Monday, October 31, 2011

Motivational Monday: "Which Team's Jersey?"

I missed Elder Holland speaking to us during General Conference. It was nice to be able to hear the message he gave during the Priesthood session "We Are All Enlisted". He is such a powerful speaker.

I especially ask the young men of the Aaronic Priesthood to sit up and take notice. For you, let me mix in an athletic analogy. This is a life-and-death contest we are in, young men, so I am going to get in your face a little, nose to nose, with just enough fire in my voice to singe your eyebrows a little—the way coaches do when the game is close and victory means everything. And with the game on the line, what this coach is telling you is that to play in this match, some of you have to be more morally clean than you now are. In this battle between good and evil, you cannot play for the adversary whenever temptation comes along and then expect to suit up for the Savior at temple and mission time as if nothing has happened. That, my young friends, you cannot do. God will not be mocked.

So we have a dilemma tonight, you and I. It is that there are thousands of Aaronic Priesthood–age young men already on the records of this Church who constitute our pool of candidates for future missionary service. But the challenge is to have those deacons, teachers, and priests stay active enough and worthy enough to be ordained elders and serve as missionaries. So we need young men already on the team to stay on it and stop dribbling out of bounds just when we need you to get in the game and play your hearts out! In almost all athletic contests of which I know, there are lines drawn on the floor or the field within which every participant must stay in order to compete. Well, the Lord has drawn lines of worthiness for those called to labor with Him in this work. No missionary can be unrepentant of sexual transgression or profane language or pornographic indulgence and then expect to challenge others to repent of those very things! You can’t do that. The Spirit will not be with you, and the words will choke in your throat as you speak them. You cannot travel down what Lehi called “forbidden paths” and expect to guide others to the “strait and narrow” one—it can’t be done.

But there is an answer to this challenge for you every bit as much as there is for that investigator to whom you will go. Whoever you are and whatever you have done, you can be forgiven. Every one of you young men can leave behind any transgression with which you may struggle. It is the miracle of  forgiveness; it is the miracle of the Atonement of the Lord Jesus  Christ. But you cannot do it without an active commitment to the gospel, and you cannot do it without repentance where it is needed. I am asking you young men to be active and be clean. If required, I am asking you to get active and get clean.

Now, brethren, we speak boldly to you because anything more subtle doesn’t seem to work. We speak boldly because Satan is a real being set on destroying you, and you face his influence at a younger and younger age. So we grab you by the lapels and shout as forcefully as we know how:
Hark! the sound of battle sounding loudly and clear;
Come join the ranks! Come join the ranks!

Chad said: Do you realize that the talk you link to does not contain the quote that's in the picture? In fact, can you provide me a citation to the talk when Elder Holland said what's quoted in the picture? I cannot seem to find it.

Sondra Murray said...
Hi Chad, yes I knew when I posted the picture to the talk that the quote wasn't in it. I used the picture I found on Pinterest because it has a similar message. In my research of this quote this is what I was able to find from John Bytheway and quoted/referenced in his book "When Times Are Tough" said:

John related that he had heard a Jeffrey R Holland quote about the outcome of the world has already been decided, but we need to choose which side we will be on.

He wanted to quote it, but first, he wanted to authenticate it.

Unable to find it in his own research, he called Elder Holland’s office. The secretary did not know the quote, but said she would ask Elder Holland.

John B. thought that was the end of that. Weeks later he got an email from Elder Holland, acknowledging that he did indeed say what John heard him say and offering to write it and authenticate if for John. And signed the email, “Jeff”. !!!

The quote:

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: “The future of this world has long been declared; the final outcome between good and evil is already known. There is absolutely no question as to who wins because the victory has already been posted on the scoreboard. The only really strange thing in all of this is that we are still down here on the field trying to decide which team’s jersey we want to wear!”


Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Cross Country District Meet

Cross Country has been tough this year. I don't know if it is due to senioritus or being very busy.

Brady missed 2 meets this year. He missed Warrior Mountain because it fell on General Conference weekend. I let him decide if he wanted to go or stay home and watch General conference. I was thrilled that he decided to stay and watch it. Our coach blew a gasket because he didn't go, but I was proud of him - oh well.

The next meet in Nampa fell on parent teacher conference and the College Career Fair. I have really been stressing out about college and felt it was important for him to attend the college fair. He missed the Nampa meet and we went to the college fair. I guess I was expecting more from the fair at school then what it ended up being. I shouldn't have made the decision to miss the meet, but I didn't know the fair would be like that. Oh well again.

