January 2013 Book Group

We would love for anyone new to join us for our Book Group on January 8th at Caryl Ockey's home.  Our book this month is a Barnes and Noble's Best of 2012 pick The Light Between Oceans.

You can find out more about Book Group, this book, and the hostesses for Book Group over the next few months by clicking on the Book Group link on our blog, in the ribbon menu bar, at the top of the blog page.

December 23 RS Lesson

I Know It! I Live It! I Love It!  Ann M.(Monson) Dibb

December 16 RS Lesson

Lesson 23: Of You It Is Required to Forgive


“If there have been any disagreements between yourself and your neighbors,
settle them just as soon as you possibly can, under the
influence of the Spirit of the Lord.”

12 Days of Christmas to Christ

This was a nice post that I found on LDS Living.  It has a way of teaching about Christ by using the song 12 Days of Christmas and what each symbol can mean in relationship to Christ and the Gospel.  You can find the story here. 12 Days of Christmas to Christ

December 9 RS Lesson

Link for Lesson 22 from The George Albert Smith Manual - Bringing Up Children in Light and Truth

Studying Your Patriarchal Blessing

I thought this was a great article about how you can study your patriarchal blessing just like you would study the scriptures.  After all, your patriarchal blessing is personal scripture written just for you.

A patriarchal blessing is our own personal scriptures from the Lord and is a priceless tool that we should not hide away and never use. Here are some excellent tips on how to use our blessing:

1. Make a copy of your patriarchal blessing
2. Get three colored pens/pencils for marking
3. Underline any words or phrases using the following key:

• Color 1: Counsel and Warnings
• Color 2: Descriptions about You
• Color 3: Your Gifts and Talents

1. On a separate piece of paper make a list for each color group of all the words/phrases you underlined
2. Look up the words in the scriptures to understand how the Lord uses them
3. Use the list of warnings to create goals to do what you've been counseled
4. Put your lists and goals in your scriptures
5. Read them every night and then "return and report" to the Lord in prayer at the end of your day

As you do this, two things will happen:

1. You will come to know how much the Lord loves you.
2. You will know where to go for help, and what to do each day.

Our Father loves us. He wants us to have joy and to be saved from our sins. To help us have joy and be saved He has given us the individual guidance we need through our patriarchal blessing. As we turn to the Lord, humble ourselves, and ask for His help we will be greatly blessed.

Original article on about.com

December 2 RS Lesson Link

This is our last lesson from Daughters in my Kingdom - Lesson 10 "Live Up To Your Privilege"

From Sunday's RS Lesson

What Shall a Man Give in Exchange for His Soul?  Read this talk, and then ask yourself the question and see what small things you could do to improve your choices in life.

Festival of the Nativity FAQ

1.  Where can I find out more information about the Festival of Nativity?

• The dates are Friday, Nov 30 and Saturday, Dec 1, 6:30-9 pm both evenings 
• http://brandonnativity.org/

2.  How much is admission? 

• The entire event is totally Free to the public

3.  What can I expect to see when I arrive?  

• The entire building is beautifully decorated with lighted Christmas trees
• You'll hear live musical performances, both instrumental, choir, and voice
• The cultural hall is beautifully decorated with Nativities from around the world; this year pictures of the Savior will also be displayed.
• Free refreshments of hot chocolate and homemade cookies are available
• There is a live nativity display outside, in front of the chapel
• Free family pictures are available
• There is also fun nativity activities for the children

4.  What can I do to help? (click here for more details)

• We need your lovely nativities loaned for display.
• We need your beautiful paintings of the Savior (with easel, if possible) loaned for display.
• We would love to have you donate 2 dozen cookies for free refreshments.

5.  How do I loan my nativity or picture of the Savior?

• Please see this form for detailed information.

6.  Where do I take my nativity or Savior picture for display, and when?

• You may make arrangements to drop off your loaned items at the Temple Terrace building.  RaLene Compton will take them and get them to the stake center.
• You may take them directly to the stake center.  See the form link above for stake center times.

