrator can choose to hide information for those who prefer not to be contacted).
• See immediate results as you type any part of a member's name. This lets you more easily find members when you only know part of a name.
• View extensive leader callings for each group in your ward, from callings in Deacons to Primary, Bishopric, and more.

If you do not want your photograph to appear in the online ward directory, notify Chris Seely at 617-459-3642 or seely_chris@yahoo.com

You need your membership number and confirmation date to access the online directory. If you do not know your them, ask Brian Lawrence, Chris Seely, or Doug Hooper.

Ward Garden

It's springtime (really!) and time to claim squatter's rights to a plot in the ward garden. Four sizes of plots are available for your planting, weeding, and harvesting enjoyment.

Introductory size: 4' X 20' ($20 water fee)

Small: 20' X 20' ($30 water fee)

Medium: 30' X 20' ($50 water fee)

Large family size: 40' X 20' ($70 water fee)

Go look at the garden after church. To reserve a plot, call or visit JoAnn Warner at (801) 376-9753.

Once you have your plot, you can incerease the harvest by having the soul tested byu the Soul Testing Laboratory at Utah State University. The kits are available at the Utah State University Extension Office, Room S1200 in the Salt Lake County Government Center (State Street and 2100 South). You need to go to the Extension office to get the kit because with existing technology it is not possible to download the plastic bag for the soil and the approved cardboard mailing container. The kits are free but there is a charge for the testing. USU will send back a soil analysis with recommendations for soil treatment for what you want to grow.

When you are the Extension Office, check out all the handy-dandy publications on growing vegetables and fruits, using fertilizer, home production, and so forth. The publications are also available online at http://extension.usu.edu/.

Energizer Bunny

9 Tips for Instant Energy:

1. Eat citrus or use a citrus-scented body wash or perfume.

2. Listen to music that pumps you up.

3. Stand up straight.

4. Drink more water. Add a lemon to it!

5. Eat a peppermint or use peppermint chapstick.

6. Try a 30-second nap:  It's simple: Sit in chair with your feet firmly on the floor and rest your elbows on your knees while holding your key chain in one hand. Let your head hang down. Exhale slowly and try to shut out distractions. The minute you nod off, you'll drop the keys and wake back up. (Courtesy of The Joy of Laziness by Axt and Axt-Gaderman)

7. Take 3 deep, diaphragmatic breaths (your stomach should be moving).

8. Laugh. At something, of course. Randomly laughing at nothing will get you thrown in the loony bin.

9. Wear red. Paint your nails for a little pick-me-up right on your fingertips!

Our April Goal

This time of the year is a transition time for mother nature. She is nurturing the ground by providing rain, she is caring for the blossoms by raising the temperature and she is planting seeds of love and joy in our hearts by coloring the world with flowers. We can all agree that this time of the year is beautiful, not only because of the colors and fragrances, but because of the reminder of new life all around us.

As we are reminded of the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we can reflect on His words and His works as we are serving His children. Meaningful friendships blossom as we take time to reach out to the one, not just to help, but to befriend. We should be as excited as a little child when making new and everlasting friendships. Reaching out means nurturing and loving the seeds of friendship we plant, so they grow into eternal bonds of sisterhood.

Some of the greatest and lasting friendships we have come through faithful and diligent visiting teaching. The companion you are assigned now could be a companion you treasure forever. The sisters you teach can take an important place in your life as you take time to ask questions, take time to support, and take time to remember how special they are to your Heavenly Father.

Our Savior, Jesus Christ was sent to the earth to do the will of His Father. Likewise, we are sent to do the will of our Father. "Our own will should be swallowed up in the will of the Father's," said Elder Christofferson. The only way we can know the Father's will is by doing what we have seen done by Christ. Start by visiting your sisters; as you come to know them, you will be able to nurture them through love and before you know it, a friendship will blossom. We as a presidency encourage you to instill a sincere friendship and attitude of nurturing in  your relationship with those God has given you to care for.

17 Ways to Speed Clean

Check out this link for ways to speed up your cleaning routine, including color-coding your cleaning supplies: http://www.allyou.com/budget-home/organizing-cleaning/speed-clean-00411000071336/

Please Come Sing...

Bananas, Peppers, and Brownies

• Peel a banana from the bottom and you won't have to pick the little "stringy things" off of it. That's how the primates do it.
• Take your bananas apart when you get home from the store. If you leave them connected at the stem, they ripen faster.
• Peppers with 3 bumps on the bottom are sweeter and better for eating. Peppers with 4 bumps on the bottom are firmer and better for cooking.
• For a cool brownie treat, make brownies as directed. Melt Andes mints in double broiler and pour over warm brownies. Let set for a wonderful minty frosting.

Joseph Smith Movie Online

A revised version of the full-length film Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration is now available online at mormonchannel.org/Joseph. It is the first time the Church has made a full-length film available online. It is also available as a free download in various formats, including HD.

