Prepare to Provide

"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

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

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

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

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

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

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)