Viewing Without Compromising Media Filtering Service
By Robin Finlinson
If you and your family would like to watch particular movies and TV shows but wish they didn’t include certain words or images, this article is for you! VidAngel, the company that filtered DVDs of such content, is alive and thriving, connecting to their customers’ streaming services, allowing users to filter out any content found personally objectionable.
Company CEO Bill Aho, and Vice President of Marketing Thomas Nehren believe that content creators have the right to produce whatever they want; however, people also have the right to decide what comes across the threshold into their own homes.
Nehren describes it this way: “You decide what to filter and can change those preferences anytime. Think of VidAngel as a pre-programmed remote that automatically mutes or skips scenes you want to avoid. That’s not censorship. VidAngel never applies filters without your permission, doesn’t take a stand on what should be filtered, and doesn’t permanently alter physical or digital copies of the shows you watch.”
VidAngel currently works with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Freevee, Apple TV+, Peacock, Paramount +, AMC +, Starz, BritBox and PBS Masterpiece. It has created apps for Apple and Android mobile devices, plus apps for several TV devices—in-
cluding Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Android TV.
“You can use default filters for things you never want to see or hear,” Nehren says. “But you also review the filters before you start watching something, see exactly what is in it, and then fine tune your settings for that specific show. Each (of over 100) filter(s) has a description to help you customize things exactly the way you want it.”
Nehren tells how easy it is to use. “We give you step-by-step instructions to connect your streaming accounts, set your filter preferences, and then you’re good to go. And if you have any problems at all we’ll give you all the support you need, including live chats and phone calls.”
VidAngel was started by Neal, Jeffrey and Jordan Harmon in 2014. Bill Aho tells how he came on board.
“Years ago, I was the CEO of a company called ClearPlay, which filtered DVDs,” he recalls. “In the process, I worked through legal battles with Hollywood studios and lobbied Congress
Photo courtesy of VidAngel
Photo courtesy of VidAngel Vice President of Marketing Thomas Nehren.
What’s The Buzz?
O star bright, the world is pining
For you to turn night into the day.
O star bright in heaven shining, Come, glow within me on Christmas Day!
The chorus of the brand new-to-us hymn “Star Bright” (hymn #1204) compares the glow we desire to feel this time of year to “his star in the east.” We each yearn to carry this same light within us, possibly being the source of the light that defeats the darkness of the night. The image of night turning to daylight is one of hope and encouragement in a dark, fallen world. Especially when we can expect the day to be turned to night before the opposite truly occurs!
Christmas celebrators have long been accused of the dark practice of focusing more on the material than the spiritual when considering the birth of Christ. Images of holiday decorations for sale in July and people trampling others at Black Friday Walmart sales come to mind. Fortunately, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, we understand that this is a season of giving true gifts rather than material gifts, of focusing on others rather than on ourselves, and of acting as Christ would act as he gave His gifts.
The First Presidency during its 2017 Christmas devotional prayed that “as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ this Christmas season, our hope is that the light and testimony of the Savior’s divine mission as the Redeemer of all mankind will come into our hearts and be reflected in our thoughts, our words, and our actions.” More of that light we’ve been talking about...
So, how can we better focus on the Savior’s divine mission as we celebrate Christmas this year? In this issue, we provide ideas for family activities, opportunities to give, events to attend, and the Spirit to feel, wrapped around this very idea.
We live in a world that needs (and wants, if not secretly) the Light of Christ. Christmas is the best time of year for each of us to enjoy and radiate that light. We are thankful for The Savior’s example which gives us the ability to do so. Because that’s how we can glow like the star in the east, right?
I consider this magazine to be a light in the world. However, without you, we would cease to exist. No light. (If no one is in the room when the light is on, is there really any light?) I wish you a magical and joyful holiday and Christmas season, and a Happy New Year. We look forward to being with you in 2025 and anticipate much excitement surrounding our star bright lifestyle!
