Missionary Monday: Sister Stolk Serving In João Pessoa, Brazil

Hello Family and Friends!

Whoa.  I can´t believe another week has already passed by.  Time is flying like CRAZY.  I LOVE my area, Queimadas—it is really the coolest area ever.  I don´t ever want to move and I am praying that I will get to stay here for Christmas.

Queimadas has been a branch for about 8 years.  Last night we had a killer correlation meeting where our Branch President told us that we are the strongest group of missionaries to be in Queimadas and that we are really making history here!  It was amazing to hear that because for the last week or two, all four of us have been feeling like we are working REALLY hard, but no one wants to talk to us because we are Americans.  Eh, our Branch President said that we are doing things right though, which is really comforting.  I am pumped to help this branch become a ward.

This week was alright!  I truly learned so much.  Thursday, Friday, and Saturday were really hard.  I felt so exhausted.  We were doing everything right: being VERY obedient, working very hard, talking to EVERYONE, and having spiritual lessons, but we still didn´t have anyone who wanted to go to church and be baptized.  I was tired mentally, physically, and spiritually and truly didn´t know how we could change what we were doing.  I prayed very hard, cried a little bit, and thought a lot.  I truly received answers to my prayers and am seeing miracles.  I think I repeat this every week, but I KNOW that Heavenly Father is listening to us, and is ready to help us

This Sunday was a miracle.  We had 7 people at church yesterday and 6 of them want to be baptized (and can be baptized) in the next month.  WHOA.  I truly learned from my trials this week.  I learned that many times in order to receive blessings and see miracles, we need to humble ourselves in every way possible.  I like the quote from Grandma Julie that she gave me one time that says something like, ´´Many times to humble yourself, you have to bring yourself to your knees, pleading with Him in every way possible.  Through this you will come closer to Christ.  It will be hard, but it is worth any sacrifice that you might have to make.´´  Ehhh, the quote goes something like that.

Last of all, the subject of this email, ´´Every Week is Like the Playoffs`´.  It´s so true.  Sunday is like the playoffs.  We work all week to get people ready for church on Sunday.  Saturday night and Sunday morning we anxiously think and pray about who is going to come to church Sunday.  Once we arrive in the chapel for sacrament meeting, it´s game over.  Whoever you have there in the meeting is who can be baptized next Sunday.  These are the people who we will be teaching all next week.

Ok.  I gotta go now.  But I love you all and miss you!  Remember that it´s almost 100 degrees here when you´re drinking hot cocoa on a snow day!

 Sister Madison Stolk

Sister Stolk is serving from the Westridge Ward. For more information about her mission, you can visit her blog at http://madisonstolk.blogspot.com/

Sunday's Pinnabe Quote: Elder Scott

A Mother's Hope: An Idea For Family Home Evening

Do you need a great discussion piece for Family Home Evening? This short video shares the story of Dieter F. Uchtdorf's mother, who feared the train carrying her children during WWII left without her. This is a great video to share with your children and then have a discussion on family, love, prayer, and faith- or whatever the Spirit directs you to discuss!

Enjoy!

Coming Up: General Women's Broadcast!

Click HERE to learn more about this event!

Young Women's March Madness

Congratulations to all the young women who played in the basketball tournament this last weekend! We hope you all had an enjoyable time and built friendships in the process!

Here's the results of the tournament:

If you have pictures from the tournament that you would like to share, please e-mail them to highlandsranchmormons@gmail.com.

Missionary Monday: Sister Cattich Serving In Dallas, Texas

My goodness family and friends this work is truly the work of Heavenly Father. This week we had the privilege to have Elder Ellis from the Seventy here for a mission tour. We had an 7 hour training by him and his wife, and it was amazing. He really focused on having faith and his wife focused on, "Are we having fun yet?" The mission experience should really be enjoyable!! It shouldn't be "endure to the end", it should be "enjoy to the end!" He also focused on how he is just a messenger, and what he says is inspired by Heavenly Father for our mission. I wish I could just share everything that he said, but I have it all written down in my notes. The missionaries in this mission are wonderful and I have some amazing leaders. Everyday just brings a new experience and although some days are longer than others, I still go to bed every night so tired, but wake up ready to go again.

