KINDNESS BEGINS WITH ME

Our Relief Society President Lana Harding gave a wonderful lesson on kindness:

This is a true story of a baby hippo named Owen and a 130 year old giant tortoise named Mzee. Before the baby hippo became known as Owen, he lived with his mother in a group of about 20 other hippos around a river in Africa.

In 2004 a tsunami hit the country of Kenya, Africa... caused by the earthquake in Southeast Asia. All the hippos were washed away except for a single baby hippo, who was stranded out in the sea on a sandy coral reef among the sea grass. He was too tired and weak to be able to swim to shore, and would surely die in the salt grass reef.

The baby hippo was rescued by the villagers and taken to an animal sanctuary. When Owen was released into the park he ran directly to Mzee, a very large Tortoise and got behind him; the way baby hippos often hide behind their mothers for protection. Now Mzee actually was a but of a bully to other animals, he was not friendly at all, preferring to never be around any other animal.

However for some reason he befriended the baby hippo. He allowed Owen to snuggle up against his shell at night. Mzee didn't seem to mind, he didn't walk away or snap at the baby hippo. The next day they were seen together. Soon the pair was inseparable. They ate together, they swam together and they slept together. The park staff watched in amazement as the two always stuck together... each taking turns at being the leader on their walks. Even more amazing is when they would gently nuzzle each other for many minutes throughout the day.

Owen and Mzee

So what does this story have to do with us?

These animals have feelings just like we do. Like the hippos, each of us may sometimes feel isolated, alone and afraid. Sometimes like the tortoise, we may look at others a being a bit different; maybe even a bit grouchy or mean.

As people, we often hide behind walls of deception. Some of us "put on a happy face," when inside our heart is sad. Others may put on a face of hardness or meanness to isolate them-selves; not so much because they do not like other people, but to hide the bruised feelings deep inside.

In either situation, most often, most often we desperately want to have someone show compassion, kindness and love to us. We need to remember that we cannot see in the hearts of others, we do not know the burdens they carry. We are not to judge. Christ shows His love for all of us. Christ loves us even in spite of our flaws and so we should do likewise.

Matthew 22: 36-39

Let us never forget that the Lord gave us this commandment to love God and to love one another. We cannot love God without loving out neighbor, and we cannot truly love our neighbor without loving God. If we are to have this love of with the Savior spoke, and which he emphasized as being the most important thing in life, it must begin in the home and then carried into our daily lives.

One cannot overemphasize the importance and value of being considerate and kind. If we treat our families with love and kindness we will be more likely to treat others this way.

*Sister Harding encouraged us to take time to write a note to someone and let them know how much we appreciate them, or are thinking of them, or that we love them.

Matthew 7:12 "all things whatsoever ye would that me should do to you do you, do ye even so to them."

Story of the Good Samaritin Luke 10:30-37

Often the greatest demonstrations of love are the simple acts of kindness we extend to others; even a simple gesture like smiling at someone can have a huge impact. Would you believe that it takes more muscles to frown that it does to smile? (just a little fyi)

President James E. Faust said, " Kindness shapes our character and makes us more like our Father in Heaven."

President Hinckley asked, "Why do any of us have to be so mean and unkind to others? why can't all of us reach out in friendship to everyone about us?

This statement makes me feel so sad. I'm sure Heavenly Father weeps over the way we sometimes treat one another. If we could remember we are all children of God, do you think our attitude towards another would change? Do you think we would be more patient with others; or more understanding?

Matthew 25:40 reads, "inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren ye have done it unto me."

So if we are showing kindness to someone it is like we are showing kindness to Christ. On the other hand in Matt 25:45 it reads, "inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these ye did it not to me."

Which means if we look away like one of the men in the Good Samaritan story, we turn away from helping someone - showing kindness or love; we are turning away from Christ.

Christ is a perfect example of kindness of love. Throughout His earthly ministry, Christ showed His love. In His las moments of His mission of earth Christ suffered the unthinkable... and yet still He pleaded to the Father to forgive those who were causing his suffering, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do."