Michael O’Brien Publisher
The Arizona Beehive, LLC 1225 West Main Street, Suite 101-439 Mesa, Arizona 85201
480.304.5646
ArizonaBeehiveMagazine.com
PUBLISHER
Michael O’Brien
BeehiveAdvSales@gmail.com
EDITOR
Michael O’Brien
BeehiveAdvSales@gmail.com
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Leslie Thompson - Layout
Candace Khattab - Ad Design
PHOTOGRAPHY
Robin Finlinson
SOCIAL MEDIA
Grace O’Brien
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Allison Beckert
Emily Jex Boyle
Robin Finlinson
Jaylene Garrett
Tony Gutierrez
Rauna Mortensen
Katherine Ogden
Mark Randall
Glen & Lynne Tolman
Barbie VanCott
Cindy R. Williams
GUEST WRITERS
A New Leaf
Jill Adair
Lin Sue Flood
DISTRIBUTION
AZ Integrated Media
Presido Distribution
PRINTING
Valley Newspapers
ADVERTISING
Call 480.304.5646 or email BeehiveAdvSales@ gmail.com to receive an Advertising Media Kit.
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Call 480.304.5646 or email BeehiveAdvSales@ gmail.com for a list of where to pick up the magazine.
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Subscriptions available. $29 annually (6 issues). Call 480.304.5646 or email BeehiveAdvSales@ gmail.com to order.
THE FINE PRINT
The Arizona Beehive Magazine is a free publication printed six times a year, published by The Arizona Beehive, LLC, containing copyrighted work consisting of original material, and is not an official publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The views expressed in The Arizona Beehive Magazine are solely those of its freelance writers, and are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher and its editor, nor do they necessarily represent the position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Duplication of articles for commercial purposes is prohibited.
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for the passage of The Family Movie Act, which saved the filtering industry. As a result of this experience, Neal and Jeffrey reached out to me when they started VidAngel with streaming in 2017. Over the years I helped out where I could, as they fought some of the same battles I’d been through. Fast forward to 2021. They had launched a studio business [Angel Studios] with The Chosen, which became a huge hit. They wanted to focus on the studio side and trusted me enough to sell me the VidAngel filtering business.”
Aho adds, “We’re big fans of the content they have produced, and even include some of it with every VidAngel subscription. We appreciate the role they have played in our history and will probably always find ways for our companies to work together.”
Several years ago, The Walt Disney Company and Warner Bros. jointly filed a lawsuit against VidAngel. As part of the settlement, VidAngel agreed to not filter content by either of those film studios. The lawsuit is part of what pushed VidAngel away from DVDs and toward the streaming model.
Aho is proud of VidAngel’s talented employees and how the company views them. Each of the approximately 50 employees share ownership in it. “But what really makes us different,” he says, “is that we also have our employees share in our financial success with quarterly bonuses. Some make more in bonuses than they do in salaries.” Add
to that Aho’s statement that, “We care about each other—in all functions and levels,” and it’s easy to understand why they have “almost no turnover.”
That caring attitude applies to their customers too. Aho shared several thankful messages he’s received, including a customer who told him, “[VidAngel] has made many unwatchable things watchable again.”
Another customer, named Jeff, told of being his father’s caregiver for the very last years of his life. He said, “I work from home and usually worked from 6 AM to 2 PM. About 1:30 he [Jeff’s father] would start saying, ‘When can we start watching stuff?’ We would binge watch tons of movies and series through VidAngel: We must have watched Yellowstone 5 times. He
would have LOVED THE TERMINAL LIST! Anyway, thanks to VidAngel, my Dad and I shared some great times….Thank you for offering such a valuable service! BEST APP EVER!”
And then there’s the ability to spare your family of awkwardness and embarrassment. Nehren says, “I think every parent has that moment when they’re watching a movie from their childhood with their kids, then suddenly you think, ‘Umm, I don’t remember that being in there,’ and you have to dive for the remote and have a conversation with your kids you weren’t planning on having that day.”
He adds, “My oldest son is a big sneakerhead and wanted to watch the movie Air last year. It’s a fun story
about Nike and the creation of the Air Jordan sneaker, but has some strong language in it. With VidAngel, we breezed right past all of that and were able to enjoy it together, no problem. Movies have been a favorite way to bond for a long time. It’s fun to watch more of the stuff you love without all the stuff you don’t.”