The weeks are starting to fly by now, and it is not okay! This week we receive transfer calls. I am 99% sure that I am staying here, unless there is something crazy that happens. I hope I stay in Plano for awhile. I feel like I will be here for at least 3 transfers. It is just such an amazing town. I wish I had more to write about, but just know that all is well and that I know this is exactly where I need to be.

Funny story this week, so I was on the phone with some members and I was cleaning the dishes in the kitchen and I picked up a pot and there was about a 4 inch long cockroach inside of it. It was red and ugly. I am not even kidding. I started to freak out a little but I had to keep my cool on the phone. I had never seen one what big. After I hung up the phone my companion and I spent quite awhile trying to trap it and get it outside. This nice man that is our neighbor came over and asked if we needed any help. After we got it outside, Hermana Munyer turns to me and says, " I forgot to tell you that the bugs here are huge when it starts to warm up." So I am excited to see what this Spring season has in store for me.

Love you all and I hope you have a wonderful week!!

Hermana Cattich

COME WHAT MAY AND LOVE IT

 

Sister Cattch is serving from the Northridge Ward. For more information about her and her mission, you can visit her blog at http://hermanacattich.blogspot.com/.

Sunday's Pinnable Quote: President Uchtdorf

Meet The Stake Young Women's Leaders!

We are incredibly fortunate in Highlands Ranch to have leaders who love and bless our stake and our neighborhoods on a daily basis. In this post, we invite you to meet our unbelievable stake Young Women Leaders- thank you for all that you do for the the youth in our stake!

2014 YM/YW Theme:

The 2014 theme for all young women and young men is:

 “Come unto Christ and be perfected in Him”  

(Moroni 10:32)

We all love to receive invitations to special events such as birthdays, weddings, graduations and other celebrations.  These important dates are marked on our calendars and we are excited!  Sometimes a lot of thought and preparation go into the gift we will give, what we will wear, or the travel arrangements we need to make to be certain we don’t miss the celebration.  Our invitation to “Come unto Christ” is one invitation we do not want to miss! 

Fortunately, our Savior’s invitation is not a one-time event.  It is a life long process of obedience to the commandments, learning, keeping baptismal covenants, and building our faith.  It is the same path the young women of our stake are following to enter God’s holy temple to make additional promises with our Heavenly Father and participate in saving ordinances.  Our young women know they are daughters of God and have responded to our Savior’s divine invitation as they strive to live righteously each and every day.

Kerry Bright, Stake YW President

I am the luckiest woman in the Highlands Ranch Stake because I have the privilege of associating with over 250 of the most remarkably devoted, talented, smart, lovely girls ages 12-18.  Their dedication and enthusiasm for living the gospel of Jesus Christ is absolutely inspiring!   I also get to serve alongside amazing women who are truly disciples of Christ. 

My life has been a bounty of blessings. I had a happy childhood in Southern California with two brothers and the best parents in the world.  I studied and graduated from beautiful BYU Hawaii.  With a lot of faith, this was the only university I applied for and knew without a doubt it was where I needed to go.  BYU Hawaii was the only university my husband applied for, too.  I am mindful of the Lord’s hand in helping us find one another!  Our marriage has brought remarkable joy to my life, as have our 3 wonderful children. 
Biking, boating, skiing, hiking, walking, traveling, and cooking are a few of my favorite things.  But honestly, I love to do anything with the people I love the most, my family!  I am honored and humbled to be a mother and recognize the magnitude of the trust that women are given in partnering with God to help guide his spirits back to Him.

My knowledge of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ is my greatest treasure.  Jesus Christ is God’s Son and the Savior of the world in whom we can overcome anything and everything.  We are daughters and sons of God, our Heavenly Father and he loves us always, and we love him!

Shelley Stolk, Stake YW 1st Counselor

Serving the Young Women of the Highlands Ranch Stake is one of the greatest blessings of my life.    I love teenagers (including my own) and am continually amazed by their strength, their testimonies and their resolve to live good, Christ-centered lives. It is truly a humbling experience to “lead” them.