7.  How do I get my loaned items back?

• You need to pick them up from the stake center on Saturday, December 1st from 9-10 pm.  There is no where to store them after that time and their security cannot be guaranteed after that time.

8.  I purchased poinsettias to be displayed at the stake center.  How do I get my poinsettias after the Festival of the Nativity is over?

• All purchased poinsettias will be available for pick up on Sunday, December 2nd, after the meeting block.  Bring your yellow tithing receipt so we know what you ordered and how many you should pick up.
• Pick up will be in RaLene Compton's office in the institute wing.

9.  What if I still have more questions?

• Please contact our Ward Festival of Nativity coordinator - Michelle Compton.  She can answer any more questions that you may have.

November 25 RS Lesson Link

Sunday, November 25th RS Lesson - What Shall a Man Give in Exchange for His Soul, Robert Gay 

The talk is 10 minutes long and you can view it at the above link as well.

Please take the time to read, watch, or listen to this talk in preparation for this Sunday's lesson.

Festival of the Nativity

Here is a link to the Nativity Website where you can learn more about the event.
http://brandonnativity.org/

We'll post more about loaning your Nativity sets and pictures of Christ for display during the Festival.  Be sure and check out the ward assignments link to find out more.

Give Thanks

Join us for our Relief Society meeting this Thursday, Nov 15th @ 7 pm.  We will be making our Give Thanks boards.  Remember you can buy a board for $3.00 from the RS, bring your money, or bring your own board.
Dimensions of the board are 20" x 30".

Family Finance Workshop by LDS Family Services

This is a new resource we were just recently made aware of.  It is the Family Finance Workshop created by LDS Family Services.  It is so new we cannot find it on the Family Services website yet.  We do have an article written by LDSTech blog and you can order the available documents on store.lds.org.

The quote about this workshop from store.lds.org is: "The Family Finance Workshop is designed to teach financial literacy and well-being. Includes teaching and discussion resources on using a budget, building reserves, avoiding debt, and financial planning."

You can download the facilitator's guide ($4.90 for paper copy) and particpant's guide ($3.50 for paper copy) pdf format for free on store.lds.org as well.  You can also purchase the spending registers from store.lds.org for 40 cents each.

The description of the participant's guide is: This guide contains step-by-step activities, forms, and other resources to help participants apply the principles from the Family Finance Workshop. Each participating individual, couple, or family should have a copy.

October 28 RS Lesson

This week's Sunday lesson is our last one from April General Conference.  It is the talk by Thomas S. Monson  titled The Race of Life.  

Please take a moment to review it and join us on Sunday for a discussion about your thoughts and insights concerning what he taught us.

Free Classes- Hillsborough County Extension Service

Have you ever been interested in:

• Catching your rain water in rain barrels (you get a free rain barrel at the end of class)
• Creating a terrarium - Library class
• Gardening to minimize your water usage (you get a free drip system after class)
• Canning fruits, vegetables, and even meat (sign up for classes)
• Making your own solar oven
• Learning about container gardening - Library class
• Learn about composting (you get a free compost "kit" after class)
• Free one on one money management coaching
• And many more????

You can learn these skills and many others through the Hillsborough County Extension Service.  Many local libraries also have classes as well.  You can check out the Extension Service event calendar here.

The Extension service is on Mango Road (CR 579) between US 92 and MLK, in Seffner.  Very easy to get to.just off of I-4 exit 10, Mango Road.  You can click on the address for a Google map  5339 County Road 579  Seffner, FL 33584, (813) 744-5519

Helps with your November Ballot

NOTE:  Please forward this link to others, Twitter it, or Facebook link it to help your friends and family this election season.  Voting is a privilege  one that many people in the world don't have, don't take your voting for granted.

Here is a breakdown of the amendments from the University of Florida.  It will be very helpful if you have a chance to read through them before you vote.  Then you can take the time to understand the issues involved for or against each particular amendment and decide BEFORE you spend time in the booth which amendments you want to vote for or against.

