Living Providently

Prepare to Provide

2009-07-16T10:58:00.000-07:00

"We do live in turbulent times. Often the future is unknown; therefore, it behooves us to prepare for uncertainties. Statistics reveal that at some time, for a variety of reasons, you may find yourself in the role of financial provider. I urge you to pursue your education and learn marketable skills so that, should such a situation arise, you are prepared to provide." (Thomas S. Monson, “If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear,” Liahona, Nov 2004, 113–16)

Wheat Stroganoff

2009-04-08T14:55:00.000-07:00

SOAK OVERNIGHT:
½ cup wheat
1 ½ cup water

BROWN:
1 lb hamburger
¾ cup onion
wheat, drained

ADD:
1 can vegetable soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream

SIMMER for 10 minutes.
SERVE over:
Noodles or Rice

Blender Pancakes

2009-04-08T14:54:00.000-07:00

COMBINE and MIX in a blender on HIGH for 2 minutes:
1 cup Wheat Kernels
1 cup Milk

ADD and then BLEND for 2 more minutes:
½ cup Milk

ADD and BLEND well:
2 eggs
1/3 cup oil
1 tsp Salt
1 Tbsp Honey

JUST before cooking,BLEND:
1 Tbsp Baking Powder

COOK on griddle.

ADD:
Syrup
Powdered Sugar

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

2009-04-08T14:13:00.000-07:00

CREAM until light and fluffy:
1 cup real Butter
1 cup Brown Sugar, packed
¾ cup White Sugar

ADD and BEAT one at a time:
1 Egg
1 Egg substitute (1 Tbsp ground Flax seed and 3 Tbsp Water)

ADD:
1 tsp Vanilla

COMBINE:
2 cups Wheat Flour
2 cups Quick Oats
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Baking Soda

ADD flour/oat mix to creamed mixture.
MIX well.

ADD:
2 cups Chocolate Chips

SPOON onto cookie sheets

BAKE:
8-10 minutes on 350 degrees

Family Communications: Vocalize Feelings

2009-01-18T10:35:00.000-08:00

Basic suggestions for more effective family communication:
4. A willingness to vocalize feelings. How important it is to be willing to voice one’s thoughts and feelings. Yes, how important it is to be able to converse on the level of each family member. Too often we are inclined to let family members assume how we feel toward them. Often wrong conclusions are reached. Very often we could have performed better had we known how family members felt about us and what they expected.
John Powell shares this touching experience: “…A nurse came over to me and put a comforting arm around me. I couldn’t talk through my tears. I wanted to tell her: “ ‘I’m not crying because my father is dead. I’m crying because my father never told me that he was proud of me. He never told me that he loved me. Of course, I was expected to know these things. I was expected to know the great part I played in his life and the great part I occupied of his heart, but he never told me.’ ” (The Secret of Staying in Love, Niles, Ill.: Argus, 1974, p. 68.)
How significant are God’s words when he took the time to vocalize his feelings with, “This is my beloved Son,” yes, even the powerful communication, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matt. 3:17.)
Often parents communicate most effectively with their children by the way they listen to and address each other. Their conversations showing gentleness and love are heard by our ever-alert, impressionable children. We must learn to communicate effectively not only by voice, but by tone, feeling, glances, mannerisms, and total personality. Too often when we are not able to converse with a daughter or wife we wonder, “What is wrong with her?” when we should be wondering, “What is wrong with our methods?” A meaningful smile, an appropriate pat on the shoulder, and a warm handshake are all-important. Silence isolates. Strained silent periods cause wonderment, hurt, and, most often, wrong conclusions.
God knows the full impact of continuing communication as he admonishes us to pray constantly. He, too, has promised to respond as we relate to him effectively. (Marvin J. Ashton, “Family Communications,” Ensign, May 1976, 52)

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

2009-01-18T10:34:00.000-08:00

COMBINE :
½ cup shortening
2/3 cup peanut butter
1 1/3 brown sugar, packed
2 T dried whole egg
¼ cup water
3 T milk
1 ¼ tsp vanilla
(Note: shortening will be in small lumps)

STIR together:
1 ¾ cup whole wheat flour
½ tsp baking soda

BLEND into shortening mixture.
ADD:
2/3 cup quick oats

SPREAD into lightly greased 9x13 inch pan.
BAKE at 375 for 15-18 minutes.
COOL and CUT into squares.