On a personal note, I come from the greatest family that ever existed and I’m so grateful for the knowledge I have that families are forever.  Marrying my husband was the single best (and most important) decision I ever made and as a result, I have 4 great kids.  I currently work part-time as a Registered Nurse and love the opportunity it gives me to offer comfort and “fun” to an otherwise difficult illness and/or experience. 
I know that our Heavenly Father loves each one of us and is acutely aware of our needs, our struggles and our desires.  During the very darkest times of my life, I have felt His peace and warmth wash over me, leaving no doubt that my Heavenly Father loves me and wants me to return to Him.

Shanna Babbitt, Stake YW 2nd Counselor

Serving in the Stake Young Women Presidency in Highlands Ranch is the best calling ever!  I have lived in Highlands Ranch for almost 12 years and I have been impressed by the beautiful, talented and strong young women of the stake.  When we moved here I was blown away with the commitment and strength as I served with the young women.  I know that our Heavenly Father truly loves each one of these girls as the Spirit has touched my heart time and time again as I spend time and service in this program. I want to be better when I am around them.

I have been married 18 years to my awesome husband and have 4 fabulous children.  Three of them are currently in the YM/YW program and I love it!  I know that living here has taught them and strengthened them in the Gospel.  I love to be outdoors here in Colorado and spend time with my family and friends.  I am grateful for my Savior and Heavenly Father as they are patient and loving with me as I learn and grow.

Stephanie Stones, Stake YW Secretary

Serving in Young Women's is my favorite assignment in the church.  I have a special place in my heart for teenagers and the struggles they face at this time of their lives.  The gospel becomes real to them at this stage and it is humbling to have even a small part in helping them gain and strengthen testimonies that will bless the rest of their lives.

I was born in the Northwest. I went to BYU-Idaho and served a mission in Pusan, Korea. I am married to the man of my dreams and we are the lucky parents of two great teenagers. While they are in school, I work at home as a hairstylist. When I get time to myself I love running, biking, online scrapbooking or planning our next family adventure. Simply said, I have come to know through experience and prayer that the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ are true. As I live the teachings, I am happy, my life is richer, and I feel peace. The gospel of Jesus Christ makes sense to my mind and brings peace to my heart.  I strive to live the teachings and example of Jesus Christ and treat others as He would. I try to never shy away from opportunities to help someone who may need something big or small.

Youth Variety Show Pictures

Not surpisingly, the Youth Variety Show from last Friday night was a huge success! We are grateful to all the youth who participated, and to all the youth who came to enjoy a wonderful evening of fun, laughs, and a little bit of rock and roll!

If you have any pictures you would like to share of this  memorable evening, please e-mail them to highlandsranchmormons@gmail.com

Missionary Monday: Elder Mason Scott Serving In Boston, Massachusettes

 Ok everyone to start of this email I want to say that I have learned a lot this week and what I have learned is really changing my mindset on everything. I can't explain what has happened but I sure can testify to anyone and everyone right now that this Church is true and contains the True Gospel of Jesus Christ on the earth.

So this week has been slow like the previous week due to the snow and weather again but miracles have happened, be it in the work we are doing or in my own life.  On Thursday, we set a goal to get out of this "RUTT" we are in by getting a new investigator.  We didn't know what we were going to do, but we wanted one.  We had some media referrals that we had yet to go and visit, but out here people just want us to come to literally slam the door in our face...it's so annoying. But we were like let's just visit these. One of them stood out because we had two copies of the referral, because it was sent two different times...and we were like ok, let's go there first. So we did, and we get to the building and its one of those where you press the button and they have to physically buzz you in...And as everyone knows, these rarely work. So we buzz it and we wait and wait and wait and then right before we leave, we hear a buzz and the door was unlocked. Woot woot! so we were surprised by this, but we went upstairs...and we knocked on the door. and we introduce ourselves...and her reply goes as follows...."Finally you guys are here, Alan Osmond told me you guys were going to come soon", and this Alan Osmond is Donny's older brother....so now we have a new investigator and her name is Ann. It's so awesome, but we learned that media referrals should not be taken lightly because they work. That is my big miracle of the week.