You can also go to the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections website to view a sample ballot.  Click on the link to the right.  Then you can review all of the candidates and other issues on the ballot and how it looks to also get you in and out of the voting booth in record time.  You may also want to personalize your ballot which will then show a specific ballot for your voting district and school board district so you can view those candidates as well.

Local newspapers also publish articles on each candidate so you can view what their platform is and are more informed about your voting choices.  Most candidates have websites that you can view so you can be informed.
BayNews 9 Election page
Tampa Bay Times - Know your Candidates and Amendment Guide

Remember that your local elections, city, county, state, may have more of an impact on your life day to day, than even the national election.  Who do you want to decide how your money is spent in your city, county, and state.   What judges do you want deciding how the laws will be enforced?  What property appraiser do you want to vote for?  Do the people you vote for match your values and what is important to you?  You can't really decide that if you aren't educated about who you have the option to vote for.

Early voting begins October 27 if you are interested in casting your ballot without waiting in line.

If you are not sure where you are supposed to vote on election day, November 6, you can find out here.

Lesson 19 - Word of Wisdom

This Sunday's Relief Society lesson is from the George Albert Smith Manual, Lesson 19: Temporal and Spiritual Blessings from the Word of Wisdom

October 2012 VT Message

It's not too late to begin your visiting teaching for October.  Remember that we "count the caring", not just a visit.  Do something for your sisters that show them you care.

Here is a graphic for this month's VT message.

What's in Your Handcart?

What's in Your Handcart?  If you had limited space, what would you bring?  Come and find out.

Our Relief Society additional meeting this month is Thursday, October 18th at 7 pm.  Have you marked your calendar?  Have you scheduled your time to join together as sisters?  We look forward to seeing you there.

Bring a sweet or salt snack you wouldn't want to be without.

Need Trunk or Treat Ideas?

October 27, 2012 at 5:00 pm is our ward's annual Trunk or Treat activity at the church building and in the parking lot.  We also have a chili cook-off as well as a pie contest.  So make that chili and bake those pies and bring them to share.

If you need some Trunk or Treat ideas, here are some links to help inspire you.
http://trunkortreat.homestead.com/

http://pinterest.com/tonykummer/trunk-or-treat-decorating-ideas

http://www.tipjunkie.com/holiday-crafts/decorate-your-car-for-trunk-or-treat/

Lesson 18 - Stay on the Lord's Side of the Line

Today's lesson is from the George Albert Smith Manual, Lesson 18: Stay on the Lord's Side of the Line.

Family History - Getting Started

Here is a new link (see below) from LDS.org that I was just e-mailed.  It is an easy get started tutorial/guide.  In fact it is made even easy enough for children.  Check it out.  You now have no excuses.  You really can do Family History at home and even in your pajamas.  Of course, the church also provides ward family history consultants, and stake family history libraries, etc, for when you are stumped or need help.  But if you can turn on a computer, you should be able to follow this fun getting started guide.

Family History - Getting Started from LDS.org

October 2012 General Conference Summaries

Here is a document that has quick summaries of each October General Conference talk in summary format.  Click on this link to get a copy (you can enlarge it with the magnifying glass or choose to download it and print a copy).

Below is an example of what just one talk summary looks like.  It gives you a chance to quickly review all of the talks before you get your hands on the November 2012 Ensign.

Interested in Home Canning?

Hillsborough County Extension Service offers free classes for learning how to can (bottle) jam, tomatoes, vegetable, meat, and seafood.  They will teach you which method, hot water boiling or pressure canner, you should use.  They have classes coming up this month.  You register online for free.  Choose a date now and be sure an attend.  The location is just south of US 92 on Mango Road.  Very easy to find.  See pdf flyer link.

They do ask for a $5.00 donation to help cover the costs of the class.

