Thursday, April 30, 2009

Flu Info Church Website

"Pandemics are global in nature, but their impact is local. When the next pandemic strikes, as it surely will, it is likely to touch the lives of every individual, family, and community. Our task is to make sure that when this happens, we will be a Nation prepared."
Michael O. Leavitt, Secretary U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

http://providentliving.org/content/display/0,11666,8041-1-4414-1,00.html

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

52 Weeks to Family Preparedness for TwoWeek 17

Our Church Leaders have asked us to make a concerted effort to obtain our year’s supply of food and other essentials. Here are suggestions for a 52 week plan to help us all achieve this. Amounts given are for two people. Adjust the quantities you purchase for the number of family members in your home. The items will change weekly, so keep up with us and take the challenge to become Prepared.

Food Storage and Preparedness Challenge Of The Week:
Food Storage Purchase
8 Cans of Meat Extra Item Purchase
8 Rolls of Toilet Paper Car Kit
A couple pairs of safety glasses and work gloves.
Find your jack and tools (to change a tire), check them out and learn how to use them.


Family Preparation
For communication during a power outage, make sure you have a corded phone. Cordless phones don’t work when the power is off.

Spiritual Preparedness
Resolve to prepare spiritually for Sundays this year by reading the lessons to be taught each week before church.

* Our Ward is invited to go to the Sandy Storehouse Dry Pack on May 6th from 5pm-9pm

Monday, April 27, 2009

Family Home Evening: Preparing Spritually

FHE: Being an Example
by Shauna Gibby
Conference Talk:
For more information on this topic read "Now Let Us Rejoice," by Barbara Thompson, Ensign, Nov 2008, 114–16.

Thought:
We need to live so that our lives bear witness that we love our Heavenly Father and the Savior Jesus Christ and that we will do what They have asked us to do.
(Barbara Thompson, "Now Let Us Rejoice," Ensign, Nov 2008, 114-16.)

Song:
"Do As I'm Doing" Children's Songbook, p. 270.

Scripture:
For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. (John 13:15)

Lesson:
Have a family member read aloud Alma 39:11 and tell how Corianton’s bad example affected the Zoramites. Ask them why it is important that we set a good example. Invite family members to share any examples they know of where the behavior of a Church member helped someone gain atestimony of the gospel. Ask how they think it would make them feel if someone rejected the gospel because of their bad example. How do you think you would feel if someone joined the Church because of your good example? Read together D&C 18:10-16 and then bear your testimony of the joy that comes from being a good example to others.
(Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The Book of Mormon, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2003], p. 212.)

Story:
Elder Howard W. Hunter
Several years ago a young man came to my home to be interviewed for a temple recommend. He told me of the lovely girl who had consented to be his bride. I knew his parents were not members of the Church, and this fact led to our conversation. I asked him what had come about in his life to cause him to be interested in the Church and to influence him to accept the gospel and live its precepts. This is the story he told me.
Five years before this night we sat together, a little thing happened in his life - a simple thing, yet so extraordinary that it changed his course. He had been serving in the armed services and had been sent to a university in the East for some specialized training, along with two other young men.
The three of them traveled together on the flight which took them to their destination, and on their arrival they went through the procedure of registration and then were assigned to quarters. They were to room together.
He said that during the time they had traveled neither of these companions smoked, and he did not smoke because of his respect for them.
After the three became acquainted with their new quarters they drew straws for beds and then unpacked their cases. Although they were not well acquainted, they spent the evening chatting about their ambitions and their goals in life.
It was past the hour for a reasonable bedtime, and all evening he had been suppressing the desire for a cigarette. He finally suggested that they go to bed. The other two looked at each other, and then one of them said, "Shall we have prayer together before we go to bed?" Then to the other he added, "Will you speak for us tonight?" The two of them dropped to their knees, just as though they had done this all of their lives.
He said to me, "I was somewhat bewildered, but I followed their pattern and got on my knees." And as he did so, some strange fear came over him. He said to me, "I had never prayed in my life, but as this young man spoke to the Lord some warm feeling came over me - a feeling I had never experienced before."
They were soon on their feet, shook hands, and said good night to each other. In a few minutes they were in bed and the lights were out, but sleep did not come to this young man. Something had happened to him while he was on his knees, and he determined to find out what made these two young men different from other men he had known.
These three servicemen went to school the next day and, because of their heavy assignments, spent the evening in quiet study, followed by the chitchat that preceded bedtime. Then it happened again - the same thing that had happened the night before. On this occasion the one who offered the words of thanksgiving and petitioned for the blessings of the Lord was the other of the two.
As the lights went out, one of them said to my friend, "It'll be your turn tomorrow night." For the second night sleep did not come quickly. The thoughts of the words which had been spoken puzzled him for some little time, and he wondered if he would ever be able to express himself on his knees as had been done by the other two.
The next day in the classroom the assignment of that evening kept coming back to his mind. He had the same feeling he had had on many occasions in track meets when he was toeing the line in that tense moment just before the gun that challenged every ounce of strength.
He wondered about this fear that had come over him. In high school he had been a student body officer. For two years he had been a member of the debating team. Public speaking was not new to him, but this was different.
That evening, dinner was over and the three were studying, but it was difficult for him to keep his mind on the subject. He kept thinking of those few moments that would end the day. Then it came. All the courage he had mustered that day seemed to disappear from him and he said to the other two, "I guess I don't have much religion. One of you had better do this."
One of these young men, who had seen the same thing happen so many times during the two years prior to his military service, said to him, "Prayer is just a matter of thanking your Heavenly Father for the blessings you have received and asking him for the blessings you desire. It is just that simple."
With this encouragement he got on his knees and prayed - the first time in his whole life.
For the next few weeks, every third night he took his turn and expressed appreciation for the things that the Lord had given to them and asked for that which they desired.
Then he went with the other two young men to the branch of the Church in the mission where they were attending school. Finally a period was set aside each night for a little discussion in which they taught him the gospel.
Then came the decision and the day he described as the greatest day of his life. One of these young men baptized him and the other confirmed him a member of the Church.
They were soon separated after this brief time in school. He finished his military training, filled a mission for two years, and then met this lovely girl who was now to become his companion for eternity.
It all started from a prayer that night. Prayer has changed many lives. It has had an effect on our lives, both yours and mine. Prayer is that which brings us in close communion with God.
(Leon R. Hartshorn, Outstanding Stories by General Authorities, Vol. 1, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1970].)