May we pattern our lives after the Savior. Reaching out to one another as the Savior did; always showing love and kindness no matter what our circumstance or situation may be.

July, August and September Weekly activities

JULY

15th Emergency Preparedness Night
16th Pioneer Day Commencement Concert Broadcast 6:30pm
21st Playgroup – “Pioneers”
22nd Real Families/Real Answers - Keeping a Marriage Strong Parts 1 &2 7pm @ Traci Allen’s home
23rd Real Families/Real Answers - Keeping a Marriage Strong Parts 1 &2 10am @ Ella McDoniels’ home
24th Stake Pioneer Day Celebration - Eagle Canyon Pavillion

AUGUST

4th Relief Society Activities Committee
Meeting 9am @ Sarah Pyrah’s home
12th Understanding Church Guides on Addiction 7pm @ the church
13th Playgroup – “Fun in the Sun” details to come
13th & 14th Stake Clothing Fair at Rock Bldg
12th -14th Ward Campout
18th Women in Scriptures 10am @ TBA - Sariah, wife of Lehi in BofM
19th Women in Scriptures 7pm @ Cher Daniels Home – Sariah, wife of Lehi in BofM
26th Recycle Clothing! Ideas on how to renew old clothes / backpacks 7pm at the Church
27th Recycle Clothing! Ideas on how to renew old clothes / backpacks 10am at the Church

SEPTEMBER

1st Relief Society Activities Committee
Meeting 9am @ Sarah Pyrah’s home
6th Labor Day
9th Emergency Preparedness Night
16th QUARTERLY RELIEF SOCIETY ACTIVITY
“AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 MINUTES”
6:30PM AT THE CHURCH
20th PlayGroup – “Back to School” details to come
22nd Real Families/Real Answers - Effective Parenting 10am @ TBA
23rd Real Families/Real Answers - Effective Parenting 7pm @ TBA
25th General Relief Society Broadcast

77 Things to do this Summer - days 29-42

Day 29 – Live outside for a day
The fresh air does the mind good, and enjoying a cool summer breeze can be great when compared with a hot house. When night comes, pull out the sleeping bags and get cozy. See if a friend has a portable fire pit you can use for roasting smores.

Day 30 – Hold a family science fair
Have your kids come up with a simple science project they would like to complete over the day, week, or month. Check out all-science-fair-projects.com for ideas.

Day 31 – Visit a museum
Check your local museums website beforehand to see what special collections they will have available during the summer

Day 32 – Go ice-skating
Skating at an indoor rink can be a good way to cool off in the heat

Day 33 – Have a cupcake day
There are a million ways to decorate cupcakes and most are pretty simple. Your kids will have fun making this cute and tasty treat. Visit cupcake-decorating-ideas.com for inspiration. Take a few anonymously to another family.

Day 34 – Start a collection
Now that you’ve seen a museum’s fascinating collections, have your kids choose something they are interest in, research it, and begin collecting.

Day 35 – Organize a block party
People often choose to move during the summer, so there’s a good chance at least one new family will move into the neighborhood. Why not host a potluck block party and give everyone a chance to get to know one another better?

Day 36 – Help out
Make your neighborhood sparkle by picking up trash that others have left after the block party.

Day 37 – Have a garage sale
Have your kids gather all the toys they don’t want. Make sure they get to keep the money that comes from the toys. You can participate, too, and get rid of anything you aren’t really using anymore.

Day 38 – Stargaze
Warm summer nights are perfect for stargazing. Go to stardate.org for lots of tips and a weekly calendar of celestial events.

Day 39 – Have a photography contest
Give your kids a disposable camera and let them take pictures all week of all of their new discoveries and activities. At the end of the week, have a family friend decide which pictures are most creative and hand out prizes.

Day 40 – Go on a scavenger hunt
Create a list of objects to find and then go to a public place like a park. Split into teams and see who can be the first to find everything on the list.

Day 41 – Organize a pet parade
Have all the neighbor kids dress up their animals. Then have everyone march around the neighborhood. You probably want to have more parental supervision than just you for the activity to make sure things don’t get too wild.