When asked about the behind-thescenes work—how content actually gets filtered, Nehren let us inside: “Ah, the magic behind the curtain! It all starts with our team of reviewers. They meticulously watch every movie and TV show and precisely tag every bit of content that might be considered offensive—things like language, violence, nudity, and more. This process creates
a detailed map of the show’s content. Then, our system uses that map to skip or mute specific moments based on the filters you’ve set. It’s all done seamlessly. A lot of the time you won’t even know anything’s been skipped.”
Nehren says there is now eight times the amount of offensive content in movies and TV shows than there was 40 years ago, and he points out a major reason. “Streaming has really changed what we watch. There used to be only a few channels, and they had guidelines. But now, since the advent of streaming services, you’ll have something rated G sitting next to something that’s rated R—24/7. And the streaming networks don’t have some of the same FCC guidelines or standards and regulations that over-the-air broadcast networks have.”
For more information, visit VidAngel.com. A subscription costs $9.99 per month. With no contract, you may cancel the service whenever you choose.
Photo courtesy of VidAngel
VidAngel CEO Bill Aho.
By Robin Finlinson
Come Follow Me
This
The Parable of the Clock
Artists of all kinds often use motifs (distinctive features or patterns) in their work. A motif of the Lord’s creations, teachings and purposes is roundness—circular, spherical, and cyclical things. Examples are atoms; solar systems; planets; and cyclones, such as hurricanes and tornadoes.
The parables of Jesus Christ often compared the kingdom of God to everyday round objects, such as a mustard seed; a pearl of great price; a casting net; and leaven, which raises bread into a corpulent loaf (Matt. 13).
The Lord describes His work as “one eternal round” (D&C 3:2; 35:1. See also Moses 1:33, 38-39).
It shouldn’t be a surprise then that when Jesus miraculously told Peter to find what they needed in the mouth of the first fish he would catch, the object would be round: a “piece of money” or coin (Matt. 17:24-27).
Christ could have located all the money in the world, but He didn’t desire it. His one grand “purchase,” paid with His atoning blood, would redeem our souls from eternal darkness if we repent (1 Cor. 6:19-20; 1 Peter 1:18-19).
To help us understand the vital doctrine of repentance, we could use another everyday round object.
Keeping our thoughts at exactly 12 o’clock, symbolizing perfect alignment with God, would be the ideal. Twelve is one of the Lord’s most significant numerical motifs, and it’s where both clock hands point perfectly toward heaven.
Though we might focus on multiple heavenly things each day, there are naturally moments when the imaginings of our faulty mortal minds tick clockwise away from the 12. Our thoughts descend into negativity about another faulty mortal being; justification for actions or inaction; delusions of grandeur or its opposite: delusions of having no worth; etc.
These statements by James Allen in As a Man Thinketh illustrate the need to return our focus to Jesus: “Act is the blossom of thought; and joy and suffering are its fruits….” “As he thinks, so he is; as he continues to think, so he remains.”
Our need for Jesus is most evident at the bottom of the clock. The gravitational pull of distraction, discouragement, despair and everything that is opposite of Him is too strong for us to ascend from alone. We all experience that low point. But the second we sincerely choose to close the gap between us and God by continuing the cycle, and exert whatever amount of strength
we have, we are “clasped in the arms of Jesus” (Mormon 5:11). And with His mighty, unceasing momentum, He helps us continue upward. Since only the thoughts and actions of the Holy One of Israel are always aligned with our Father’s, only He has the ability and assignment of reaching all the way down to save us. He always has our six.
The prophet Moroni testified of the Lord’s mercy granted to the people of his day. He said that “as oft as they repented and sought forgiveness, with real intent, they were forgiven” (Moroni 6:8). That applies to everyone, no matter how many millions of times around the clock we go.