To turn toward the spiritual side of things, I want to talk about trials in our lives. we all have mountains to climb in all aspects of our lives.  We go through so many things each day that affect us so much more than we can realize. Think of our lives as a ball of clay. When we are born we are a perfect ball...and when we turn 8 years old that ball start to form into something. now, every experience and trial in our lives mold us and bump us and scrape us and squish us and do all manner of things to us, good or bad, but by the end of our lives this ball of clay is shaped like a person. Now we can be hit and hit and hit and our clay can be really ugly formed and as we give in to these bad things, we let other things damage us. our ball of clay becomes nothing like the person we need and want to become.  but the atonement of Jesus Christ can fix us. as we repent and show faith in our redeemer, our clay can be molded into that person we should be. no matter what happens in life our clay can be "fixed" because we have a Savior who loves us so much and a Father in heaven who loves so much. Now we must always be ready for trials and embrace them because trials can mold us into that person we need to be as well. trials are opportunities in disguise to become better people. There are always blessings that come from trials, and it can be hard to see them but we must do our best to see them.

I have an investigator that asked us why bad things happen to good people? and Also asked myself the question of why do good things happen to good people? the answer to these questions are related as i thought about the answer to these q's. Now I have realized that good people in order to stay good and show their love for people and others and to stay on the path of righteousness, they must undergo something that proves their faith and maybe self-worth too. people must be tried to test their loyalty and also so that they know how bad things can get so they know to stay away from it. good things only come from trials...as long as we seek those good things when we are amidst these trials. Good things happen to bad people because these bad people are still children of God. these people are given a chance be better people and this helps those people to realize that they have potential to be good people and when they return to their "bad ways" they remember and they do all that they can to get back to that. I firmly believe that people can become better than they already are. 

Good and bad things happen to everyone and they make us who we are. we should always seek to be better versions of ourselves and not worry about what happens to everyone else. We can't change what happens to them or us but what we can do is do those things that help us become better versions of our selves. i was told recently that it is ok to "Righteously judge", but it is not our duty to judge anybody, in anything. We are to do our best in everything and we will be those people God wants us to be. Granted we are to care for our brothers and sisters, but we need not judge not compare ourselves with them.  I don't know if this makes sense but i know that all things happen for a reason and that reason is to bless us

I love everyone and am grateful for my Mission. i am doing good with everything and don't worry about me.  All i need is a rugby ball, some aveeno lotion, and my pillow(jk about the pillow).

All is well

Love,

Elder Mason Scott

Be Better not bitter

Elder Scott is serving from the Westridge Ward. For more information about him and his mission, you can visit his blog at: http://scott-boys-mission-adventures.blogspot.com/

Sunday's Pinnable Quote: Elder Anderson

Recipes From Women's Conference!

I am very excited to share the recipes from last Saturday's Women's Conference! The food was phenomenal, and I know that I have been dreaming about the cookies, so I can't wait to try these recipes at home!

2014 Women’s Conference Recipes

Chocolate Chip Cookies

From: Sister Fotheringham

2 1/4 cup flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 small pkg vanilla pudding

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 cup crisco

2 eggs

2 tsp vanilla

1 bag chocolate chips

 Preheat oven 350. In a separate bowl mix first four ingredients and set aside. In a mixer place crisco and sugars. Mix. Add eggs and  vanilla. Mix. Slowly add dry ingredients. Add chocolate chips. Scoop into golf ball sized balls and bake for 8-10 mins.

Salad

3 parts Spring Mix

1 part Spinach

Pear or Apple Slices

Candied Cranberry Goat Cheese

Candied Pecans

Sweet Red Wine Vinaigrette

½  Cup Red Wine Vinegar

½  Cup Sugar

2  Cloves Garlic

1 tsp. Kosher Salt

1 tsp. Ground Black Pepper

½ Cup Canola oil

Mix all ingredients except Canola Oil in a blender on High.  Reduce blender speed to low and slowly add the Canola Oil until thoroughly mixed.  Store in Refrigerator.

Chicken Salad

(makes 6 cups)-18 1/3 C sandwiches

4 C cubed cooked chicken- 1/2 inch

1 C mayo

1/2 C craisins

1/2 C almonds -slivered or chopped

1/2 C green onions- diced (approx 5 stalks)

1/2 C celery chopped (approx 2 stalks)

Mix all ingredients together and chill overnight for best flavor.

