Sister Spotlight: Sis. Kindle

Rebecca (Becky) Kindle
Birthday: December 26, 1983

Where are you from: North Carolina

How did you meet your spouse: I met Steve long before we started dating. At first I just knew who he was (he was the popular guy in school and I wasn’t.) Then we became friends and we stayed that way for a long time. One day he said he’d like to try and start dating but I liked it the way it was so I said no. But no one had ever said no to Steve so that wasn’t going to cut it for him. He tried for a couple months before I finally agreed so he’d knock it off. We dated, I fell in love and the rest is history! :) 

Tell us about your family:  Steve and I are both from Fayettenam, NC. We have 4 kids Logan7, Sadie5, Arianna3, and Sonny11mths. Steve is not a member but he’s very sweet and supportive of the kids and I. We just got orders to Tyndall AFB near Panama City, Florida. I’m very much a beach person so we’re all excited about that. Although we’ll really miss the friends we’ve made here. It comes with being in the military, which we do love and are proud to be a part of.

What is your favorite hymn:  My favorite children’s song has always been “A child’s prayer”. I love so many hymns but ‘Scatter sunshine’ always brings a smile to my face and makes me feel good. 

What is your favorite scripture:  Matthew 5:14-16 It reminds me of how blessed I am to be a member of this church and that it’s my duty and privilege to ‘shine’.

What is your favorite treat:  Anything chocolate!

Tell us any 3 things about yourself:   

-I like to doodle, I’m not great at it but it’s fun. I would love to learn how to paint. 

-I can be OCD about things. I have to smell books before I read them, I wash my hands a lot, money has to all face one way. I get it from my dad, he’s weird. 

-It’s hard for me to meet new people. It took me about 5 years to finally open up when I came here. Sometimes it comes off as being standoffish but I’m just quiet and don’t know what to say a lot of the time.

June VT handouts

 Hi there! Thanks to our lovely President and VT Coordinator we have new visiting teaching lists starting this month. I know the month is almost over and I apologize for being so late with this. But I thought, "What better way to introduce ourselves to our new (or current) VT's than with a cute little magnetic contact info card?!" And I didn't want to keep them just for us. So if you'd like me to make your companionship one, please email me with the names and phone numbers and I'll email the file to you for printing! 

If you have a different style in mind, I'm sure I can come up with something else, also, it just might be a week or two before I can get around to it.

 Style 1: Pink

 Style 2: Red

And as I was searching the web for inspiration, I came across these two VT message handouts. I just love the BEE one, and I wish I had time to make up the cinnamon honey. Sounds divine! Enjoy!

June 2012 Handout; The Idea Door

June 2012 Handout; Pink Polka Dot: Bees

Sister Spotlight: Sis. Culpepper

 

Susanne Culpepper

Birthday: September 15

Where are you from: Valdosta, GA

How did you meet your spouse: I was working at VSU and Ben came into our office.  He asked me out and the rest is history.

Tell us about your family:  I am the oldest of three girls.  My mother and my sister, Laura, and her family are in 1st ward.  My youngest sister, Julie, lives in Jackson, GA.  I have two sons, Brandon and Harrison.

What is your favorite hymn:  I have lots of favorites, but I guess my favorite is "There Is A Green Hill Far Away".

What is your favorite scripture:  D&C 88:63

What is your favorite treat:  I love anything made with lemon!

Tell us any 3 things about yourself:  I attended BYU, I love dishes, and I have a dog daughter named Mitzi!

We are so excited to welcome Sis. Culpepper back into Relief Society! We're so excited to be able to get to know her better and enjoy her wonderful Spirit. She is so much fun to be around!! 

Sister Spotlight: Sis. Dejong

Sis. DeJong won't be with us much longer, and I didn't want to miss out on sharing her sweet answers. We really will miss her and I personally am very sad I didn't get to know her better.

Julie DeJong

Birthday:  May 23, 1962


Where are you from:  Born and raised in Utah (parents house is just below the Bountiful Temple)


How did you meet your spouse:  Lagoon is an amusement part like Wild Adventures.  I was a lifeguard at the pool.   The pool opened the week after my 16th birthday.  Just before closing, 2 guys walked in, the one folded his arms and surveyed the area as if he owned it.  My immediate thought was "now there's a guy that would be fun to go out with, but you wouldn't want to marry him!"  Almost 3 years later we were married.


Tell us about your family:  After over 31 years of marriage I have separated from my husband and have filed for divorce.  I have two totally wonderful kids.  Chelsey is 28, living and working in Salina, Kansas (I will be joining her in a few weeks).  Michael is 25 and has just move back to Atlanta.  He has moved in with his sweet fiance and her younger sister (Christina has custody of her 16 year old sister since the death of their mother last year).  I count Jennifer and Andrew Dunn as my kids also.