Notice that the movements of the earth can be viewed as types of the
repentance process. Earth is constantly rotating on its axis—turning away from and back toward the light it temporarily shuns. Also, constantly revolving around the sun, the earth is about 3.1 million miles farther away from it in late June or early July at its aphelion (the farthest point from the sun during an elliptical orbit) than in either late December (our 12th month) or early January, at its perihelion (the closest point). For people, turning around to get closer to the light once a year is good, but a faster repentance cycle of once or twice a day is better. Every hour? Even better. Turning full circle every minute (or faster!) yields the best results; it keeps what we have down at the six far less devilish. What a gift repentance is! How long has it been since you thought about Jesus Christ? Pondering His magnificence can give you assurance that “the eternal purposes of the Lord shall roll on, until all his promises shall be fulfilled” (Mormon 8:22). Don’t let your spiritual clock hands stop at the six. Let the Redeemer of the world lift you to where His extraordinary promises may be shared with you (Ether 4:18-19).
Photo by Robin Finlinson
A wall clock can be used to help us understand concepts of repentance.
Desert Dweller Holiday Spirit! FAMILY T IME
By Barbie VanCott & Jill Adair
Christmas Activities
The Mesa Santa Express
HWho
needs a white Christmas with all there is to do in the Valley of the Sun this holiday season? We’ve rounded up a few Christmas event ideas to
get even the Grinchiest desert dweller into the holiday spirit!
Mesa Temple Christmas Lights
The beautiful grounds of the Mesa Arizona Temple, 101 S. LeSueur, will light up with Christmas spirit this year from Friday, Nov. 29, through Monday, Dec. 30. The lights will be on each evening from 5 pm to 10 pm. The event is free.
Visitors are welcome to stroll through the north lawn and gardens of the temple grounds and enjoy the hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights adorning palm and citrus trees, cacti, hedges, shrubs, and flowering beds.
In addition, there are 10 favorite biblical vignettes placed among the olive trees that help tell the Christmas story, including figures of Mary and Joseph on their way to Bethlehem, a near life-size Italian Fontanini nativity scene with a star above shining with tens of thousands of twinkling lights, and three lighted Wiseman with camels. Each area has a stand that identifies the biblical story and special QR codes so visitors can use their cell phones to access additional videos and information for these scenes depicted.
Thousands of volunteers make this beloved community event possible, which started in 1979 and has become a holiday tradition for many who come each year to enjoy the Christmas lights and feel the spirit of peace in these historic gardens.
The Mesa Arizona Temple, dedicated in 1927, was the first temple built in Arizona by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The 20-acre temple grounds are home to a wide variety of vegetation as well as two stunning reflection pools and has long been a landmark in the East Valley.
During the Christmas season, the adjacent Mesa Temple Visitors’ Center hosts the annual International Nativity Exhibit. This event is also free to attend. View hundreds of unique nativity scenes from around the world and enjoy the Christmas story through inspiring works of art --- many which are handmade --- depicting the Savior’s birth. The nativity display runs the same dates as the Christmas lights event and is open 5-10 p.m. each evening with daytime viewing 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Tuesdays/Thursdays at the Visitors’ Center, 455 E. Main St., which is located just west of the temple grounds on the corner of LeSueur and Main Street. Free parking is available nearby.
See the Christmas lights and feel the spirit of Christmas throughout the holiday season!
More information on the Mesa Temple Christmas Lights and International Nativity Exhibit, including FAQ, can be found at MesaTemple.org/Christmas
ere comes Santa Claus! In the tradition of that magical train to the North Pole carrying children to meet Santa Claus, zoom down merry Main Street in special Light Rail cars, singing songs, enjoying cookies, and best of all meeting Santa! Wear your festive pajamas or dress to the nines to make memories this Christmas season with the Mesa Santa Express. December 13, 14, and 15. Rides begin at 5 pm and run every 30 minutes until 9 pm. Tickets are available at the ticket table in front of the Mesa Christmas Market.
International Nativity display at The Mesa Visitors Center
After being dazzled by thousands of Christmas lights at the Mesa Arizona Temple grounds, travel across the street to the Mesa Temple Visitors Center at 455 East Main Street, find the multi-purpose room, and you will be treated to a unique display of over 250 nativities. From miniature to several feet tall, nativities representing every continent and various countries including Tonga, Nigeria, Madagascar, Costa Rica, France, and Ghana are on display. Admission is free and children are welcome. A self-guided tour is offered every evening from 5:00 to 10:00, November 29 through New Year’s Day.
