“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)
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Potato Cheese Soup
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.
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
"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)
“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
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
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
“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)
“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
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.
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
“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)
“…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
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
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
“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)
“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)
Fudge Brownies
MIX:
¼ cup oil
¼ cup applesauce
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
COMBINE:
½ cup baking cocoa
½ cup whole wheat flour
½ tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp salt
½ cup chocolate chips
STIR chocolate mixture into the applesauce mixture.
COAT 8x8 pan lightly with nonstick spray.
SPREAD batter into pan.
BAKE 35 minutes on 350 degrees.
¼ cup oil
¼ cup applesauce
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
COMBINE:
½ cup baking cocoa
½ cup whole wheat flour
½ tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp salt
½ cup chocolate chips
STIR chocolate mixture into the applesauce mixture.
COAT 8x8 pan lightly with nonstick spray.
SPREAD batter into pan.
BAKE 35 minutes on 350 degrees.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Constancy Amid Change: Be Honest in Financial Affairs
“Constancy #5: Be honest in all your financial affairs. The ideal of integrity will never go out of style. It applies to all we do. As leaders and members of the Church, we should be the epitome of integrity.
“Brothers and sisters, through these five principles, I have tried to sketch what might be characterized as the true pattern of financial and resource management.” (N. Eldon Tanner, “Constancy Amid Change,” Ensign, Nov 1979, 80)
“Brothers and sisters, through these five principles, I have tried to sketch what might be characterized as the true pattern of financial and resource management.” (N. Eldon Tanner, “Constancy Amid Change,” Ensign, Nov 1979, 80)
Chocolate Chip Cookies
(Made with white beans)
BEAT:
½ cup cooked white beans
1 cup brown sugar
ADD:
4 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
SIFT together:
2 ¼ cups wheat flour
1 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
ADD flour mix to bean mix.
BLEND well.
STIR in:
2 cups chocolate chips
1 cup pecans (or walnuts) chopped
COVER and refrigerate dough for 1 hour.
PREHEAT oven to 350°F.
DROP by tablespoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet.
BAKE: 10-15 minutes
YIELD: 4 dozen
BEAT:
½ cup cooked white beans
1 cup brown sugar
ADD:
4 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
SIFT together:
2 ¼ cups wheat flour
1 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
ADD flour mix to bean mix.
BLEND well.
STIR in:
2 cups chocolate chips
1 cup pecans (or walnuts) chopped
COVER and refrigerate dough for 1 hour.
PREHEAT oven to 350°F.
DROP by tablespoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet.
BAKE: 10-15 minutes
YIELD: 4 dozen
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