Christmas in the Trenches Song

Words & Music by John McCutcheon, c. 1984, 

My name is Francis Toliver, I come from Liverpool.
Two years ago the war was waiting for me after school.
To Belgium and to Flanders, to Germany to here,
I fought for King and country I love dear.

'Twas Christmas in the trenches, where the frost so bitter hung.
The frozen fields of France were still, no Christmas song was sung.
Our families back in England were toasting us that day,
Their brave and glorious lads so far away.

I was lying with my messmate on the cold and rocky ground,
When across the lines of battle came a most peculiar sound.
Says I, "Now listen up, me boys!" each soldier strained to hear,
As one young German voice sang out so clear.

"He's singing bloody well, you know!" my partner says to me.
Soon, one by one, each German voice joined in harmony.
The cannons rested silent, the gas clouds rolled no more,
As Christmas brought us respite from the war.

As soon as they were finished and a reverent pause was spent,
"God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" struck up some lads from Kent.
The next they sang was "Stille Nacht," "'Tis 'Silent Night,'" says I,
And in two tongues one song filled up that sky.

"There's someone coming towards us!" the front line sentry cried.
All sights were fixed on one lone figure trudging from their side.
His truce flag, like a Christmas star, shone on that plain so bright,
As he bravely strode unarmed into the night.

Then one by one on either side walked into No Man's Land,
With neither gun nor bayonet we met there hand to hand.
We shared some secret brandy and wished each other well,
And in a flare lit soccer game we gave 'em hell.

We traded chocolates, cigarettes, and photographs from home.
These sons and fathers far away from families of their own.
Young Sanders played his squeezebox and they had a violin,
This curious and unlikely band of men.

Soon daylight stole upon us and France was France once more.
With sad farewells we each began to settle back to war.
But the question haunted every heart that lived that wondrous night:
"Whose family have I fixed within my sights?"

'Twas Christmas in the trenches where the frost so bitter hung.
The frozen fields of France were warmed as songs of peace were sung.
For the walls they'd kept between us to exact the work of war,
Had been crumbled and were gone forevermore.

My name is Francis Toliver, in Liverpool I dwell,
Each Christmas come since World War I, I've learned its lessons well,
That the ones who call the shots won't be among the dead and lame,
And on each end of the rifle we're the same.

December tip of the Month

Tip of the Month: Hot glue cups to cardboard and store Christmas ornaments in them in tubs. Here is a picture for a visual.

Pumpkin Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Here is a link to the origional website where the recipe was posted: http://diethood.com/2013/10/10/pumpkin-pie-cinnamon-rolls/

Or here's the recipe right here:

Ingredients

2 Cans pillsbury Crescent rounds
4 TBLS butter, melted
1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
1 TBLS milk
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg

Frosting

    4oz cream cheese, softened

    1-1/2 cups powdered sugar

    1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice

    1 tsp pure vanilla extract

• Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375.
• Lightly grease two 8-inch cake pans with non-stick spray; set aside.
• Separate dough into 16 rolls and unroll.
• Brush each piece of dough with melted butter.
• In a small bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Evenly divide pumpkin filling and spread over each piece of rolled-out dough.
• Carefully roll up each dough, lightly pinching seams together.
• Arrange the rolls 1 inch apart in the prepared cake pan.
• Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until tops are golden brown.
In the meantime prepare the frosting.
• Place cream cheese in your mixer's bowl and cream for 1 minute.
• Gradually add in powdered sugar and continue to beat until well combined.
• Mix in pumpkin pie spice.
• Add vanilla and mix until thoroughly combined.
• Remove pans from oven and immediately brush each roll with frosting.
• Serve.

Ward Family Home Evening Tonight!

There will be another Ward Family Home Evening tonight, December 9th, at the Woodland Hills ward church building at 6:30 pm.

Relief Society Christmas Party

Prayer Roll

Hello Sisters,

Please pray for the following members of our ward. If you know of anyone else that needs extra prays please email me at lisamarinagarcia@gmail.com

Cula Katzky - Very Ill. Is at home.