September 16 RS Lesson Link

Please take the time to read this Sunday's Lesson from The Teachings of George Albert Smith, Lesson 17, The Strengthening Power of Faith

September 9 - Ward Conference

Pres. Thornton, Pres. Howell, Pres. Clayson

We wanted to remind you that this Sunday is Ward conference.  We will meet at our own building at the usual time, 9:00 am.  We look forward to hearing counsel from our stake leaders.

Visiting Teaching Reminder

Remember to report your August visiting teaching and start making appointments for September.  Get it done early and see how great it feels.

Contact Janet Dorough or Myrna Humprheys, our VT coordinators if you have any concerns.

9 Two-Ingredient Crockpot Dinners

This was too amazing to pass up.  I thought you would like these quick and simple ideas to make dinner easy, especially for those crazy after school times, when the kids have homework, you have meetings, or sports activities are going on and there just doesn't seem to be enough time for dinner.  Instead of going fast food and blowing your budget, why not try one of these recipes instead.  Originally found on TipGarden

Keep this list handy on your refrigerator, for a quick reference:

Mix these "go-togethers" in a 5-6 qt. crockpot. All recipes are for cooking on a low setting:

·         1 lb. hot dogs and 2 cans (16 oz. each) turkey chili. Stir in 1/4 cup water cook 4-6 hrs

·         4 lb. country style pork ribs and 2 cans (28 oz. each) barbecue baked beans; cook 8-10 hours

·         8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 2 1/2 lb.) & 1 jar (16 oz.) Parmesan Alfredo Sauce; cook 4-6 hours

·         3 lbs cubed beef stew meat & 2 cans (10 3/4 oz. each) condensed Vegetable soup. Cook 8-10 hours.

·         1 pkg. (1 1/2 lb.)  turkey meatballs, 2 packets (1.2 oz. each)  turkey gravy mix  & 2 cups water. cook 4-6 hr

·         3 lbs. boneless pork roast (or shoulder) & 1 cup bottled BBQ sauce; cook 8-10 hours

·         1 lb. turkey or beef kielbasa & 2 lbs fresh or 2 cans sauerkraut. Stir in 1/3 cup water. Cook 4-6 hours

·         4 Chicken Leg Quarters (about 3 lbs) Skin removed, & 26 oz. jar pasta sauce cook 6-8 hours

·         4 turkey drumsticks skin removed & 1 envelope herb & garlic soup mix & 1 1/4 C. water cook 6-8 hours.

Ward Hidden Talent Show

When: Saturday, September 22 @ 6:30 pm

What is your Hidden Talent?  Please don't keep it hidden any longer.  Share it with us and come join us for some fun.

We want to see lots of talents.  Some that are performed, some that are displayed, some that are shared.

Aren't sure what type of talent you have or if it is something you could share?

Here are some ideas:
Singing/Writing songs
Various Musical Talents
Dancing/Tap/Ballet/Modern/Jazz
Gymnastics/Karate/Sports/Cheerleading
Baton twirling
Jump roping
Jacob's ladder
Ball and Jacks
Marbles
Stacking Cards
Hand slapping
Domino Effect
Stick pulling (Joseph Smith's favorite)
Crochet/Knitting
Sewing/Quilting
Cooking (bring a little something to share)
Foreign Language
Art/Drawing/Painting/Sculpting/Woodworking/Ceramics
Creative Writing/Poetry
Photography
Collections (Coins, Stamps, Baseball Cards)
Weaving/Leathercraft
Beading/Jewelry Making
Scrapbooking
Scuba Diving
Horse riding
Surfing
Magic
Juggling
Gardening/Flowers
Genealogy/Family History
The list could go on. . . . What could you surprise us with?

Contact Andrea Garcia and sign up for what you are going to do to share your hidden talent.