Day 42 – Participate in a race
Even if you’ve never run a race before, make it a goal to complete one this summer. Your whole family can participate in the training, making it a summer of health. It can also bring you closer together as you all work toward a common goal.

77 Things to do this summer days 15-28

Day 15 – Grow a sunflower
Sunflowers are fun to plant because they sprout in about a week, even though it takes a while for them to reach their full height.
Day 16 – Have your kids start a journal
Set aside ten minutes each day for them to write in their journals, and keep up on it through the whole summer.
Day 17 – Pet Cam
Have your child follow around your dog or cat with a camera and see the world from your pet’s point of view
Day 18 – Be chef for a day
Teach your kids to cook a meal. It can be as simple as a peanut butter sandwich for young children, or a casserole or roast for older children.
Day 19- Host an Olympics
Get together with other parents and create a Summer Olympics for all the kids on your block. Te kids can help create different races and events; let them spend a few days “training” and then let the games begin.
Day 20 – Grow butterflies
For $20 dollars you r kids can watch the life cycle of a butterfly in your own home. Go to insectlore.com to purchase a live butterfly garden.
Day 21 – Make an anything goes lunch
For just one day, invite your family to have anything and everything they want for lunch.
Day 22 – Play American Idol
Let your kids spend hours performing their songs and routines to their favorite tunes. Record them and watch them for the next FHE
Day 23 – Play with bubbles
Let your kids make their own bubbles and wands. Also, using powdered tempera paints, dish detergent, and liquid starch, you can make colorful bubbles.
Day 24 – Hold a no-electricity day
Pull the plugs on all your electronics and drag out the board games, have a picnic in your backyard, and spend some time together the old fashioned way. Use candles at night instead of overhead lights.
Day 25 – Enjoy fresh fruit
Different fruits will be available at different times during the summer, so do your homework. Check picyourown.org to see if there is a kid friendly farm in your area or look for a farmer’s market.
Day 26 – Use Workbooks
Many stores sell workbooks that help kids stay on top of their math and reading. Have them do a page a day and reward them with their favorite treat when they finish a book.
Day 27 – Attend a concert in the park
Many cities have a series of free concerts during the summer months, and they often feature many different kinds of music
Day 28 – Go Fish
Grab some fishing poles and head for the nearest lake or stream.

On the Lord's Errand

Thank you to all who were able to come and help with the "Lord's errand" to visit our fellow RS sisters.

I can say I felt uplifted and strengthened with each visit. Our ward is full of wonderful and beautiful sisters.

"As a spirit daughter of our Heavenly Father, happiness is your heritage.
"You are a choice daughter of our Heavenly Father, and through the things you create and by your compassionate service, you are a great power for good. You will make the world a better place. Lift up your chin, walk tall, God loves you. We love and admire you."
-Dieter F. Uchtdorf

We hope this lifts you and brightens your day.
Love,
The Highland Ranch Relief Society Sisters

RS Quarterly Activity June 17th

Playgroup June 8th

Hope to see you there! Everyone is invited to come!

77 Things to do this Summer - days 1-14

Day 1 – Have a pajama day
Start the summer right by letting the kids relax. Make a favorite breakfast, watch cartoons, and enjoy a day of relaxation.
Day 2 – Have a treasure hunt
Hide the clues and include a box of their favorite treats at the end. If it’s a particularly hot day, “X” marks the spot on the popsicles in your freezer.
Day 3 – Grow a Garden
Have your kids be in charge of a plant then water and care for daily.
Day 4 – Hold a family reading competition
Challenge each other to read a certain amount of books before the summer ends, either aloud and together or individually, and then reward yourselves with a fun trip or other family activity if you succeed. Make a simple chart to show progress.
Day 5 – Make a summer to do list
Have your kids cover a poster board with all the things they want to do this summer, and have them put a box next to each idea so they can check it off when finished.
Day 6 – Learn a new skill
Ever wanted to ballroom dance, do yoga, or learn to decorate a fancy cake? Take a class as a family. Many are available through community colleges and private studios
Day 7 – Create water bottle holders
Craft are always a great way to keep kids occupied, and this one is perfect for helping your summer outings. Go to craft.kaboose.com to find this craft.
Day 8 – Host a car wash
Let your kids choose if they want to offer their services free to your neighborhood, or if they think they are professional enough to charge money. Let the kids save their earnings for a fun trip or activity.
Day 9 – Buy a YMCA or community center pass
Kids enjoy having the freedom to learn and try different things, and pass will definitely give them the opportunity to do that. Your younger kids will enjoy attending one of their many day camps, which will give you free time to relax and enjoy your summer, too.
Day 10 – Fly a kite
This has been a family favorite since before Mary Poppins. Have your kids make their own kites.