Tom Maney - Recovering from Neck Surgery at Canyon Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Tony Rivas - Home and recovering

Single Adult Thanksgiving

Reminder, November 16th Single Adult Thanksgiving Dinner to be held at the Canoga Park Stake Center, 7045 Farralone Avenue, Canoga Park on Saturday, November 16th  The Thanksgiving Dinner begins at 6:30 PM with entertainment by the Mike Gardner Quartet.  HT/VT are invited to attend and bring single members that they visit..

Family History Classes

Classes offered at the Family History Library at 10741 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, California with free parking next to the Visitor’s Center:

1.       Three-day intensive Family History/Genealogy training course: held November 19-21, 2013 from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm with an optional introduction to computers held on November 18, 2013 from 1:00 – 4:00 pm.  The three-day intensive course starts with the basics.  Call 310-474-9990 or visitwww.lafhl.org to register or for any questions.  $20 fee will give you the materials offered in the classes, which can be waived.

2.       Family Tree one-day intensive course:  A new approach to researching and organizing your family history through collaboration and sourcing. This is a free class held from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm on any of the below days:  Each class is restricted to the first 24 to register so call the Los Angeles Family History Library to register at 310-474-9990.

November 12, 23

Temple Schedule

The Los Angeles Temple has revised its schedule of Endowment sessions due to changes in the presentation. Some schedules changes were made a short while ago but only included weekday sessions. Beginning Saturday, November 16, 2013, session times for Saturdays will be the same as the weekday sessions.

The new times are:

Tuesday - 5:30, 6:45, 8:00, 9:15, 10:30, 11:45 a.m.; 1:00, 2:15, 3:30, 5:00, 6:15, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday-Friday 6:45, 8:00, 9:15, 10:30, 11:45 a.m.; 1:00, 2:15, 3:30, 5:00, 6:15, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday 5:30, 6:45, 8:00, 9:15, 10:30, 11:45 a.m.; 1:00, 2:15, 3:30, 5:00 p.m.

Living Endowment Sessions

Tuesday - Friday 9:15 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 6:15 p.m.

Saturday 9:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m. (Spanish), 1:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m.

Also, coming this holiday season are special Temple openings for the day after Christmas and the day after New Year's Day. On both those days, the temple will open starting with the 10:30 am endowment session and starting at 10:30 am for sealings.

Baptism

There will be a baptism on Saturday November 9th, 5pm at the Stake Center for Amy. If you are able to attend we are asking the Sisters to bring some light refreshments.

Prayers Needed

Hello Sister,

Every week I will post who in the ward needs extra prays. Please let me know if there is anyone in the ward who like to be on the Blog Pray Roll.

Extra Prayers for:

Brother Rivas - In ICU
Brother Maney - Neck Surgery

Baby Shower

Friday, November 1st, 7:00pm and Lisa Tippetts.

All Better!

The website was fixed and now our calendar, lesson schedule, and birthdays are all up to date.

Issue with Blogger

If you're wondering why I haven't changed the Calendar or the birthdays or lessons or anything on the side bars, it's because the website is having issues. I will update as soon as it will let me. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Get Kids Ready for Conference

I don't know about you, but when I was a kid I thought General Conference was the most boring Sunday to ever exist. Now of course I love it, but for those of you with kids, I've found a website with free printables and games to help the kids focus while they watch General Conference.

http://www.fabnfree.com/2013/04/05/10-free-general-conference-printables-for-toddlers-young-children/

Check it out:

The Hospital Window

Author Unknown

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the rooms's only window. The other man had to spend a;; his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation. Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside. The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm a midst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance. As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man couldn't hear the band but he could see it. In his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

Days and weeks passed.

One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away. As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone. Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed... it faced a blank wall.

The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window. The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.

"Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you," she said.

In Conclusion, there is tremendous happiness in making others happy despite our own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled. If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy, and share it.

"Today is a gift, that's why it's called the present."

Tip of the month: October

(I really tried this and it worked like a charm)

To get rid of fruit flies, mix 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, a few drops of dish soap in a wide mouth jar. Then fill the res of the jar with water until the bubbles reach the rim. The flies are attracted to the scent of the apple cider vinegar and die in the bubbles. When the bubbles disappear, dump some of it out and fill it with more water. Takes 24-48 hours but you will get them ALL.

