Remember Lot's Wife

Jeffrey R. Holland gave this classic talk to the students of BYU on January 13, 1990. He talks about the importance of moving forward, forgiving ourselves and others, and having faith in ourselves and the Lord.

"There is something in us, at least in too many of us, that particularly fails to forgive and forget earlier mistakes in life—either mistakes we ourselves have made or the mistakes of others. That is not good. It is not Christian. It stands in terrible opposition to the grandeur and majesty of the Atonement of Christ. To be tied to earlier mistakes—our own or other people’s—is the worst kind of wallowing in the past from which we are called to cease and desist."

"Let people repent. Let people grow. Believe that people can change and improve. Is that faith? Yes! Is that hope? Yes! Is it charity? Yes! Above all, it is charity, the pure love of Christ. If something is buried in the past, leave it buried. Don’t keep going back with your little sand pail and beach shovel to dig it up, wave it around, and then throw it at someone, saying, “Hey! Do you remember this?” Splat!"

"God doesn’t care nearly as much about where you have been as He does about where you are and, with His help, where you are willing to go."

The complete talk can be found here.

Roundup

A few weeks ago, the Stake Relief Society visited Roundup Branch. This is the building Roundup members usually meet in. However, right now Roundup Branch meets in the local Lutheran Church.

 

That's because the Roundup building is growing! This is what their building looked like in August--a new chapel is being added.

 

What a wonderful blessing for a community that has endured so much in the last several years. Roundup members have been exemplary in reaching out and building relationships within the community. Now they have grown to the point that they need more space. Their new building is expected to be finished in December. 



Roundup Sisters, we are so excited for you!

 

Fourth Annual Wild Woman Triathlon

Thanks to all who participated in the Billings East Stake Wild Woman Triathlon. Thank to the participators, the fans, the supporters, the helpers. We had so much fun! If you couldn't make it this year, put it on your calendar for next year. It's always the Friday before school starts.

Saturday Adult Session of Stake Conference: Missionaries

During the Saturday Adult Session of Stake Conference, Sister Dye mentioned the amazing growth of the missionary force (excellent talk, Sister Dye!). Here's a chart that shows that increase:

 

 

President Griffin told us Saturday night that our stake currently has 24 missionaries in the field, including 20 young men and women and 2 couples. See you at Stake Conference! 10 am-noon.

Jicama and a Summer Salad Recipe

 

 

Jimaca (pronounced he-ka-ma) is a root vegetable found in the cuisines of Mexico to Asia.  It may be cooked, but is usually eaten raw. Jimaca has a firm, papery outside that is easily peeled off. The inside is white and firm.

 

 The taste is often describe as a cross between apples and green beans. It is crunchy, sweet, and starchy. Jicama is high in fiber and vitamins C, A and B, along with calcium and phosphorus. I found jimaca in the produce section of our local grocery store, next to the yams. It should NOT be refrigerated and will keep about a month.

 

 

I got this recipe from my daughter. It has become one of our summer favorites. The barbeque sauce adds a delicious zippiness, and we love the crunchy texture of the jicama.

BBQ Chicken Salad

 

1/2 head iceberg lettuce, shredded fine
1/2 head romaine lettuce leaves, shredded fine
1 pound jicama, cut into thin strips
2 cups Monterey Jack (or any) cheese, shredded
1 cup black beans - rinsed and drained (canned works)
1 cup corn kernels
3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (or fresh parsley, if you don't like cilantro)
2 pounds tomatoes, diced
1/4 cup green onions, thinly slice

1-2 pounds shredded chicken
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
Ranch dressing
wontons, cut into strips and salted, or baked or fried tortilla strips
lime (optional, to squeeze on top)
Combine all ingredients and serve

Take the time to cut your jicama into thin strips. When eaten this way, jicama adds much to the salad. Big chucks are not as tasty.