Family Communications: Willingness to Listen

2009-01-11T10:13:00.000-08:00

Basic suggestions for more effective family communication:
3. A willingness to listen. Listening is more than being quiet. Listening is much more than silence. Listening requires undivided attention. The time to listen is when someone needs to be heard. The time to deal with a person with a problem is when he has the problem. The time to listen is the time when our interest and love are vital to the one who seeks our ear, our heart, our help, and our empathy.
We should all increase our ability to ask comfortable questions, and then listen—intently, naturally. Listening is a tied-in part of loving. How powerful are the words, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
“For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19–20.) (Marvin J. Ashton, “Family Communications,” Ensign, May 1976, 52)

Spiced Oat-N-Wheat Pancakes

2009-01-11T10:12:00.000-08:00

MIX well:
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup rolled oats
¼ cup sugar
1 Tbsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp ground cloves
¼ cup dry buttermilk
¼ cup dry nonfat milk
2 eggs
¼ cup oil
2 ¼ cup water

COOK large spoonfuls of batter on an oiled or buttered griddle over medium-low heat.
SERVE with maple syrup.

Family Communications: Set the Stage

2009-01-03T18:47:00.000-08:00

Basic suggestions for more effective family communication:
2. A willingness to set the stage. The location, setting, or circumstances should be comfortable, private, and conversation-conducive. Effective communications have been shared in a grove of trees, on the mount, by the sea, in family home evening, during a walk, in a car, during a vacation, a hospital visit, on the way to school, during the game. When the stage is set, we must be willing to let the other family member be front and center as we appropriately respond.
Months and years after the score of a baseball game is long forgotten, the memory of having been there all alone with Dad will never dim. I’ll not soon forget a ten-year-old girl excitedly telling me she had just ridden in the car with her daddy all the way from Salt Lake to Provo and back. “Was the radio on?” I asked. “Oh, no,” she responded, “all Daddy did was listen and talk to me.” She had her daddy all to herself in a setting she’ll not soon forget. Let the stage be set whenever the need is there. Let the stage be set whenever the other person is ready. (Marvin J. Ashton, “Family Communications,” Ensign, May 1976, 52)

Applesauce

2009-01-03T18:46:00.000-08:00

COMBINE:
5 tablespoons water
1/4 cup packed brown sugar (may want to use less, depending on apple sweetness.)
2 t ablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 pounds apples, peeled, cored, and halved

COVER AND COOK 1 hour on the stove top (medium-low heat).
STIR every 10 minutes.

Family Communications: Sacrifice

2008-12-28T15:40:00.000-08:00

Basic suggestions for more effective family communication:
1. A willingness to sacrifice. Be the kind of a family member who is willing to take time to be available. Develop the ability and self-discipline to think of other family members and their communication needs ahead of your own—a willingness to prepare for the moment—the sharing moment, the teaching moment. Shed the very appearance of preoccupation in self, and learn the skill of penetrating a family member’s shield of preoccupation. Sad is the day when a daughter is heard to say, “My mother gives me everything except herself.”
Too early and too often we sow the seeds of “Can’t you see I’m busy? Don’t bother me now.” When we convey the attitude of “Go away, don’t bother me now,” family members are apt to go elsewhere or isolate themselves in silence. All family members on some occasion or other must be taken on their own terms so they will be willing to come, share, and ask.
It takes personal sacrifice to communicate when conditions are right for the other person—during the meal preparation, after a date, a hurt, a victory, a disappointment, or when someone wants to share a confidence. One must be willing to forego personal convenience to invest time in establishing a firm foundation for family communication. When communication in the family seems to be bogging down, each individual should look to himself for the remedy.
If we would know true love and understanding one for another, we must realize that communication is more than a sharing of words. It is the wise sharing of emotions, feelings, and concerns. It is the sharing of oneself totally. “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.” (James 3:13.) (Marvin J. Ashton, “Family Communications,” Ensign, May 1976, 52)

Tomato Sauce

2008-12-28T15:38:00.000-08:00

HEAT in saucepan:
Olive Oil
ADD and SAUTE:
Onions
Garlic
ADD:
Roma tomatoes, chopped
Italian herbs
Salt and Pepper
Pinch of sugar

SIMMER covered for 25-30 minutes.