The original 2005 version depicts events in the life of Joseph Smith that help explain the Church's belief in modern prophets and Joseph Smith's role in restoring the Church of Jesus Christ to the earth.

The new version stays true to that original purpose but uses reedited footage from the original film as well as some new footage to create a product that is more understandable for the wider Internet audience. About 40 percent of the film is new material.

Read more about the new release on Newsroom.

Source: Church News and Events, http://lds.org/church/news/joseph-smith-movie-to-reach-a-wider-audience-online?lang=eng

Laundry Day

What! Who knew folding a fitted sheet could be so easy?

RS Birthday Celebration Brunch

"Shine On in Friendship"

Come join us Saturday, March 19th, 10:30-12:00

for an opportunity to develop friendships,

eat a delicious brunch,

and view Sisters Grimm Fairytale Theater.

No Peelers Allowed!

Just when you thought you knew everything about peeling potatoes!



If you have tips about cooking, cleaning, family life, health and beauty, Visiting Teaching, or anything else you can think of, send them to 33reliefsociety@gmail.com and we'll post them on the blog as part of our Tip Jar!

Needing a Nanny

A sister in our Stake has a daugther who lives in the Rose Park area who needs a nanny for her children. The children are one and almost four years old (only child care services are needed). Anyone interested in this opportunity would need to watch her children in her home in Rose Park. If you have a child, you are welcome to take them with you. The mother teaches at Glendale Middle School and needs help Monday - Wednesday from 7:45am-4:00pm ($50 per day).

If interested, please contact Joan by email: coltrain@anthro.utah.edu.

Feed the missionaries!

Dear Sisters,

We are still looking for one more family to provide a meal for the missionaries this Wednesday the 2nd. Plan on the appointment to be from 5 pm to 6 pm.

If you are willing, please call Tiffany Jones at 435-862-7529 or email her at 2tiffanyjones@gmail.com.

Thank you so much to those who already volunteered to help!

Notes From Stake Conference

These are some notes I took from Elder Christofferson's talk at Stake Conference. Most of his talk focused on missionary work, but there are a few notes of things he said toward the end as well. Sorry, they're a bit disjointed, but I wanted to share anyway! -Jodi R.

• It is our privilege to share the gospel, a fundamental duty and privilege that all of us have. "Go ye therefore and teach all nations..."
• We must be examples to the Church (of forbearance, of controlling our tempers, etc.). You are a light--people should be able to see something of the Savior in each of us. "Be thou examples..."
• There are too many daughters with no dates and too many young men who postpone marriage for careers, etc. There is nothing that has the same significance as marriage and family. Don't leave to the side what ought to be the center.
• "Bless us with faith to endure some things and with faith to change some things."
• If you really desire it, He will communicate with you. Your tears are precious to Him. You are precious to Him.

If anyone else has notes or thoughts to share about Stake Conference, please email them to 33reliefsociety@gmail.com. Thanks!

Knitting Night!

Thursday, March 10th, 7:00 p.m.

at Celeste Jensen's home

Stake Conference

Come join us for Stake Conference this month!

February 8: Stake Temple Night

Meet in the Salt Lake Temple chapel at 6:00 p.m.

We will attend the 7:00 p.m. endowment session.

Saturday, February 12, 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Adult Session at the Stake Center (951 E. 100 S.)

Refreshments will follow.

Sunday, February 13, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

General Session at the Assembly Hall on Temple Square.

Parking is available at the Conference Center.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will preside.

L-O-V-E

Our ward goal this year is to become consecrated disciples of our Savior Jesus Christ. We can do this by becoming more like Him. President Eyring gives us a powerful and simple guideline for achieving this: Love. He says that "love is the motivating principle by which the Lord leads us along the way towards becoming like Him. Our way of life, hour by hour, must be filled with the love of God and love for others."

The resurrected Lord asked his disciple Peter three times, "Lovest thou me?" Peter would respond, "Yea Lord; thou knowest that I love thee." The Lord then responded three times, "Feed my sheep." When the Lord asks us, "Lovest thou me?" what will our response be? Our answer is to minister to His children so that they will look to Him to be lifted up by Him and invited to be like Him. "If any man love God, the same is known of Him." (1 Cor. 8:3)

Happy New Year!

Sisters, welcome to a new year! As you begin to make your resolutions, don't forget to include your Savior and Heavenly Father. By petitioning them, they will provide you with help you need to change or improve. Whether it is waking up on time or starting daily prayer, your only guarantee inrealizing your desire to make changes or improvements is to include Jesus Christ and your Father in Heaven.

At times we are overwhelmed by what we think we need ot improve or change; realistically we only need a willing heart and a sincere desire. As long as we do our portion, God will take care of the rest. Realizing our potetial, beauty, and worth is the resolution God has for us each year.