Flood The Earth
Tools for Teaching The Book of Mormon
By Allison Beckert
For members of the Church, sharing the gospel is incomplete without sharing The Book of Mormon. While a unique book of scripture can be a hard sell to those with faith in Christ, and explaining its power can make us stumble, faithful members and our leaders have put a passion of time and resources into tools to help. One set of tools gaining traction is focused on helping us share the Book of Mormon with our friends in a way to make it easier to share and understand: “Book of Mormon Map,” “Book Of Mormon 20-Day Reading Guide,” and “5 Experiences In 5 Days To Know.”
wise a strange book of scripture.
More than the who, what, when, and story within the book is how the messages have the power to change a heart. Allowing such a change to happen requires reading, and feeling the Spirit doesn’t tend to kick in immediately. Two tools in this package - “Book of Mormon 20-Day Reading Guide” and 5 Experiences In 5 Days To Know”- have the aim of help ing new readers of the book feel its spiritual power, working with our modern short atten
Many
What is the Book of Mormon?
Introduction, Testimony of the Witnesses, Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith Pg vii-ix
Please scan to watch an
What does it teach about Jesus Christ?
2 Nephi 25:19-30 Pg 99-100 Mosiah 3 Pg 151-154
Alma 7 Pg 224-226
Helaman 5:1-12 Pg 377-378
What does it teach about Jesus Christ's visit to the Americas after His resurrection? (see John10:16)
3 Nephi 11 Pg 427-430
3 Nephi 15 Pg 436-438
3 Nephi 17 Pg 440-441
How can I follow and become more like Jesus Christ?
2 Nephi 31 Pg 112-114 Moroni 7 Pg 521-524
How can I know if the Book of Mormon is true and another testament of Jesus Christ?
Alma 5:44-50 Pg 221
Alma 32 Pg 288-291 Moroni 10* Pg 529-531
* Verses 3-5 contain a sacred promise to all who sincerely pray with faith in Christ to know the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. Will you accept this invitation?
Two Testaments
The Book of Mormon, like the Bible, is a witness to the divinity of Jesus Christ. We invite you to continue reading and studying this inspired book of scripture.
Scan to download the FREE mobile app to read, listen to or watch videos about the Book of Mormon.
Lorin Hatch has been a facilitator for the project and shared his admiration for and appreciation of how much work has gone into this. When asked about contributors, Hatch shared with enthusiasm that Arizona mission presidents and missions both in the US and abroad have nothing but praise for the project and results. While these tools are not produced by the Church or used in official teaching materials, the quality in this mission is at the highest level. These tools have seen success both in use by member missionaries and local mission leadership. Each tool is printed in English, Spanish, Maori, Tongan, Chinese, and soon in Japanese. For anyone interested in copies of these guides, email lorinhatch@ gmail.com with your request.
people are familiar with the Bible, with favorite verses and books. Through Christian churches, the familiarity of the apostles’ names, messages of psalms, stories of faith and fortitude are made so available that spending time reading scripture is like coming home. The Book of Mormon, however, is full of new names, unfamiliar places, and it can be difficult to share how this book is another testament of Christ. One teaching aid in this package is the “Book of Mormon Map.” This is a handy placard that takes the major events of the Book of Mormon and indicates where in the old and new world they occur. It puts Christ in focus within what’s other-
Between
a 5-day reading plan and a 20-day reading plan, new readers can experience the principles, doctrines, and truths that ring through the Book of Mormon.
These study guides and teaching tools were created by a passionate team of members who each contributed their talents and insights. Lanny Owens, a member in Mesa, Arizona, originally came up with the concept. The illustrations and easy to follow graphic design can be credited to The Arizona Beehive Magazine Graphic Artist, Leslie Thompson, who used her impressive talents to arrange for printing and customizing the bookmarks for many of the missions who are currently using it.
Prep Your Youth
Representing Christ
The covenant of baptism, and taking on the name of Christ, does not change with the times. It’s the unique challenge of each generation both to stand as His representative in their own best way, and to teach the next generation how to do so in theirs. Despite their youth, teens are powerful representatives of Christ, with our support and guidance.
Being a representative of Christ means showing others who Christ is through our actions, choices, and how we live. As parents, your role is to help teens understand that this responsibility extends beyond Sunday services—it’s about how they live at school, at home, and even online. The For the Strength of Youth booklet, materials and monthly magazines are tailored to help faithful families successfully live in the present with all its difficulties.