A Beautiful Baby Blessing!

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints believes that children should be baptized when they reach the age of accountability- age 8. When babies are born, they are given a blessing instead of being baptized. For more information, you can visit HERE (a link to byu.edu that describes the various blessings given in our church) or HERE (a Wikipedia article that explains the practice of blessing a baby).

Baby T. from the Saddle Ranch Ward was recently blessed.  On contemplating this special occasion, his mother wrote:

"I always look forward to my children's blessing days for the sweet spirit that comes with it. These babies are fresh from our Heavenly Father's presence. He is the Father of their spirits, and knows them so well. He loves them and knows their potential and their abilities. I see so clearly on their blessing days how I am simply a steward. I do all I can to teach them the gospel of Jesus Christ and to help enable them to make the choices that will lead to eternal life.

As I sit and listen to the blessing, I consider it a preview into the child that I am rearing. I listen both to the words of the blessing, and the spirit that I feel. I ask Heavenly Father what He would have me know and do for this precious child of His. I have had some strong impressions that I come back to for years after the blessing, as I remember who I have in my home. I take note of the things that are said and the thoughts that I have, and record them in a journal for both my sake and for my children themselves.

I also appreciate blessing days for the good reminder of the eternal nature of families. Babies don't know or remember who comes to their blessing day. However, it is sweet for me to watch the people who are tied to each other for eternity gather from distant homes and locations to bless a baby as he begins his mortal journey. What a welcome!"


Thank you for sharing your special day with us, and we wish Baby T all the best for a wonderful future!

Missionary Monday: Sister Walton Serving In Chicago

This letter is a little old (from July), but is a great one from Sister Walton:

The weather this week was stellar missionary weather. Warm, cloud-cover, nice breeze- YES.

And we had a Zone Activity by the lake this week- there was a park and we played soccer and kick ball and cooked random things on a random grill for lunch. it was awesome :)

District Lunch at Giordanno's

I gave a talk in Sacrament meeting yesterday! In Spanish! And I didn't embarass myself! (whaaaaat? Yes, that really did happen). It was great- I wrote it this week, and during language study, Hermana deLeon translated it for me. I helped translate maybe 5 words. It was on conversion :) And then, we had a little mini miracle where we ran into an investigator of ours! She invited us in, and we weren't prepared to teach her, so I (queen of improv, kind of), shared a scripture I really liked and shared a thought about it- in Spanish! All by myself! IT was great! :) I am so grateful for the Lord and the help that I get with that kind of stuff. It truly is not my own. And it makes me really happy too. I've been in Spanish-speaking for 5 weeks, and I was able to lead a mini lesson AND I understand more and more every day! I only speak it in lessons and at church (I study and pray in portuguese when we do language study, and other than lessons everything else is in english). It gives me confidence and faith in the gift of tongues we receive when we pray and have a sincere desire to work and give our best. It also makes me feel better that I will be able to pick up portuguese quickly when I get to Brazil and am around it 24/7 and studying my brains out in it :) It's awesome

Edyn, Xochilt, and Angelica are doing great! They are all getting baptized this Saturday together. I am so excited for them, and I love them all SO MUCH. They are incredible. Xochilt is doing an amazing job at helping Angelica with her Book of Mormon reading and praying. They love sharing what they learn with others. We taught them the Law of Chastity, and Xochilt and Angelica even shared that with their younger sisters! Sweeeeeeet :) Haha and they are such great little missionaries- Xochilt and Angelica have been reading the children's Book of Mormon with their neighbor friend, Katie and she really likes it. Hopefully we will be able to teach Katie and her family sometime soon! :) Oh, and we showed them all the Living Scriptures on YouTube. Flash back to the max- I was raised on those. I love them so much :)

I love the culture here. 95% of the people we talk to are Mexican. The food is hot and spicy and delicious. They are some of the most giving people ever. I love it. I never want to leave! But I know I'll have to :P Dang. Oh well, I'll love it while I'm here!