Activity:
One person hold an object hidden in his hand and as he describes it the other players have to draw a picture of it.
Gospel application: Seeing something makes it easier to copy. Having an example to follow makes it easier to do what is right (or wrong).
(Alma Heaton, The LDS Game Book, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1968], p. 51.)

Refreshment
Chocolate Crunch

1 cup margarine
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 cups flour
1 cup walnuts, chopped
2 8-ounce packages cream cheese
2 cups powdered sugar
2 cups Dream Whip
2 5 1/2-ounce instant packages chocolate pudding mix
5 1/3 cups milk
Whipped topping
Maraschino cherry
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, cream together margarine and brown sugar. Mix in flour and nuts. Press into a 9 × 13-inch dripper pan and bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese to soften. Add powdered sugar and cream together until smooth. Whip Dream Whip according to package directions and fold into cream cheese mixture. Spread mixture over top of cooled crust and chill for 20 to 30 minutes.
Mix together pudding mix and milk in a large bowl. Whisk with a wire whisk until mix is dissolved. Allow to thicken slightly. Pour pudding mixture on top of chilled cream cheese mixture. Chill until firm. Cut in 24 pieces. Garnish with whipped topping and a cherry.
(Lion House Desserts, [Salt Lake City: Eagle Gate, 2000], p. 51.)

Monday, April 13, 2009

Week 16

Food Storage and Preparedness Challenge Of The Week:

Food Storage Purchase 30 lbs. wheat or flour

Extra Item Purchase 10-20 boxes of Macaroni and Cheese

Car Kit Choose a suitable container for your car kit. A plastic container w/lid, airline size carry on bag or backpack, or sturdy box w/lid.

Family Preparation If you have a wood burning fireplace, have it checked out and cleaned. You may also wish to have your heater checked and replace the filter.

Spiritual Preparedness Strive to continue to read your scriptures and Ensign and keep the commandments of God.

Week 15

52 Weeks to Family Preparedness for Two
Week 15

Our Church Leaders have asked us to make a concerted effort to obtain our year’s supply of food and other essentials. Here are suggestions for a 52 week plan to help us all achieve this. Amounts given are for two people. Adjust the quantities you purchase for the number of family members in your home. The items will change weekly, so keep up with us and take the challenge to become Prepared.


Food Storage and Preparedness Challenge Of The Week:

Food Storage Purchase 20 lbs. Sugar

Extra Item Purchase 3 Months of dish soap

72 Hour Kit Congratulations!
You now have a basic 72 hour kit. Check it often and change or add things as needed. Next week we will start on a car kit.

Family Preparation Teach all family members how to turn off the gas in case of an emergency. Be sure it really needs to be shut off since it could take SDG&E weeks to turn it back on. Store a wrench large enough to do the job close by.

Spiritual Preparedness Read D & C 88: 119, pray with your spouse as well as with your family.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

A Website Worth Checkin Out!

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Sunday, April 5, 2009

Week 14

52 Weeks to Family Preparedness for Two
Week 14

Our Church Leaders have asked us to make a concerted effort to obtain our year’s supply of food and other essentials. Here are suggestions for a 52 week plan to help us all achieve this. Amounts given are for two people. Adjust the quantities you purchase for the number of family members in your home. The items will change weekly, so keep up with us and take the challenge to become Prepared.