Blueberry Cheesecake Cookies

Ingredients

1 stick butter, room temperature

4 oz cream cheese, room temperature

1/2 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed

2 eggs

2 boxes Jiffy Blueberry Muffin mix

1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Using a stand mixer or a hand mixer, cream together butter, cream cheese and brown sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Add muffin mix and mix well. Fold in white chocolate chips with a spatula. Place dough in the fridge to chill at least 1 hour. Bake 13-15 minutes, until cookies are just browned. Let cookies cool on the pans for a minute before moving to cooling racks.

Reminders

The General Relief Society Broadcast is this Saturday, the 28th at 5 pm at the Stake Center. If you signed up to bring treats, please remember to bring them.

Sunday, Sept. 29th is Fast Sunday.

And last but not lease, Who's excited for General Conference?

General Conference will be October 5th and 6th.

Elders Quorum Sponsored Pot Luck this Saturday

Just a reminder for everyone: This Saturday (September 21st) we will be having an Elders Quorum sponsored Pot Luck at 6 pm! We will be meeting in Knapp Ranch Park which is located on Kittridge St. Just west of Valley Circle. Please bring a dish to share, or just show up for the fun. We'd love to see everyone there.

Update on Sister Golberg

Hello Sisters,

Louise Golberg had a pacemaker put in on Saturday. Right now she does not have any strength in her legs so she is leaving West Hills Hospital and going to the same facility as her husband. The facility is West Hills Health and Rehab Center, 7940 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Canoga Park. She will probably be there for 2 weeks.

Sister Golberg is very motivated to get better and get her strength back. Cards, phone calls, prayers and visitors are welcome. 

A Glass of Milk, Paid in Full

One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to

pay his way through school, found he had only one thin dime left,

and he was hungry. He decided he would ask for a meal at the next

house. However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman

opened the door.

Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water. She thought he

looked hungry so brought him a large glass of milk.

He drank slowly, and then asked, "How much do I owe you?"

"You don't owe me anything," she replied. "Mother has taught us

to never accept pay for a kindness."

He said, "Then I thank you from my heart."

As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt stronger

physically, but his faith in God and man was strong also. He had

been ready to give up and quit.

Years later, that young woman became critically ill. The local

doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where

they called in specialists to study her rare disease.

Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he

heard the name of the town she cam from, a strange light filled his

eyes. Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the hospital

to her room.

Dressed in his doctor's gown he went in to see her. He recognized

her at once. He went back to the consultation room determined

to do his best to save her life. From that day he gave special

attention to the case.

After a long Struggle, the battle was won. Dr. Kelly requested

the business office to pass the final bill to him for approval. He

looked at it, then wrote something on the edge and the bill was

sent to her room.

She feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of

her life to pay for it all. Finally she looked, and something caught

her attention on the side of the bill. She began to read the

following words: "Paid for with one glass of milk"

Signed, Dr. Howard Kelly

Recipe: Snickers Salad

Ingredients:
6 regular size Snickers candy bars
6 Granny Smith apples
1 (5oz) package vanilla pudding, do not prepare
1/2 cup milk
1 (12oz) tub Cool Whip
1/2 cup caramel ice cream topping (optional)

Directions:
Whisk vanilla pudding packet, 1/2 cup milk and Cool Whip together until well combined. Chop up apples and Snickers and stir them into the pudding mixture. Place in a large bowl and drizzle caramel ice cream topping (optional). chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Tip of the Month

Freeze cookie dough. Try preparing a few batches of cookie dough at once and freezing the extra that you won't be baking that day. You can roll the dough in logs first before freezing (wrap the dough really well) and then just slice off and bake what you need whenever you crave freshly baked cookies.