Friday was the last race, District meet at Eagle island. He ran at 3:30 and I didn't have enough time to shower and drive out there after work to make it. I missed him racing. As I reflect on this years season, I only attended one meet. Pretty sad, but it has been such a busy season with Jason and Sharon's wedding.

I don't think Brady was as into the season as he has been in previous years either. I think it's hard to be a senior and be the only senior on the JV team. But, that is fine. He did run the first race on the Varsity team - which was really exciting.

He did have a personal record during the district race. His time came in at 19 minutes and 36 seconds!! Woo Hoo! I'm proud of him and his dedication in running during the past 6 years on the cross country teams in middle school and high school.

READY ..... SET ..... Go!  Brady's on the right hand side.

Look at those boys go!

I love the strong determined face. Grin!

The fall weather has been gorgeous! It was a great day for a race!

I think he is feeling it now! He said for a while he couldn't feel the energy he needed for the push. Then someone he knew was about to pass him and he wasn't going to let that happen. That was the spark he needed to pull it in gear and push ahead.

He beat Nathan, one of his teammates he is really competitive with. Except Nathan is lots taller then Brady - Nathan usually beats Brady by a couple of seconds, but Brady came in front of Nathan. He loved that! (You can see Nathan next to Brady in the 3rd picture)

Having a PR - or personal record to end his Cross Country career was awesome too!

The end of the race waiting in line to give his number to the timing coaches. He was happy to see the great time he had. As soon as the race was over he called me with his excitement. I'm really proud of him!

I wanted to add a picture of their new Coach Aaron this year. He's been different then our beloved Coach Rusty but Brady liked him too.

Another note, the Varsity boys are going to state! First time since 2002. Yea Varsity Boys team! Go Warriors!

Monday, October 24, 2011

Motivational Monday: By Their Fruits Ye Shall Know Them"

Now, even as someone begins to understand a few facts about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and comes to know us more accurately by our faith and the importance of family, it was the Savior who said “by their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:20; emphasis added).
A church, or any way of life, should be judged by the fruits or the results that it generates. Here are a few examples based on United States statistics. But these would be similar throughout the world among practicing Mormons (by which we mean those who attend church and the temple regularly):
• One of the fruits is a longer life. Studies show that practicing Mormons are healthier and therefore live longer than the national average. In 1833 the Lord revealed to Joseph Smith the Word of Wisdom, which is the way to live in order to enjoy a long and healthy life.
• Second, those who are married in and attend the temple regularly have a divorce rate far below the national and world average.
• Third, we achieve an educational level that is higher than the national average.
• Fourth, over 70,000 members volunteer at their own expense to serve for 18 to 24 months in humanitarian efforts, Church service assignments, and full-time missionary service throughout the world.
• And fifth, we place strong emphasis on self-reliance and a solid work ethic. We encourage active involvement in our communities and in providing service to others. The Church continues to donate substantial money, goods, and services to humanitarian causes around the globe, including untold hours of labor donated by members to assist in disaster cleanup and relief.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Proud to be Brady's Mom

This is Brady's first recommendation letter for his college applications.
I am gushing, happy, proud, and feel lucky to be Brady's mom.
It is a great letter!! I'm loving it.

Recipe: Butter Braid Bread Base (Bread Machine)


Butter Braid Bread Base (Bread Machine)

3/4 cup water
1 egg, slightly beaten
2 teaspoons vanilla
6 Tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup butter (softened)
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons dry milk
2 1/4 teaspoon yeast (a yeast cake)

Add to bread machine in order listed and set on "dough cycle.

Cut dough in half to make two breads. Roll each out into a rectangle.
Add your fillings (see below for options) in the center of each dough, leaving space on the edges.
Cut 1 inch strips on the sides from the edge to center. Fold in and tuck under strips to give it a braided appearance.

Let rise for 45 minutes. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 -20 minutes or until lightly brown. Add frosting or glace (see options below)

Now for all the options. You can use any combination of the following.

Option 1 Filling options for cream cheese frosting:
-Apple Pie Fillings
- Cherry Pie Filling
- Blueberry Pie Filling
-Peach Pie Filling
- Lemon Pie Filling

Basically any type of pie fillings will do, and those listed above are best with the cream cheese frosting on the top.