Food Storage and Preparedness Challenge Of The Week:

Food Storage Purchase 8 Cans of Vegetables

Extra Item Purchase Multi-Vitamins (6 months worth for two people).

72 Hour Kit Novel to read, small game, whistle & compass, leather gloves, metal cup & silverware, pocket knife, waterproof matches & fire starter, small toys for children, cash in small bills, credit cards

Family Preparation As a family, prayerfully consider someone who could use a little lift. Discuss things that could be done to make their life a little brighter.
Spiritual Preparedness Read 3 Nephi 24

Week 13

Food Storage and Preparedness Challenge Of The Week:

Food Storage Purchase 8 Cans of fruit

Extra Item Purchase 8 rolls of Toilet Paper

72 Hour Kit Small set of scriptures, emergency blanket, hand warmers, small radio, earplugs, safety glasses, electrical tape, flashlight, needle and thread, garbage bags, extra set of all keys.


Family Preparation Place a picture of Jesus Christ in a prominent place in our homes.

Spiritual Preparedness Invite your friends and neighbors to join you and enjoy the Spirit at the Temple Open House.

Week 12

Food Storage and Preparedness Challenge Of The Week:

Food Storage Purchase 30 lbs. wheat


Extra Item Purchase 11 lbs. Macaroni or other pasta


72 Hour Kit Non Prescription Drugs- Place in Zip Lock bags. Children’s Aspirin, Vitamins, Laxative, Anti-diarrhea, Aloe Vera, Head Ache Relief, Bug Repellant, Cold Remedies, etc.


Family Preparation Place a picture of our Prophet or the First Presidency in a prominent place in our homes.

Spiritual Preparedness Begin to think about the ways you can make the holidays more Christ centered and less commercial. Ask family members for suggestions

Week 11

52 Weeks to Family Preparedness for Two
Week 11

Our Church Leaders have asked us to make a concerted effort to obtain our year=s supply of food and other essentials. Here are suggestions for a 52 week plan to help us all achieve this. Amounts given are for two people. Adjust the quantities you purchase for the number of family members in your home. The items will change weekly, so keep up with us and take the challenge to become Prepared.

Food Storage and Preparedness Challenge Of The Week:

Food Storage Purchase Fruit Drink to make 30 quarts

Extra Item Purchase Shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, (to last 6 months)

72 Hour Kit First Aid Kit: Place in Zip Lock Bag- exam gloves, 1 triangle bandage, hand sanitizer, scissors, penlight, roll of gauze, burn cream, 6 band-aid, 1 ace bandage, antibiotic ointment, 4 butterfly closures, 6 alcohol swabs

Family Preparation Check all windows around the house an make sure they can be used as an emergency exit. Teach all family members how to open them. Give permission to break glass if necessary.
Spiritual Preparedness Through simple service, bless the live of another, perhaps with a note or a phone call.

Week 10 (for 2 people)

Food Storage and Preparedness Challenge Of The Week:

Food Storage Purchase 8 Cans of Soup

Extra Item Purchase 2 Months of Laundry Soap

72 Hour Kit Individual Needs: Medications, extra pair of glasses and sunglasses, hearing aid batteries, etc. If some items can’t be placed in your kit, keep them ready to grab. Adjust your 72 hr. kit for children and the elderly with their special needs.

Family Preparation Fill out personal information sheets for each family member. Keep it handy. Make three copies: 1 Home, 2 In Car, 3 In 72 Hr Kit

Spiritual Preparedness Commit to reading at least one conference talk each week. Consider how the counsel from our leaders applies to you and your family.

Week 9

Food Storage and Preparedness Challenge Of The Week:

Food Storage Purchase 8 Cans of meat (tuna, chicken, beef, etc.)


Extra Item Purchase 8 rolls of toilet paper


72 Hour Kit Place a set of scriptures in a Ziploc bag and add to your 72 hour kit. For small children add family photos and a favorite book


Family Preparation Provide a first-aid kit, a small bottle of consecrated oil, and scriptures for each car you own.

Spiritual Preparedness Memorize a verse of “Count Your Many Blessings” and contemplate the ways the Lord has blessed your life.

Week 8

Food Storage and Preparedness Challenge Of The Week:

Food Storage Purchase 30 lbs. Wheat

Extra Item Purchase 30 lbs. beans

72 Hour Kit Personal Hygiene Kit: shampoo, soap, chap stick, lotion, razor, nail clipper, comb, toothbrush & paste, handy wipes, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, tissues, feminine items, hand towel. Place in a gallon Zip Lock bag.


Family Preparation Provide a two week supply of fuel for a safe alternative heat source for your home. This could be your fireplace, wood stove, or a propane space heater. Have at least one carbon monoxide detector.

Spiritual Preparedness Read Proverbs 17:22. Make someone happy with a sincere compliment.