Sunday Activity Ideas

Have a plan to help you kids learn to keep the
Sabbath day holy. Here are some activities
that can help you as a family attain this goal:
Act out stories from the scriptures
Visit friend.lds.org for activities
Look at family photos/videos
Visit an elderly member or neighbor
Memorize a scripture
Go on an 'alphabet walk' with family
Write letters to missionaries or family
Work on FHE assignments
Plan & perform a family talent show
Learn how to conduct/read music
Write in your journal
Draw or color a picture
Make up a story with siblings/parents
Make a calendar for upcoming week
Share what you have learned at church
Read a story from the friend
Write a thank-you note
Watch a Church movie
Write a letter to grandparents
Read & learn about a family ancestor
Read a general conference talk
Make some goals together
Have a picnic in the backyard
Play piano or other instruments
Have a family fireside
5 things I like about you game

Harmony on the Highway

BY MICHAEL YATES

Learning hymns can help make a long commute enjoyable.

When my company moved, I was faced with the choice of moving closer to work, quitting my job in hope of finding something closer, or commuting a longer distance to work. With my family’s support, I chose commuting, despite the fact that the distance was now 100 miles one way. Not having access to public transportation, I had to spend at least four hours driving every day.

The slow traffic often bothered me, and I even occasionally struggled with sleepiness. I tried a variety of activities to pass the time productively, but one by one these techniques failed to sustain my interest. I became discouraged until finally, a year after starting my long commute, I found a solid solution.

I began to memorize the hymns, basing the idea on the counsel of President Boyd K. Packer, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He has taught us to use worthy music to drive out unworthy thoughts.

Since beginning this activity, I can say that the mental activity of learning and practicing hymns provides so much stimulation that I no longer get sleepy at the wheel. Meanwhile, the uplifting lyrics help protect me from the world’s aggravations and displace the negative feelings that formerly afflicted me.

As I have memorized the hymns I have learned a few lessons:

First, the project goes much faster if, when beginning, you concentrate on the hymns you are already somewhat familiar with. Later, as you expand into unknown territory, you will find yourself pleasantly surprised by the discovery of new gems.

Second, solicit help from others to help you learn melodies you do not know. Even if you can’t quite get the melody, learn the words and add imperfect songs to your repertoire. The hymns on audiocassette or compact disc are available at distribution centers, and playing tapes in my car has helped me learn faster.

Third, learn topical hymns a month or two before the event. Learn Easter hymns before Easter, patriotic songs before patriotic days, Christmas carols before Christmas, and so on. This technique has increased my motivation and learning speed.

Fourth, practice, practice, practice. Once I learn a hymn, I must sing it two or three times a week for a while to keep it locked in my memory strongly enough so that I can sing it with confidence.

Fifth, be open to the message of the words. Our hymns give us not only a review of gospel principles and doctrine but also guidance for our conduct and solace for our sorrows while they buoy up our spirits.

Fifth, be open to the message of the words. Our hymns give us not only a review of gospel principles and doctrine but also guidance for our conduct and solace for our sorrows while they buoy up our spirits.

Sixth, sing sincerely. The Lord said, “For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads” (D&C 25:12). Thus, avoid singing mechanically. Instead, sing each hymn as a personal prayer from a humble and contrite heart. You will thereby enter into sweet communion with our Heavenly Father.

My family and I have moved closer to my place of employment since I began this project. However, I continue to devote much of my driving time to learning and practicing the hymns. No longer do irritation and boredom divert my attention to lower plateaus and hinder my growth. Above the freeway’s frustrations, above the traffic’s tumult, I continue to “make a joyful noise unto the Lord” (Ps. 100:1).

August Recipe: Marshmallow Whip Cheesecake

Graham Cracker Crust:
40 squares of graham crackers (crushed)
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine (melted)
Mix above ingredients. Press into top and sides of 9 x 13’ greased pan. Reserve 1/2 cup for top.
Filling:
10 1/2 oz. large marshmallows (40 marshmallows)
3/4 cup milk
2 - 8-oz. packages of cream cheese
12-oz. Container of fat-free Cool Whip
Melt marshmallows and milk over low heat. Beat cream cheese; add marshmallow mixture. Cool. Fold in Cool Whip. Spread into crust and sprinkle with remaining graham cracker crust. Refrigerate until set.