Hamburger Helper Pantry Kits

Want to make your own "Hamburger Helper" pantry kits?  Making them homemade tastes so much better.  This is another way to help you out with last minute meal preps when you just don't have the time or desire to think about what is for dinner.   You can make a couple of these pantry kits ahead of time and store them for when you need a quick dinner idea. We've included 7 recipes here that we got from tipgarden.blogspot.com

Cheeseburger Helper Pantry Kit
1 Premade cheeseburger helper pantry kit, see below
1 lb. ground beef or turkey
3 cups hot water
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Directions:
Brown ground meat in a large skillet. Drain. Add hot water and pasta and sauce packet from pantry kit. Bring mixture to a boil. Cover and simmer on low about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender. In the last few minutes of cook time, stir in the cheese; cover the pan again. When the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted, turn off the heat and uncover. Let mixture stand uncovered, about 5 minutes. (This will help thicken the skillet dinner.)

To Premake Pantry Kit: In a gallon sized Ziploc bag measure 1 ½ cups dry elbow macaroni. Set aside. In sandwich sized Ziploc bag create your sauce packet: 2/3 cup dry milk, 1 Tbsp. corn starch, 1tsp each: onion  powder, garlic powder, sugar, paprika. Seal and place sauce packet inside the gallon sized bag along with the noodles. Seal quart bag, label and attach this recipe card.

Taco Beef Helper Pantry Kit
1 Premade Taco Beef Helper pantry kit: See below
1 lb. ground beef or turkey
2 ½ cups got water
1 cup brown rice
1 ½ cups shredded cheese
Tortilla chips (optional)
Directions:
Brown Ground meat. Drain. Add hot water and contents from the pantry kit. (Canned tomatoes, drained, rice and sauce packet). Stir together and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer on low for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is cooked. In the last few minutes of cook time, stir in cheese. Cover the pan for the final few minutes of cook time. When rice is done and cheese is melted, let mixture stand uncovered for about 5 minutes before serving, it helps thicken the sauce.

To Premake Pantry Kit: In gallon sized Ziploc bag place one can of diced tomatoes and 1 cup of uncooked instant brown rice. Set aside. In sandwich sized Ziploc bag create your sauce packet: 3 Tbsp. dry milk, 1 Tbsp cornstarch, 2 tsp of taco seasoning, 1 tsp each: onion powder, garlic powder and sugar.  Label sauce packet and place inside gallon bag with the can of tomatoes and rice. Label gallon sized bag and attach this recipe.

Salisbury Beef Helper Pantry Kit
1 Premade Salisbury Beef Helper pantry kit: See below:
1 lb. ground beef or turkey
3 cups hot water
½ tsp. Worcestershire sauce
Directions:
Brown Ground beef in a large skillet. Drain. Add hot water, Worcestershire sauce, and contents of pantry kit (noodles and sauce packet). Cover and simmer on low about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender. Turn off the heat and uncover. Let mixture stand for about 5 minutes. Mixture will thicken as it stands.

To Premake Pantry Kit: In gallon sized Ziploc bag, place 1 ½ cups egg noodles. Set aside. In sandwich sized Ziploc bag create your sauce packet ingredients: 2/3 cup dry milk, 1 Tbsp. corn starch, 1 tsp. each: onion powder, garlic powder, and sugar, ½ tsp. pepper. Seal and label. Place the sauce packet inside the gallon size bag with the noodles. Seal and label gallon sized bag and attach a copy of this recipe.

Chili Mac Helper

1 Premade Chili Mac pantry kit, see below

1 lb. ground beef or turkey

3 cups hot hater

½ -1 cup shredded cheddar or jack cheese.

Directions:

Brown ground meat and drain grease. Add hot water, macaroni, drained tomatoes, tomato paste and sauce packet. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer on low heat about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender. In the last few minutes of cook time add the cheese, turn off heat and let mixture stand uncovered about 5 minutes. Sauce will thicken as it stands.

