August Newsletter

It was Todd's turn to write up the Bishopric Message this month, so here it is...

Brothers and Sisters, we are taught that when filled with the love of God, we are not content with blessing just our families. We will have a desire to bless the lives of our neighbors, friends, co-workers and all of our Heavenly Father's children. As sons and daughters of God we have a special obligation to love and care for others, especially those in need. It is through service, good works and simple acts of kindness that we express love to one another and fulfill this special obligation.

Opportunities for service to others are limitless. Kind words and deeds can lift burdens and gladden hearts.
President Spencer W. Kimball said, service to others deepens and sweetens this life while we are preparing to live in a better world. It is by serving that we learn how to serve. When we are engaged in the service of our fellowmen, not only do our deeds assist them, but we put our own problems in a fresher perspective. When we concern ourselves more with others, there is less time to be concerned with ourselves! In the midst of the miracle of service, there is the promise of Jesus that by losing our selves, we find ourselves!

Not only do we find ourselves in terms of acknowledging divine guidance in our lives, but the more we serve our fellowmen in appropriate ways, the more substance there is to our souls. Indeed, it is easier to find ourselves because there is so much more of us to find.

Brothers and Sisters, we encourage you enjoy in the act of service, if you haven't already done so, gain a personal testimony of the importance in serving others. Let's bring forth God's love through this great work, lets bring forth this love in our homes, communities, work places and churches. Let us loose our selves in service and good works. Let our hearts expand, let them be enlarged towards others.

As we are taught in Mosiah 2:17 – When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God. It is our Testimony that God's love can be felt not only by those who receive , but also by those who truly offer simple acts of service.

Love the Bishopric

Ouch

I am having a hard time typing, so this is going to be short. Monday while making zucchini bread, regular bread, and jelly I had an accident. I singed three of my fingers on my left hand, and sustained 2nd degree burns. Luckily, Maegan was here and able to help me get to my neighbors house, and get taken care of. It is two days later and I am healing nicely!! Hopefully I will be back to normal soon and be able to resume my daily events, until then I will be restricted to one hand projects!!

Thanks Maegan for helping me out!! Here is a pic that kinda gives you an idea of what it looks like. This was yesterday, so keep in mind I have done some wonderful/miraculous healing. Also its hard to take a pic of fingers that are glazed with ointment.

Mt Timpanogos

We hiked up to the Mt Timpanogos cave this past Saturday, and it was a lot of fun!!

It was about an hour and a half hike up, one hour tour of the cave, and thirty minute hike down. Clearly I am out of shape, but my goal is to get better.

This is the only pic from the inside that turned out ok. Todd is leading the way through the alleys of the cave, while being very careful and not touching the walls.

It was a lot of fun! If you live near here, or are visiting the area you need to do this hike. Its a must see!!

Red Currant Jelly

I made Red Currant Jelly!!! Sorry to anyone who called me on Wednesday, I was completely consumed and overwhelmed with Jelly. It was so fun and definitely something I want to do again.

Our good friends have currant plants and were unable to harvest them all this year, so they invited us to come and get some. We collected 3 containers full, juiced them, and then made jelly. It was so much fun and an awfully fun treat. I am making some bread today so we can try the jelly out..

I would have made a great pioneer!! Well, except that I hate bugs, walking, the heat, the cold, port-a-potties, and everything else inconvenient and non-modern.

Chicken time...

So we have these awesome awesome neighbors that have everything on their property. One of the best parts is their chicken coop, they have 34 hens and 1 rooster. The other night they went out for the evening and needed someone to put the hens to bed, and of course I volunteered. It was the funniest thing we have ever done. Todd got dressed in his overalls and we were off. The hens were supposed to be in bed by the time we got there so all we would need to do is collect the eggs and lock the door. However, when we arrived they were all out and ready to play. It was so stinkin' funny. Todd and I had to pick up the hens and throw them in the coop. Now when I say Todd and I, I clearly mean Todd. I tried to get the rooster in, but he would peck and chase me, and the hens just wanted to play. Now I have never been around chickens before so I didn't know why they were all congregating around me. It freaked me out and I ended up running and screaming around the pen. It was hilarious. Luckily we (Todd) got them all into bed and collected the eggs. It was so fun that we actually went back the next night to help the family put them in again. I tried to take video but it was too dark, I am on it though. You guys all need to see this. I did get one pic of Todd trying to get underneath the hens and get their eggs.

Oh it was fun. I cant wait until we move somewhere with property again, I am getting chickens!!

Eww..

Yuck, and no I do not want to talk about it...

Any takers??

We placed our gorgeous home on the market yesterday. We are sad to leave the area, but excited for new adventures. If you know of anyone who might be interested in living in the Syracuse area please let us know. We love this neighborhood and ward, it is a great great place to live!!