Tip of the Month, August

Tip of the month: With kids going back to school soon: Make your own lunchbox icepacks from dollar store sponges soaked in water and put in ziplock bags. When they thaw, ths sponge absorbs the water

Sewing Talents Needed

Hello Sisters. The Primary is in need of someone who is willing to help with a sewing project. If you are able to help please contact Dana Kim in the Ward.

Thank you.

Book of Mormon before Breakfast

by Betty Jan Murphy

One evening after dinner, some members of our family lingered and discussed ways to help one of our teenagers (who was not there) with his testimony. Our returned-missionary son said, “I think we should read the Book of Mormon as a family.” At the moment, I doubted that studying the Book of Mormon would really solve this particular challenge. Besides, our two younger children were studying the scriptures in seminary, and I was taking an institute class with our older son. Didn't that cover our scriptural needs? But my husband thought it was a good idea and said to our son, “If you’ll take the responsibility of waking everyone in the morning, we’ll give it a try.”

The first morning, each of the children dragged themselves into our bedroom sleepy eyed. The child we were worried about came wrapped in a blanket from his bed, hair tousled, with a look of “Let’s get this over with” on his face. He promptly lay down on the floor; whether he was awake or asleep, we could not determine. But read we did, every morning thereafter.

I don’t know when I first became aware of the change, because it happened so imperceptibly. I just remember that at another dinner table conversation with everyone present, the problem we had been so worried about no longer existed.

Coincidence? Maybe, but I choose to believe that the promise given by President Marion G. Romney in general conference in April 1980 and emphasized by President Ezra Taft Benson in October 1986 had been fulfilled: “I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity—the pure love of Christ—will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness.” 

No Bake Energy Bites

  

  1 cup (dry) oatmeal (I used old-fashioned oats)

    2/3 cup toasted coconut flakes

   1/2 cup peanut butter

   1/2 cup ground flaxseed or wheat germ

    1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

   1/3 cup honey or maple syrup

   1 Tbsp. chia seeds (optional)

   1 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions

Stir all ingredients together in a medium bowl until thoroughly mixed. Let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour. Once chilled, roll into balls of whatever size you would like. (Mine were about 1" in diameter.) Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.

Makes about 20-25 balls.

You can find the original recipe here.

Tip of the Month: July

When traveling, Use a small piece of plastic wrap between bottles and lids of toiletries, to keep your bags spill free. 

Furnishings needed

Hello Sisters,

If there is anyone getting rid of twin mattresses or couches that are in good shape or anyone looking to change out any of their appliances or electronics, please contact me Lisa Bell at lisamarinagarcia@gmail.com. There is a Sister in our ward who is moving and in need of these items.

Thanks!

Baby Clothes

Kirsten Stoneley has many clothes in her garage that she needs to get rid of. If there is anyone in need of the baby clothes ages 12months to 3T (boys and girls clothes) please contact me Lisa Bell at lisamarinagarcia@gmail.com.

Funeral for Rita Jones

Rita Jones a member of our ward passed away Tuesday. Her funeral will be help at the Woodland Hills Building on Saturday June, 15th at 11:00am.

Pinterest Party

Thursday, June 13th, 6pm, Woodland Hills Bldg

Featuring Craft, Cooking, Sewing and FHE Projects from PINTEREST. Babysitting will be provided!

Sewing Project‐“Father’s Day Aprons”

Items to be brought from home:

• Man’s Button Down Shirt (Some type of pattern or design preferred)

• Oversized T-°©‐Shirt

Craft Project “Silk Flower Hair Accessories”

Items to be brought from home:

• Pair of craft scissors

• Hair clips, bobby pins, mini combs

Cooking Project “Cupcake Pot Pie”

Items to be brought from home:

• Cup cake baking pan

• Container to transport your yummies home in

FHE Project “FHE Magnet Board”

Items to be brought from home:

• Metal Cookie Sheet (That you no longer want to use)

Please RSVP by 6/12/13 with

Charne’ Tunson so that we are sure to have

enough materials for everyone.

323-997-0843

cmtunson@me.com

If you are able to bring a $5 donation to help with supplies that would be great. If you can't donate $5 please come anyway!!!