Parents can guide their teens by example to use kind, respectful language, both in person and online. Gossip, rude comments, or inappropriate jokes don’t reflect Christ’s teachings. Remember, words can build others up or tear them down, so lead by example, and praise them when
By Allison Beckert
they use language that reflects their values.
Christ-like actions involve standing up for what’s right, even when it’s hard. Teens may struggle with honesty, peer pressure, or being kind to others who are different. Showing compassion, patience, and honesty in your own life will speak volumes. Encourage your teen to engage in acts of service and support them when they act, like helping a sibling or standing up for a friend.
Treating others with kindness, even those who are difficult to love, is a direct reflection of Christ. This includes being inclusive and compassionate in social settings. Encourage your teen to look for ways to include and serve others, especially those who may be left out. This may challenge you. Tolerance is a movement among youth that leads with love for those who do not believe as we do, and who live differently. In this we can learn from our youth, and this exchange can be a mutual benefit.
There has always been intense pressure on teens and young people to fit in with their peers. Foster open communication about the pressures they face. Encourage your teen to be proud of their values and nurture efforts to mod-
el Christ’s willingness to walk with the oppressed, bless the downtrodden, and sup with sinners.
The prevalence of the internet can never be understated. The connections there can be very real, but the anonymity and now powerful tools to craft believable lies are a challenge new to this landscape. Lead by example with screen time limits, daily in person engagement like family dinner and activities, and engaging in critical thinking about the messages youth are being fed by friends and authority figures.
We’re asked to teach our youth so much, but much of these principles fall together when framed in representing Christ. Their faith will become more personal, and they’ll find strength in their relationship with Him. Representing Christ makes teens leaders among their peers. Their positive choices, kindness, and integrity will set them apart and draw others to Christ.
Strength of Youth
Youth
Photo by: thewet nonthachai from Pixabay
Young Soulmates Say At Ryan House
ouples often spend months, if not years, planning their nuptials. But there was no such luxury for Jovani Colmenero and Kaylie Garcia. Time was especially precious because the groom was a 20-year-old with late-stage cancer.
Jovani has battled bone cancer since the age of 16. As the disease progressed, Hospice of the Valley provided compassionate comfort care in his home. Eventually, he moved to Ryan House, which offers round-the-clock clinical support.
The young couple envisioned a small gathering to celebrate their unconditional love. They were overwhelmed when Hospice of the Valley’s pediatric inpatient unit and other care team members rallied to create the wedding of their dreams.
The agency’s Helping Hand Fund covered a catered dinner from Ajo Al’s. The wedding bands, bridal gown, tuxedo shirt, flowers and dessert were all donated. Ryan House home health aide Alexundria Fernandez provided hair and makeup, while Hospice of the Valley videographer Delbert Vega captured stunning photos of the ceremony. The marriage was conducted in Spanish by Hospice of the Valley chaplain Frank Macias in Ryan House’s sanctuary, transformed into a cozy pink chapel in honor of the bride’s favorite color.
“They got us a priest, a gown, shoes, his clothes, décor… everything! When I arrived, everything looked beautiful! I wasn’t expecting this — it exceeded all my expectations,” Kaylie said.
“I feel like the happiest man on Earth,” Jovani said. “When I look at her, I look at the love of my life.”
Jovani is Kaylie’s first boyfriend. They met in 2022 at a party, seven months before he became
“I admire how strong he is. He taught me things that I would never think I’d learn,” said Kaylie, also 20. “When I see him, I feel really lucky. Jovani knows how to make a difficult moment a happy moment. In him, I see happiness and love, and that’s what I need. This is what true love is — being together during the happy times and the hard times. He is my angel.”
“And vice versa,” Jovani added. “How many people would stand by someone in my situation?”
Mental Health and the Holiday s
By Allison Beckert
Thanksgiving and Christmas are beautiful opportunities to connect with loved ones. But the holidays can also bring stress, especially when navigating relationships, different expectations, and extended family dynamics. Add this to accommodating logistics, and the holidays can be one of the most taxing times of year for our mental health. With some work, however, these pressures can be made lighter.