Day 11 – Knit bandages for leprosy victims
Encourage your kids to serve by teaching them how to knit or crochet bandages for leprosy victims. Plenty of internet sites five instructions for knitting and directions for donating, such as leprosybandage.blogspot.com.
Day 12 – Just add water
Take traditional games or sports and give them a wet, summery twist. Try water balloon volleyball - you can fling the balloons over the net with towels. Or try sponge tag or water limbo with a garden hose.
Day 13 – Take a library trip
Libraries offer many programs and activities during the week that are fun for kids as young as three.
Day 14 – Make frozen treats
Frozen fruit smoothies are simple and nutritious ways to get creative with your kids. Blend together yogurt and milk and your choice of frozen fruit. Or find a recipe on the internet for ice cream in a bag

Stay tuned for more ideas!

(LDS Living magazine May/June 2010 issue)

RS Temple Night May 27th 7:30pm

Don't forget

Relief Society Temple Night

May 27th 7:30pm


The Temple
A temple differs from other houses of worship. Unlike chapels, the temple is closed on the Sabbath so that people can attend church and be with their families on that hallowed day. Temples are open for sacred work on other days of the week. A temple is literally the house of the Lord, reserved for ordinances of eternal significance. Those ordinances include baptisms, marriages, endowments, and sealings.

Each temple is symbolic of our faith in God and an evidence of our faith in life after death. The temple is the object of every activity, every lesson, every progressive step in the Church. All of our efforts in proclaiming the gospel, perfecting the Saints, and redeeming the dead lead to the holy temple. President Hinckley declared that “these unique and wonderful buildings, and the ordinances administered therein, represent the ultimate in our worship. These ordinances become the most profound expressions of our theology.” Ordinances of the temple are absolutely crucial. We cannot return to God’s glory without them.

Scriptures describe the temple as “a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God.”

As a house of learning, the temple becomes “a school of instruction in the sweet and sacred things of God.” Here we learn about “the odyssey of man’s eternal journey from premortal existence through this life to the life beyond.”

Each temple has been constructed through the consecration and sacrifices of faithful people. From the Prophet Joseph Smith’s prayer dedicating the Kirtland Temple comes this heartfelt declaration: “We have done this work through great tribulation; and out of our poverty we have given of our substance to build a house to thy name, that the Son of Man might have a place to manifest himself to his people.”

We cannot enter such a holy house without thoughtful remembrance of those whose significant sacrifices have made our opportunity possible.
By Elder Russell M. Nelson
Prepare for Blessings of the Temple

A Note Worthy Night

Women in Scriptures Group

“Bubbles and Wands”

PlayGroup “Bubbles and Wands” May 6th 10am @ Red Hawk Park

Bring your own home made bubble juice and wands. Remember hangers and fly swatters still make good wands and dish soap is good bubble juice!

here is a ste to give you some ideas:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/26803/how_to_make_homemade_bubble_wands.html?cat=25

Ward Recipe book

I just wanted to remind everyone that for the month of April I am collecting recipes for our ward cookbook that are in the categories of Soups, Salads and Rolls. You can email them to me or I will have some forms that you can handwrite in the binders on Sunday. Thanks - Jocelyn

Let's Go Fly A Kite

WEATHER PERMITTING!