Family Communications

2008-12-28T15:36:00.000-08:00

“To be effective, family communication must be an exchange of feelings and information. Doors of communication will swing open in the home if members will realize time and participation on the part of all are necessary ingredients. In family discussions, differences should not be ignored, but should be weighed and evaluated calmly. One’s point or opinion usually is not as important as a healthy, continuing relationship. Courtesy and respect in listening and responding during discussions are basic in proper dialogue. As we learn to participate together in meaningful associations, we are able to convey our thoughts of love, dependence, and interest. When we are inclined to give up in despair in our efforts to communicate because other family members have failed to respond, perhaps we would do well not to give up, but rather to give and take in our conversations. How important it is to know how to disagree with another’s point of view without being disagreeable. How important it is to have discussion periods ahead of decisions. Jones Stephens wrote, “I have learned that the head does not hear anything until the heart has listened, and that what the heart knows today the head will understand tomorrow.” (Marvin J. Ashton, “Family Communications,” Ensign, May 1976, 52)

Alfredo Sauce

2008-12-28T15:34:00.000-08:00

MELT:
1 cube butter
ADD:
1 package cream cheese
¾ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
1 cup milk
1 clove of garlic

Serve with your choice of cooked pasta.

Family Communications

2008-12-01T11:37:00.000-08:00

“…I have concluded that perhaps one of the principal reasons we fail to relate appropriately with family members is because we fail to apply some basics of personal communications. In Heb. 13:16 we read, “But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Communications in the family will often be a sacrifice because we are expected to use our time, our means, our talent, and our patience to impart, share, and understand. Too often we use communication periods as occasions to tell, dictate, plead, or threaten. Nowhere in the broadest sense should communication in the family be used to impose, command, or embarrass.” (Marvin J. Ashton, “Family Communications,” Ensign, May 1976, 52)

Spaghetti Sauce

2008-12-01T11:34:00.000-08:00

HEAT in saucepan:
2 T olive or vegetable oil
ADD:
1 onion
2 small green bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
COOK for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
STIR in:
2 cans diced tomatoes, undrained
3-4 cans tomato sauce
2 tsp dried basil leaves
1 tsp dried oregano leaves
½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper
HEAT to boiling; reduce heat.
COVER and simmer 45 minutes

Use sauce immediately, or cover and refrigerate up to 2 weeks or freeze up to 1 year.

Slow Cooker Directions:
Omit the oil (unless you are using olive oil for flavor)
Mix the remaining ingredients together in 3 ½-6 quart slow cooker.
Cover and cook 6-8 hours.

Constancy Amid Change: Building a Foundation

2008-11-15T23:42:00.001-08:00

“What I would like to share with you today are my observations about the constant and fundamental principles which, if followed, will bring financial security and peace of mind under any economic circumstances.
“First, I would like to build a foundation and establish a perspective within which these economic principles must be applied.
“One day a grandson of mine said to me: “I have observed you and other successful men, and I have made up my mind that I want to be a success in my life. I want to interview as many successful people as I can to determine what made them successful. So looking back over your experience, grandpa, what do you believe is the most important element of success?”
“I told him that the Lord gave the greatest success formula that I know of: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt. 6:33).
“Some argue that some men prosper financially who do not seek the kingdom first. This is true. But the Lord is not promising us just material wealth if we seek first the kingdom. From my own experience I know this is not the case. In the words of Henrik Ibsen: “Money may be the husk of many things, but not the kernel. It brings you food, but not appetite; medicine, but not health; acquaintances, but not friends; servants, but not faithfulness; days of joy, but not peace or happiness” (In The Forbes Scrapbook of Thoughts on the Business of Life, New York: Forbes, Inc., 1968, p. 88).
“Material blessings are a part of the gospel if they are achieved in the proper way and for the right purpose.” (N. Eldon Tanner, “Constancy Amid Change,” Ensign, Nov 1979, 80)