To Premake Pantry Kit: (staple a copy of this recipe to outside of gallon bag)

In gallon sized bag place:

1 ½ cups elbow macaroni

1 can diced tomatoes

Optional: 1 6 oz. can tomato paste (if you like your chili mac a bit more tomato saucy)

Sauce Packet: (mix the below list in a sandwich sized bag. Seal & store in the gallon bag w/other ingredients)

⅔ cup powdered milk

1 Tbsp Corn starch

1 Tbsp Chili Powder (adjust to your preference of hotness)

1 tsp each: Onion Powder, garlic, salt and sugar

Lasagna Helper

1 Premade Lasagna pantry kit, see below

1 lb. ground beef or turkey

3 cups hot water

½-1 cup shredded cheese: jack or mozzarella

Directions:

Brown ground meat and drain grease. Add hot water, noodles, tomatoes, tomato paste and sauce packet. Stir and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer on low heat about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender. In the last few minutes of cook time, add the cheese, turn off the heat and let mixture stand uncovered about 5 minutes. Sauce will thicken as it stands.

To Premake Pantry Kit: (Store the following in a gallon sized Ziploc bag and attach this recipe to the outside of bag)

1 ½ cups egg noodles

1 can stewed or diced tomatoes

1 6 oz. can tomato paste

Sauce Packet: (mix the following in a sandwich baggie, seal and store in the gallon bag w/other ingredients)

⅔ cup powdered milk

1 Tbsp each: Corn Starch, Italian Seasoning

1 tsp each: onion powder, garlic, salt sugar

Potato Stroganoff

1 Premade Potato Stroganoff pantry kit, see below

1 lb. ground beef or turkey

3 cups hot water

½ cup sour cream (optional)

Directions:

Brown meat and drain grease. Add in potatoes, hot water, mushrooms and sauce packet. Stir and bring to a boil.  Cover and simmer on low heat about 12 minutes stirring occasionally until potatoes or tender. Turn off the heat. Stir in the sour cream (optional). Let stroganoff sit uncovered 5 minutes. sauce will thicken as it sits.

To Premake Pantry Kit: (Store the following items in a gallon sized Ziploc bag and attach this recipe to the outside)

1 can diced or sliced potatoes, Optional: one small can sliced mushrooms,

Sauce Packet: (mix the following in a sandwich sized bag. Seal and place in gallon bag along w/ other ingredients)

⅔ cup powdered milk

1 Tbsp: Corn starch

2 tsp: Garlic powder

1 tsp: onion powder, parsley, salt, sugar

½ tsp pepper

Cheese Jambalaya:

1 Premade Cheese Jambalaya pantry kit, see below

1 lb. meat: Choose from sliced kielbasa/sausage, or ground beef or sausage or even cubed chicken

3 cups hot water

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

Brown meat, (or if using kielbasa slice kielbasa and place in the skillet) drain grease, add in the rice, tomatoes, tomato paste water, and sauce packet. Bring to a boil. cover and simmer on low approximately 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until rice is tender. Uncover and turn off the heat. Stir in the cheese. Let Jambalaya sit for about 5 minutes. The sauce will thicken as it sits.

To Premake Pantry Kit: (Store the following items in a gallon sized Ziploc bag and attach this recipe to the outside)

1 cup instant rice

1 can diced or stewed tomatoes (I used Rotel tomatoes for a bit for “kick”)

1 6 oz. can tomato paste

Sauce Packet: (mix and store in a sandwich sized bag. Seal & place in the gallon bag with other ingredients)

⅔ cup powdered milk

1 Tbsp: cornstarch

2 tsp chili powder

1 tsp: basil, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and sugar

September 2012 VT Message Link

Special Needs and Service Rendered from September 2012 Ensign Magazine

Remember 5, 10, 15, 20?
*Get with your partner by the 5th to check schedules
*Make appointments by the 10th
*Make actual visits by the 15th
*Report by the 20th

It's a great feeling.  Try it this month.

September 2 RS Lesson Link

Please take the time to read this Sunday's Lesson Daughters In My Kingdom - Chapter 8,  Blessings of the Priesthood for All:  An Inseparable Connection with the Priesthood.

Please remember that it is also Fast Sunday.