Cream Cheese Frosting

4 oz Cream Cheese
2 Tablespoons Butter
3 Tablespoons Powdered Sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract

Melt cream cheese and butter together. Add vanilla and powdered sugar. Pour over butter braid.

Option 2 fillings for glaze:

- Cinnamon 1/4 melted butter, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon)
- Jam or Jelly

Glaze Recipe:

1 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
3 - 4 tablespoons milk

Mix together, adding milk as needed.

That's it! The fun part of this recipe is trying out different fillings and toppings for the bread and coming up with completely different breads each time.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

MHS Fall Choir Concert 2011

Last night I was able to attend Meridian High Schools Fall Choir Concert.

Brady was in choir his Freshman year but he hasn't been involved in choir again until this year. I have missed going to the concerts.

I enjoyed attending the concert. However, I get really frustrated EVERY TIME at the choice of music the director comes up with. It's not good music, or music that you can understand. I discussed this with Brady and he said the kind I want is "candy" music. Well, what is wrong with that? There is such great music out there that I don't understand picking music that the audience doesn't appreciate. The students must learn techniques and that is why they torture us with this kind of music. I just don't get it, because I love opera and classical music. I didn't even like the selections, so I wonder if the average person enjoyed it. I just don't understand why they don't sing better songs.

I'll quit complaining, because I did enjoy it. Here are the different choirs.
 New Dimensions, Jazz Choir.
I loved their outfits!
Jazz choir is always my favorite.

They sang:
"Come Fly with Me"
"Stardust"
"It Don't Mean a Thing"

Then the Ladies A Cappella Choir sang "Goody, Goody" while they choirs switched on stage.
 The next choir was the "Concert Choir".

They Sang:
"Hebrew Rounds"
"Down By the Riverside"
"Tama Tu"
"Showdown"
 Then the A Cappella Men's Choir sang while the choirs changed on the stage. They sang: "I've Got the World on a String"
 Then the Treble Choir sang the following songs:
"Psalm 100"
"Ubi Caritas"
"Good News"
 While the next choirs changed stage, Jake and Rachel did a song. It was pretty good!
Lastly Brady's A Cappella Choir sang:
"True Light"
"I Am in Need of Music"
"Doin' It A Cappella" 

Way Back Wednesday: Grandparents

This past week I have been really thrown into Family History. I've been contacted by distant relatives on my Mother's side and My Father's. I find it interesting how many people are getting into their own family histories and want to know where they came from. It's exciting!

I don't have a lot of information, but I'll share what I have.

While my mom was growing up, their home burned down 2 different times. Unfortunately when your home burns down, you lose histories, genealogy and photos.

Here is a history of their home burning down from my Mother's history that she wrote:
(Photo not from our history but found on the web. I'm a visual person and love pictures so I'm adding it for effect)

House burning down the first time from my mother's history:
The first thing I really remember was when I was 3 years old and our house burned down. I remember telling Leo to come see "pretty", and I showed him the whole ceiling in the kitchen was on fire. Leo locked Darrel and myself in the grainary so we would be safe. I can still see and hear our neighbor Tel looking for us. Tel might have been able to save something if he had known where we were. Everything we owned was gone. I was told we lived with my Uncle Rufus for a while. We had land by him and built a 2 room home there and another on the ranch. I really loved our ranch. There were lots of hills and a stream coming out of the hills. I used to try and catch water skippers in the stream where we got our water to drink and bathe in . We did not have running water or indoor plumbing.

House burned down the 2nd time:
The next thing I remember is a short time later when we were all in our home by my Uncle's house. Bonnie was healing from a car accident. My sister Jean and her baby Danny were at our house (her husband Glen was in the Navy) and Jean got me up to go to school. Jean had me come to the kitchen to show me what she had made me for lunch. We went to the kitchen area, she made me a gumdrop man with tooth picks and gumdrops. We looked up and the whole ceiling was on fire. I ran out of the house to my Uncle's house for help. I wasn't dressed yet and was only in my petticoat and bare feet. The school bus stopped and helped. I was very embarrassed that I was only in my petticoat in front of all the kids on the bus. We saved only what we could get out of the main part of the house, not anything that was in the attic.

After our house burned down all the people from Mapleton came and built us a new house. We had a house raising, everyone came and in a few days we had a new house. We never had electric lights in our home before, only a lantern for light. We still did not have a bathroom with running water, but we did have lights now. In fact, I was 17 years old when we finally got a bathroom in the house (1955).