They are the most incredible young men and women!  I love, admire and treasure each one of them so much!

What is your favorite hymn:    I am a Child of God  (I also love I Stand All Amazed, I Need Thee Every Hour, and all the Christmas hymns!)


What is your favorite scripture:  That changes depending on what I'm going through at the time.  Matthew 5:16 is one that I have been working on lately.    Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.


What is your favorite treat:  My caramel corn, strawberry shortcake, strawberry cheesecake, chocolate mousse pie, my frosting on most anything, dutch apple pie.............  I could go on and on and on


Tell us any 3 things about yourself:   I love my family more than I can express.

Life is so much easier and better when you trust God completely.  I'm so grateful to know that God loves and forgives me (even though I know I am a very stubborn, difficult child).  He has blessed me so much, 

I "discovered" photography last year. It became an instant passion, my mental-health therapy and borders on obsession at times!  I hope  to find the time and patience to learn how to properly do all the different techniques and principals I want to master.  I would love to become good enough to turn it into a new career.  It makes me so grateful for the beautiful  world that surrounds us and I love discovering    "hidden treasures" unexpected places.

I also want to tell you all how much you have meant to me.  This is an amazing ward.  You are so special to me.  Your support, the examples that you all are, your love and acceptance has made my years here the best years of my life (at least spiritually).  They've been the hardest physically and mentally that I hope I have to endure on this earth.  You have given me strength, patience, gratitude, entertainment, peace and so much more.  I'm sure you didn't have a clue that you were giving me a gift with your smiles and encouraging words.  I'm sure you haven't realized how much watching your precious children's faces in church as they tried your patience; helped heal the wounds my heart had endured.  The wonderful examples of your kids as they became teens and young adults;  challenged, inspired and gave me strength.  You have let your light shine before me to guide me from darkness.  I have seen your good works which have glorified God and healed my soul.  I am eternally grateful and will miss you all very much. 

Sister Spotlight

We have had so many changes in our Ward the past few months! And we want to send a huge THANK YOU to those sisters that have served in the past, and Welcome those that will be serving with us in the future.
We've decided to try something new: Sister Spotlights. Each month we will be sending out emails with a small questionnaire attached with a request to have them filled out and returned. We will then showcase that Sister in the newsletter, and with her permission, here on the blog. So please keep your eyes open for that special email from us, and please feel free to attach a picture. :)  We want to thank you in advance for participating and helping making our newsletter fun and exciting!

This month we will be showcasing Sis. Budenbender! Thanks, Shannah! :)

Shannah Budenbender
Birthday: March 1

Where are you from: Arlington, Texas


How did you meet your spouse: We met in college. While in ROTC I was also playing soccer; but missed about 3 weeks of ROTC in a row due to out of town games. Seeing as I wasn't there to defend myself, I was voted in to the worst position for Arnold Air Society. My first day back I was getting yelled at by a commander of this "extra curricular" ROTC event for not doing my "Job" that I had no clue about. I was blindsided and getting yelled at in front of everyone. Phil stuck up for me and tried to cover by volunteering the fact that I had not been there to know I had this job - she somehow made it his fault for not telling me (a girl he didn't know - the hour before the meeting). I followed him to his car trying not to cry and noticed a sticker "LDS" on his car. When I inquired if he was Mormon and got excited saying "I AM TOO!" .... he quizzed me..... "oh ya? Then name a book in the Book of Mormon". When I pronounced Moroni and said it correctly he believed me. Weird boy thinking I'd lie about being Mormon. haha


Tell us about your family: I am the oldest - It's a his/her/ours family. My youngest sibling is 9.


What is your favorite hymn: As Sisters in Zion (sung with the men doing Army of Heleman is soooo cool but even without that I enjoy the song) - and primary has to be A Childs Prayer


What is your favorite scripture: Hard to say right now: Philippians 4:13 , John 15:19 , Alma 26:27

What is your favorite treat: cookies, cake, smores, muffins, ice cream, butterfinger, reeses, oh I'm sorry am i still listing - basically anything that is NOT for allergy kids


Tell us any 3 things about yourself: 1. When I'm alone I love to crank the music up (to some girl approved pop music or old classic ie: don henley) way to loud and dance like I just don't care. ... And man I love it.

2. I forced myself to step back from politics 3 years ago because I get so heated/passionate about what was going on - I'd sit in the car and be late to class to finish listening to talk radio segments. I used to want to do politics, but ironically suck at/dislike "Playing politics" (being politically correct has NEVER been my strong suite - too blunt. aka no poker face!