Dry Pack Canning Info

Family Home Storage

Reserving the Plant City Canner or Sealer

Beginning January 1, 2012 you can no longer can at the Plant City Location.  You must reserve a canner or sealer and take it home and do your canning/sealing there.  The loan time is for one week.  You can still purchase bulk food, #10 cans & lids, oxygen packs, and Mylar bags at the Plant City Cannery.

Plant City Cannery

802 Hitchcock

Plant City, Florida 33564

813-707-9425

Reserving the Brandon Stake Canner

The stake canner may be checked out by individuals for 2 weeks.  It must stay at whoever’s home that checked it out.  It is picked up and brought back to Wanda Keller’s (see stake directory for her contact info) home to be checked over to make sure it works properly for the next person. It is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to get in their home storage.  The cans and oxygen packs are purchased at the Church Storehouse.

Is this you? Could you make it so?

Visiting Teaching Reminder

Have you completed your visiting teaching for this month?  It's not too late, you still have four more days.  If you can't actually make a visit, please at least make a phone call and spend 15 minutes catching up with your sister and enjoy it.

Don't forget to report to your VT supervisor, Janet Dorough or Myrna Humphrey.

Brandon Stake Career Workshop

Please consider attending this course, or passing on the information about this course if you (or someone you know, member or not) is unemployed, underemployed, or looking to change their employment (or worried you will be forced to change employment in the near future).  The Career Workshop is a fantastic way to hone your interviewing skills, learn what employers are looking for, polish up or create a resume, and so very much more.

Please see the photo of the poster below for more details.  Don't forget to bring a sack lunch, this workshop is all day long on a Saturday.  You are also asked to wear your "interview" clothing to the workshop to help with the atmosphere of success.

Sabbath Day of Rest Roast

Want an easy recipe that can be prepared on Sunday without much effort, but gives your family a wonderful meal?  Try this recipe.  Try it this weekend for Stake Conference.  Relax, but enjoy a nice Sunday meal.

3 Packet Crock Pot Roast w/Gravy
1 (2/3 ounce) package Italian salad dressing mix
1 (1 1/4 ounce) packet onion soup mix
1 (1 1/4 ounce) package brown gravy mix
1 roast, of choice (I've made it with both pork and beef roasts)
1/2 cup water

1 (1 ounce) package ranch dressing mix, for 4 packet roast (optional) 

Place roast in crock pot.  Mix mixes together, sprinkle over roast.  Pour water around sides.  Cook 6-8 hours on low.  Serve with mashed potatoes.

August 26th Stake Conference

Stake Conference is this Sunday at 10 am at the Brandon Stake Center 4806 Bell Shoals Rd, Valrico, FL  33596

Stake Conference - Saturday Sessions

Saturday, August 25th sessions are:
4:00 pm Priesthood Leadership Session
7:00 pm Adult session (no children)

Brandon Stake Center 4806 Bell Shoals Rd, Valrico, FL  33596

Organized Spaces

Are you a hoarder?  Stop and become clutter free.

If you'd like to review the PowerPoint that was given on Organized Spaces (especially small spaces) that was given at this month's Relief Society Meeting please go to this link.  You may have to download it because it is a large file with lots of photos.

Here is also a one page document with lots of tips on how to decltutter and begin to get organized one small step at a time. Organized Spaces Tips

Organizing Family Finances

If you would like to view the PowerPoint presentation that was given at our Relief Society meeting on Thursday night, follow this link: Organizing Family Finances

Here are some additional links that CarolAnne mentioned in her discussion:
LDS.org link on Finances
LDS.org Financial Calculator
BYU Marriott School Personal Finances Course
Mint.com  Free online tool to budget your money

August 19th RS Lesson

Please take the time to read this Sunday's lesson from The Teachings of George Albert Smith. Chapter 16: Offer Up Thy Sacraments upon My Holy Day

August 12th RS Lesson Link

Please take the time to read this Sunday's lesson from The Teachings of George Albert Smith.  Chapter 15: Advancing the Work of the Lord.