In the Mapleton history book it says:
On 21 March 1941, the home and all the furnishing of Brother and Sister Henry Dursteler were burned. The ward turned out and helped build a new home for them.

Right now I have all of my Mom's black and white photos that I wanted to get scanned in and put in a book. I am starting to work on it and wanted to add them for my family and relatives. I love sharing family information with my extended family and photos are the best! Also my hope is that with this on my blog, it will be available to more relatives and be preserved.
 Grandma Clemma, Leo, Grandpa Henry, Darrel,  my mom Zoey and Bonnie in front.
 4 generation photo:  Joel Tudolph and son, Larry R. then Great Grandpa Rudolph Dursteler born 2 May 1862 Zurich Switzerland, died 11 June 1947 in Idaho. Next is my Grandpa and son to Rudolph - Heinrick (Henry) Rudolph Dursteler born 5 September 1890 in Idaho and died 19 June 1967 in Idaho. Photo taken at a Willow Flat Dursteler reunion 1942.
 I know a couple of people, but will fill in more when I talk to my mother.

Photo taken in front of home in Mapleton, ID about 1946 - 1948.
Tall boy in front of the tree is Leo, then Vinora, and Randall (not sure who the first 2 women are, one is probably Bonnie)
Front row with hat is Grandpa Henry, Jean and her son Danny (right above Jean in back of Grandma is Jean's husband Glen, then Grandma Clemma.
 In the middle is Great Grandpa Rudolph and Great Grand kids.

The photo is in front of home in Whitney, ID about 1946-47.
The children are Joel's kids: Jerry (1938), Larry 1937, Eugene left of Rudolf, Donna Lee (1944) in chair below Eugene (1941). Paul and Paulene (twins 1945) on grass to Rudolf's right. Vonazz holding baby. Glade next to here, Devon in chair, his twin sister Deon. 
 This is Grandma Clemma's kitchen and I remember it well. Grandma Clemma, then my dad Grant is looking through something, then my mom Zoey and my oldest sister Christine in the front.
 Grandma Clemma is sitting in a chair and her 2nd husband Elmer Neaf is in the plaid shirt on the couch. I don't know who anyone else is.
My Aunts and Uncles.
Leo and wife Shirley
Cora and Dale
Edwin (Elva (Ed's wife died about 1975 - as well as Joel)
Vinora and Randell

Photo about 1968. Looks like a campsite at Willow Flats. 

(Thanks to my cousin Larry for filling in the blanks on who are the people in the photos)

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Primary Program and V.T. Handout

(I love this picture of Joseph and Jesus reading from the scriptures)

Sunday was our Primary sacrament meeting program. It was wonderful! I believe it is most people's favorite meeting throughout the year. The children's talks and music makes it an extra special meeting.

We had a practice Saturday morning at 9am, which I hated. I don't like to get up early on my only day off of the week. (I know .. complain, complain complain).

It was nice to teach my class this past Sunday. It's been way to long since we have had a class. We practiced the program on Sunday Sept 24th and didn't have class. October 2nd was General Conference. Oct 9th we practiced for the program. It seems like it has been FOREVER since I've taught a class. (Not to mention that I wasn't there Sept 18th - due to Jason and Sharon's wedding).
(Click to enlarge the program - it's easier to read if you are interested) I thought it was interesting that they added the two songs the audience is not familiar with on the program. I thought that was a great idea.

The boys and girls sang really well. It was beautiful and my favorite part. Sometimes I have to hold back the tears as the spirit touches me through the beautiful music. I love it!

After the program we had class. It was wonderful to be back together with my precious class. I've missed the one on one time.

Then in sharing time we actually sang different songs. We sang LOTS of songs and good ones too. When we only sing program songs all year long, I miss all the other great ones in the book. It gets really tiresome only singing a few songs for 10 months. It lifted my heart as we sang so many fun and beautiful songs Sunday - Yea!

 I thought I'd share a picture of our Visiting Teaching handout this month.
It comes from the fabulous "Prepared Not Scared" blog. I used the cups from Brady's Harvest dance invitation. I'm trying to use what I have on hand and filled them with candy we have purchased for Trick or Treat. One of the ladies we teach is on a cruise - so we only get to visit 2 this month.



My Primary Class party is scheduled for Saturday Oct 22. I plan on using a couple of the ideas on the Prepared Not Scared Halloween blog.

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