Youth Ice Skating Activity

At the beginning of the snow storm on the weekend of Saturday, January 30, some brave youth ventured to the Cabin John Ice Skating Rink for a short but fun ice skating activity.  Everyone was an hour late, but the short hour of ice skating was sufficient for both the talented skater and the first-time amateur.  The four young men and two young women enjoyed this opportunity in a packed rink to exercise and to be together.  Afterwards, everyone enjoyed the donuts Brother Theodore provided.  Thanks, Brother Theodore!

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15 Minute Scripture Challenge

I will always treasure the simple words of the Primary song, "Search, Ponder, and Pray."

I love to read the Holy Scriptures, and every time I do
I feel the Spirit start
to grow within my heart-
a testimony that they’re true.
Search, ponder and pray are the things that I must do.
The Spirit will guide
and deep inside,
I’ll know the scriptures are true.

     This is the essence of Moroni's promise.  In Moroni 10:3-4, Moroni exhorts us that when we read the Book of Mormon, that we should ponder it in our hearts, and "ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true."  If we pray sincerely with faith, God promises us that "by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."
     I challenge each member of our branch who can read to read the scriptures at least 15 minutes each day.  If we use these 15 minutes or more each day to read the scriptures consistently every day, to ponder about God's mercy and the significance of the scriptures in our lives, and to pray for the Spirit to guide us, then the Gospel principles will sink deep into our hearts, the Holy Spirit will sustain us through our trials, and our testimonies will grow stronger.  May we do so throughout this coming year and through our whole lives.

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Young Women Fitness Activity

The Young Women had a Wii Fit Activity on Monday, January 25, at the home of Sister Zhao as a kick-off activity for 2010. After making sure everyone ate breakfast and saying the opening prayer, Sister Zhao shared a message on Word of Wisdom and a couple of quotes (see one quote below) from Elder Nelson and Elder Ballard related to physical exercise. Then, all of the young women participated in yoga exercises and strength training practice for about 30 minutes. The activity ended with 10 minutes of free run.

“We must schedule time on our daily calendars for these activities if we are to enjoy a healthy and balanced life. Good physical appearance enhances our dignity and self-respect.” (Elder M. Russell Ballard Conference Ensign, May 1987, 15) May we all find time to exercise in our busy schedules. “And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.  And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen.” (D&C 89:19-21)

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Baby Girl for Muir's

Jayne Elizabeth Muir was born on Sunday, January 24th, at 8:38pm.  She weighed 9 lbs, 7 oz and measured 20 inches long.  Congratulations, Chad and Jen!

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89th Birthday Party for Brother Foulger

When the branch Relief Society sisters learned that Brother Foulger was turning 89 on January 14, they decided to plan a birthday celebration for him on Friday, January 15, at the Kentlands Chapel.  President Tsai conducted the program.  While we ate the potluck dinner, we first watched a slideshow of Brother Foulger's involvement in the branch.  Next, Sister Florence Tung talked about Brother Foulger's ancestry and his life through some classic photos.  The rest of the program included a piano solo by Joshua Tsai, words by Susan Zhang, a duet by Melinda Tsai and Emerald Shen, a piano solo by Sidney Tan, and presentation of gifts by Charlotte Shen.  After the closing prayer, we took a group photo, sang Happy Birthday to Brother Foulger, and we ate the birthday cakes.  It was wonderful that such an occasion as this could unify our branch and allow us an opportunity to fellowship one with another, with old as well as new friends.  Happy birthday, Brother Foulger!

 

  

 

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