Potato Cheese Soup

2008-11-15T23:41:00.000-08:00

BRING to a boil:
4 cups Water
2 tsp chicken bouillon

STIR in until smooth:
1 cup Potato Pearls/Flakes

ADD:
1 ½ cups Cheddar cheese, grated

STIR until melted.
THIN with an additional cup of water, if desired.

Constancy Amid Change: Pay an Honest Tithing

2008-11-15T23:40:00.001-08:00

"In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Jacob gives us some important counsel on this matter:
“But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God.
“And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted” (Jacob 2:18–19).
"The foundation and perspective then are these: We must first seek the kingdom, work and plan and spend wisely, plan for the future, and use what wealth we are blessed with to help build up that kingdom. When guided by this eternal perspective and by building on this firm foundation, we can pursue with confidence our daily tasks and our life’s work, which must be carefully planned and diligently pursued.
"It is within this framework that I would like to explain five principles of economic constancy.
"Constancy #1: Pay an honest tithing. I often wonder if we realize that paying our tithing does not represent giving gifts to the Lord and the Church. Paying tithing is discharging a debt to the Lord. The Lord is the source of all our blessings, including life itself.
"The payment of tithing is a commandment, a commandment with a promise. If we obey this commandment, we are promised that we will “prosper in the land.” This prosperity consists of more than material goods—it may include enjoying good health and vigor of mind. It includes family solidarity and spiritual increase. I hope those of you not presently paying your full tithe will seek the faith and strength to do so. As you discharge this obligation to your Maker, you will find great, great happiness, The like of which is known only by those who are faithful to this commandment." (N. Eldon Tanner, “Constancy Amid Change,” Ensign, Nov 1979, 80)

Sweet Yeast Rolls

2008-11-15T23:38:00.000-08:00

MIX:
1/3 cup Honey
6 Tbsp Sugar
2 Tbsp Instant Potato Flakes
1 cup Water, room temperature
½ tsp Salt
¼ cup Butter

MIX until yeast is dissolved:
2 ¼ tsp dry active yeast
¾ cup water

ADD the yeast mixture into the batter mixture.
SLOWLY ADD:
3 ½ - 4 cups flour to mixture.

MIX well.
NEAD dough so that it forms into a smooth ball.
GREASE a large bowl and place the dough inside.
COVER with plastic wrap.
WAIT for dough to double in size. (This may take 3-4 hours.)
PUNCH the dough down and
KNEAD it a few times

ROLL the dough into small balls.
PLACE 3 small balls into each spot on a muffin rack forming a clover-like roll.

BAKE:
10-15 minutes at 350 degrees.
YIELD: 24 rolls.

TOP with cinnamon butter:
WHIP together:
softened butter
brown sugar
cinnamon

Constancy Amid Change: Live on Less

2008-11-15T23:37:00.001-08:00

“Constancy #2: Live on less than you earn. I have discovered that there is no way that you can ever earn more than you can spend. I am convinced that it is not the amount of money an individual earns that brings peace of mind as much as it is having control of his money. Money can be an obedient servant but a harsh taskmaster. Those who structure their standard of living to allow a little surplus, control their circumstances. Those who spend a little more than they earn are controlled by their circumstances. They are in bondage. President Grant once said: “If there is any one thing that will bring peace and contentment into the human heart, and into the family, it is to live within our means. And if there is any one thing that is grinding and discouraging and disheartening, it is to have debts and obligations that one cannot meet” (Gospel Standards, Salt Lake City: Improvement Era, 1941, p. 111).
“The key to spending less than we earn is simple—it is called discipline. Whether early in life or late, we must all eventually learn to discipline ourselves, our appetites, and our economic desires. How blessed is he who learns to spend less than he earns and puts something away for a rainy day.” (N. Eldon Tanner, “Constancy Amid Change,” Ensign, Nov 1979, 80)

Peanut Butter Balls

2008-11-15T23:36:00.000-08:00

STIR:
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup dry nonfat milk
1 cup honey

ROLL into balls (about the size of a cherry).
ADD more dry milk if it is too sticky.
ROLL balls in chopped peanuts, candy sprinkles, coconut, etc.
STORE in the refrigerator.