We have 9 other progressing investigators, which is pretty huge. They are all doing stellar, and I love them all, and I love working with them! I focused on a couple different things this week: Listening, Asking Questions, and looking for Miracles. At our District Meeting last week, we talked about listening and asking questions- it made a world of difference in our lessons and we are more able to understand our investigators needs. And looking for Miracles just makes the work better- it lightens the load and helps you remember whos work this is, and that it's all a big blessing :) 

I learned A TON from the April 2012 Ensign- David A Bednar had an article in it about the enabling power of the Atonement. it was AMAZING. I'd recommend it to anyone and everyone reading this. It really makes a difference in missionary work, and how you can better accomplish it. 

If the youth want to start working on preparing for a mission, have them read PMG. If they aren't sure where to start, invite them to start in the Christlike Attributes section, and to study each of the attributes. Pick an attribute and spend a week on it. It's amazing, and it will help them prepare in many different ways. 

I love being on a mission, its been an incredible week. I'm so grateful for the amazing opportunity I have to serve God and move forward the work. I am continually grateful for the help I receive, teh people I meet, and the miracles I am able to see and be a part of. I love it so much!! Have an amazing week because I sure will :)

Love Always,

Hermana Walton

Chicago Mission at the Cubs Post Game Photo --  (Hayley is 6  rows from front - 8 in from the left)

    

Sister Walton is serving from the Summit View Ward. She was called to serve in Brazil, but is currently serving in Chicago as she waits for her Visa to go through. You can visit her blog at: sisterhayleywalton.blogspot.com

Sunday's Pinnable Quote: Elder Cook

Women's Conference: Engraven Upon The Heart

Today the sisters of the Highlands Ranch Relief Society were blessed with a wonderful conference filled with inspiration, testimony, and great food- what could possibly be better than that?

The day started with a talk from Sister Crellin. She talked of the fortitude of her pioneer ancestors and then read a quote from Elder Holland:

“The pioneers  didn’t do what they did for a program, they 

didn’t do it for a social activity, they did it because the faith 

of the gospel of Jesus Christ was in their soul, it was in the 

marrow of their bones.”

She then asked the sisters a question: How can we put our faith in the marrow of our bones- or engraven on our hearts?

Next, Sisters Culebro and Sister Wilson talked about some of the new art pieces that grace the stake center. Look for a future blog post about these beautiful pieces of art!

President Walker then spoke to the sisters and shared this beautiful quote from President Monson:

“My dear sisters, your Heavenly Father loves you — each of you.[His love] is not influenced by your appearance, by your possessions, or by the amount of money you have in your bank account. It is not changed by your talents and abilities. It is simply there. It is there for you when you are sad or happy, discouraged or hopeful. God’s love is there for you whether or not you deserve love. It is simply always there.”

Next, the sisters broke into sessions. Four sessions were offered, and each sister got to choose two to attend.

(Unfortunately, I only have notes for the two I attended- if you attended another session and can provide notes, please e-mail highlandsranchmormons@gmail.com)

Brother Roger Allen: 

"How To Raise Responsible, Emotionally Mature Children"

This class was very well attended, and for very good reason! Brother Allen talked about how to use honesty and empathy to develop responsible children. For more information, you can visit his blog HERE.

Brother Wray:

He gave a beautiful lesson on anchoring ourselves upon the rock of Christ in order to survive these perilous times. He shared some beautiful quotes:

We should earnestly seek not just to know about the Master, but to strive, as He invited, to be one with Him, to 'be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man.' -Elder James E. Faust

We must change anything we can change that may be part of the problem. In short we must repent, perhaps the next hopeful and encouraging work in the Christian vocabulary. -Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

We can also keep moving. Only the Lord can compare crosses, but all crosses are easier to carry when we keep moving. Men finally climbed Mount Everest, not by standing at its base in consuming awe, but by shouldering their packs and by placing one foot in front of another. Feet are made to move forward- not backward! -Elder Neal A. Maxwell

Overall, it was a spiritual and uplifting day! Thank you to everyone involved in helping to make this day such a wonderful day!

Here's just a few photos of the day:

 Various kits were set up for sisters to participate in "Project Linus"- a take home project of putting together quilt tops

 President Walker and one of our wonderful speaker, Brother Wray

 The beautiful decorations!

 And DELICIOUS food!

 And, of course, some of the beautiful and fantastic women from our stake who came!

Thank you to everyone involved for an unforgettable day!