3. I'm not good at decorating or gardening, but I can play just about any sport and love the home improvement stores.

Poll Time!! Please participate!!

Please play along with us!! We want to hear from you!

What has been your favorite Mother's Day gift either to receive or to give? 

Please either comment below, send us an email, or respond via Facebook.

Poll will be closed May 2nd. Thank you!!!

YM Spaghetti Dinner and Cake Auction

 Oh. My. Deliciousness! Everything looked so incredibly yummy... I was completely unprepared! 

We have some very talented Bakers in the Valdosta area!! 

Congrats to all the big winners of the night, and especially to the Scouts. Have fun at Camp, boys! 

Thanks to everyone that helped with set up and take down, those that donated their goods, and for those that came and helped support the Young Men.

Celebrating 170 Years of Relief Society

A HUGE "Thank You" to everyone that helped prepare, helped set up/take down, was in attendance and participated! (And to those helping in Nursery as well!)

Resurrection Rolls activity and treat

A great way to share the story of Jesus’ resurrection with children of all ages. Enjoy making these and may the miracle of our risen Christ bring you hope.

Preheat Oven to 350 degrees

Ingredients:
1 can Crescent rolls
1/4C Melted butter
8 Large marshmallows
2TBS Cinnamon
2TBS Sugar

Give each child a triangle of crescent rolls. The crescent roll represents the cloth that Jesus was wrapped in.

Read Matthew 27:57-61

1. Give each child a marshmallow. This represents Jesus.
2. Have him/her dip the marshmallow in melted butter. This represents the oils of embalming.
3. Now dip the buttered marshmallow in the cinnamon and sugar which represents the spices used to anoint the body.
4. Then wrap up the coated marshmallow tightly in the crescent roll (not like a typical crescent roll up, but bring the sides up and seal the marshmallow inside.) This represents the wrapping of Jesus' body after death.
5. Place in a 350 degree oven for 10-12 minutes. (The oven represents the tomb)
6. Let the rolls cool slightly. The children can open their rolls (cloth) and discover that Jesus is no longer there, HE IS RISEN!!!! (The marshmallow melts and the crescent roll is puffed up, but empty.)

Read Matthew 28:5-8

***NOTE***

Try cutting each marshmallow in half first, and instead of putting rolls straight on a baking sheet, put them into muffin liners. Marshmallows may not ooze out as much this way. Enjoy! 

April Visiting Teaching Message

Love, Watch  Over and Strengthen

Like the Savior, visiting teachers minister one by one (see 3 Nephi 11:15). We know we are    successful in our ministering as visiting teachers when our sisters can say: (1) my visiting teacher helps me grow spiritually; (2) I know my visiting teacher cares deeply about me and my family; and (3) if I have problems, I know my visiting teacher will take action without waiting to be asked.

How can we as visiting teachers love, watch over, and strengthen a sister? Following are nine suggestions found in chapter 7 of Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society to help visiting teachers minister to their sisters:

-Pray daily for her and her family.

-Seek inspiration to know her and her family.

-Visit her regularly to learn how she is doing and to comfort and strengthen her.

-Stay in frequent contact through visits, phone calls, letters, e-mail, text messages, and simple acts of kindness.

-Greet her at Church meetings.

-Help her when she has an emergency, illness, or other urgent need.

-Teach her the gospel from the scriptures and the Visiting Teaching Messages.

-Inspire her by setting a good example.

-Report to a Relief Society leader about their service and the sister’s spiritual and temporal well-being.

From Our History

“Visiting teaching has become a vehicle for Latter-day Saint women worldwide to love, nurture, and serve—to ‘act according to those sympathies which God has planted in [our] bosoms,’ as Joseph Smith taught.”

A sister who had recently been widowed said of her visiting teachers: “They listened. They comforted me. They wept with me. And they hugged me. … [They] helped me out of the deep despair and depression of those first few months of loneliness.”

Help with temporal tasks is also a form of ministering. At the October 1856 general conference, President Brigham Young announced that handcart pioneers were stranded in deep snow 270–370 miles (435–595 km) away. He called for the Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City to rescue them and to “attend strictly to those things which we call temporal.”

Lucy Meserve Smith recorded that the women took off their warm underskirts and stockings right there in the tabernacle and piled them into wagons to send to the freezing pioneers. Then they gathered bedding and clothing for those who would eventually come with few belongings. When the handcart companies arrived, a building in the town was “loaded with provisions for them.”

What Can I Do?

How can I know what my sisters need?

How will my sisters know that I care deeply about them?