Did you know:
Kites were used approximately 2,800 years ago in China, where materials ideal for kite building were readily available: silk fabric for sail material, fine, high-tensile-strength silk for flying line, and resilient bamboo for a strong, lightweight framework.

Lazy 5 Park - 10am

If you don't have a kite, you can make one!
here is a site to help you:
Make your own kite

Announcements for the week April 25-May 1

Playgroup this Wednesday 10am Lazy 5 park - kite flying (weather permitting)
Start saving your clothes for the clothing fair coming up in August
YW are supposed to bring their mom to the activity on Tuesday

The goal this month is your individual scripture study. We will have envelopes in the binders next week for you to put your name in if you achieved your goal this month. The fun prizes so far have been a new church CD and a willow tree figurine praying.
Lots of birthdays this week! And last week to go visit your sisters for visiting teaching.

Happy week!

Real Families Real Answers - Protecting Family Time

Sisters,
our discussion group on Real Families / Real Answers is on Protecting Family Time.
Here is the like to read and/or print the material for our discussion
http://realfamiliesrealanswers.org/

This section talks on Family Traditions, Harmonizing Work with Family, Overbooked Children, Staying Connected as a Family, and Using Wholesome Activities to Strengthen Families.

If you feel impressed to do so, please feel free to come prepared with a family tradition, activity or experience to share!

The discussion will be at Carrie Elliker's home at 7pm.

Activity Calendar April, May, and June

Announcements for the week April 11-17

-Playgroup tomorrow, April 12th 10:15am Willard D. May museum. "Grossology" $5.50 for 4yrs old and up.

-Feeding the homeless on Tuesday, April 20th. We have sign-ups in the binder if you would like to help make the meal or if you would like to be a host family that goes to feed the homeless.

-We will be trying to go to the cannery as a ward once a month. Contact a member of the presidency for more information. We have a new cannery specialist that will be scheduling these.

-Reminder: Just a reminder that the RS lessons and the Sunday school lessons can be found on the side bar of the blog. The schedule is under "Highland Ranch Relief Society files" in the side bar.

Every month we are giving out a new goal to help us strengthen ourselves and our families

April's goal: Individual scripture study

Some ideas given were:

-to keep the scriptures in your car and when you have a few extra minutes while waiting somewhere you can read.

-set a schedule for yourself such as Sunday & Monday: Sunday school lesson, Tues: RS lesson, Wed-Fri: Book of Mormon, etc.

- set a goal to read through a book of scriptures by a certain date

Good luck on this goal sisters. Every week you accomplish the goal please put your name in the envelope in the binders. We will be drawing a name out for a prize at the end of the month.

Announcements for the week (March 28-Apr 3)

The Relief Society has been asked to sing in Sacrament on April 11th. The song is "That Easter Morn" #198. For those that have not been able to practice with us, we are still hoping you will come up and sing. Please click on the song above to listen to it and familiarize yourself with it. We will be singing the first verse by just humming "oooohhh oooh". Yes, can't you tell I'm so musically inclined and actually trying to sound like I know what I'm talking about.

The new Relief Society Activities schedule was passed out on Sunday. We will have them in the binders for a few more weeks. Please get a copy for yourself and others that might not get one.

We will be posting the new activities soon on the blog.

General Conference is this Easter weekend. The conference is televised on the BYU channel or broadcast at the Rock. Blvd. chapel. Happy Easter!

Photography Class - April 8th 7pm @ church (primary room)

Many people have asked us to have a basic photography class on how to take better pictures. Bring your point & shoot cameras and we will go over some ways of taking better pictures. I will also have a slideshow to hopefully inspire you to see things a little differently, to watch the light that is cast in your subjects eyes, to see things from different angles and most importantly realize that the best, most treasured pictures aren't always the ones where everyone is looking and saying "cheese".
I will be covering a little on composition, programs to organize and edit your pictures and how to back-up your digital images so you don't ever loose them (like I have!!)

Please bring your friends from other wards as well if they are interested. I was supposed to teach a class in the Eagle Canyon ward but it isn't going to work out. Also if your YW or YM is interested in learning this stuff you are welcome to bring them along!