Constancy Amid Change: Needs vs Wants

2008-11-15T23:35:00.001-08:00

“Constancy #3: Learn to distinguish between needs and wants. Consumer appetites are man-made. Our competitive free enterprise system produces unlimited goods and services to stimulate our desire to want more convenience and luxuries. I do not criticize the system or the availability of these goods or services. I am only concerned about our people using sound judgment in their purchases. We must learn that sacrifice is a vital part of our eternal discipline.
“…Overindulgence and poor money management place a heavy strain on marriage relationships. Most marital problems, it seems, originate from economic roots—either insufficient income to sustain the family or mismanagement of the income as earned.
President Kimball has given this thought-provoking counsel:
“The Lord has blessed us as a people with a prosperity unequaled in times past. The resources that have been placed in our power are good, and necessary to our work here on the earth. But I am afraid that many of us have been surfeited with flocks and herds and acres and barns and wealth and have begun to worship them as false gods, and they have power over us. Do we have more of these good things than our faith can stand? Many people spend most of their time working in the service of a self-image that includes sufficient money, stocks, bonds, investment portfolios, property, credit cards, furnishings, automobiles, and the like to guarantee carnal security throughout, it is hoped, a long and happy life. Forgotten is the fact that our assignment is to use these many resources in our families and quorums to build up the kingdom of God” (Ensign, June 1976, p. 4).
“By way of testimony, may I add this to President Kimball’s statement. I know of no situation where happiness and peace of mind have increased with the amassing of property beyond the reasonable wants and needs of the family.” (N. Eldon Tanner, “Constancy Amid Change,” Ensign, Nov 1979, 80)

Pinto Bean Pie

2008-11-15T23:34:00.000-08:00

BEAT until creamy:
½ cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 eggs, beaten
½ cup butter, softened

ADD:
1 heaping cup pinto beans, cooked and mashed

BLEND well.
POUR into:
1 unbaked 9” pie shell

BAKE:
375 degrees for 20 minutes

REDUCE heat to 350 degrees and bake an additional 25 minutes or until done.
SERVE with:
whipped cream or ice cream

Constancy Amid Change: Live Within a Budget

2008-11-15T23:32:00.000-08:00

“Constancy #4: Develop and live within a budget.
“It has been my observation in interviewing many people through the years that far too many people do not have a workable budget and have not disciplined themselves to abide by its provisions. Many people think a budget robs them of their freedom. On the contrary, successful people have learned that a budget makes real economic freedom possible.
“Budgeting and financial management need not be overly complicated or time-consuming…
“Wise financial counselors teach that there are four different elements to any good budget. Provision should be made first for basic operating needs such as food, clothing, etc.; second, for home equity; third, for emergency needs such as savings, health insurance, and life insurance; and, fourth, for wise investment and a storage program for the future.
“May I comment on two of these elements. Nothing seems so certain as the unexpected in our lives. With rising medical costs, health insurance is the only way most families can meet serious accident, illness, or maternity costs, particularly those for premature births. Life insurance provides income continuation when the provider prematurely dies. Every family should make provision for proper health and life insurance.
“After these basics are met, we should by frugal management regularly save to create funds for investment. It has been my observation that few people have been successful with investments who have not first developed the habit of saving regularly. This requires discipline and discriminating judgment. There are many ways to invest. My only advice is to choose wisely your investment counselors. Be sure they merit your confidence by maintaining a successful investment record.” (N. Eldon Tanner, “Constancy Amid Change,” Ensign, Nov 1979, 80)