Every family has different personalities, histories, and tensions. Close quarters can turn these differences up high. First meetings, the magic for young children, even the desire to recapture traditions turn into responsibilities rather than pleasures. Not to mention the challenge of balancing being a spouse, parent, sibling, and host/guest all at once.
The simplest answer is no one can do and be everything. To be fully present will require boundaries. This is quite the buzzword: boundaries. They are a way of maintaining emotional and mental well-being, helping individuals take responsibility for their own needs while showing respect for others.
Many of the magic makers during the holidays become overcommitted. When there’s already so much to do, feeling obligated to say “Yes!” to every invitation or request will lead to exhaustion or
even illness. Say “No!” when necessary. It’s not just okay to prioritize immediate family or personal rest without guilt, it’s the only way to invest your energy where it will benefit you and your family the most. Family conflict from differences in politics, religion, or lifestyle often come up in family conversations, which can cause tension. As a tension prevention suggestion, prepare a kind, but firm response to redirect conversations, or excuse yourself if things get heated. No one is entitled to your private information despite how they may feel they are. Refusing to answer is not as rude as being asked an inappropriate question.
Practical Ways to Protect Your Mental Health
During the Holidays
• Self-Care: Carve out quiet time to pray, rest, and reflect amid the holiday busyness. With so much good will this time of year, allow personal prayer and scripture to feed your peace.
• Communicate with Grace: Use open, honest, but loving communication with family about their needs and limits. Practice kindness and understanding, especially when setting boundaries. Remember, boundaries aren’t a way of controlling others, but a way of reinforcing your control over yourself.
By
After the ceremony, Jovani’s dad, German, struggled to convey his appreciation. “I don’t have words for this. I’m very grateful to the nurses, the doctors, the entire staff.”
A sentiment echoed by Kaylie’s mom, Lorena. “Every single person in here projects confidence, kindness and, above all, love.”
Jovani’s care team was deeply touched by the couples’ commitment. “There was a point in the ceremony where Giovanni looked at Kaylie and I know it took a lot of his strength to give her that smile,” Ryan House nurse and team leader Karena Fisher recalled. “It gave me comfort to know that he will always cher ish that memory. That’s what we wanted to give Jovanni.”
Lin Sue Flood is director of Community Engagement at Hospice of the Valley. To learn more about programs and services, visit hov. org.
• Let Go of Perfectionism: This is a suggestion heard often, but not always followed. Focus on the joy and meaning of the holiday season rather than perfect meals or decorations. It’s the spirit of togetherness, not the flawless execution, that matters.
• Enlist Support: It’s okay to ask for help, whether that’s dividing up tasks at a family gathering or leaning on a trusted friend or spouse for emotional support. Giving these opportunities can build new relationships, strengthen old ones, and create new traditions of value.
It is not selfish to protect your peace, or even to prioritize what’s important to you during the holiday season. In the end, others’ emotions are their own responsibility, and it’s as much on each individual to make the holidays great as it is on you.
Photo courtesy of Hospice of the Valley Hospice of the Valley and Ryan House care teams pulled the dream wedding together in just a few days.
Lin Sue Flood
Photo courtesy of Hospice of the Valley Kaylie and Jovani were overwhelmed with gratitude for their dream wedding.
No Kid Goes Hungry FEED MY STARVING
CHILDREN
In 1982, Minnesota businessman Richard Proudfit visited the country of Honduras on a mission. Hurricane Fifi had left thousands of people dead or homeless. He went there as an engineer with a medical relief team to help the survivors of the disaster and witnessed the real poverty, hunger and desperation that existed. “It wasn’t long until I began to see the children literally dying around us,” Richard recalled. “One mother came to me crying, carrying her near-death child, pleading for help. That is when the Lord broke my heart and brought me to my knees and I knew I had to come back to do something about it.”
Since its founding in 1987, Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) has given hope, in Jesus’s name, and in the form of nutritious MannaPack meals to many who are hungry. In 1993, a team of Cargill food scientists and colleagues from General Mills and Pillsbury created a fortified rice and vegetable meal specifically for malnourished children, called MannaPack Rice. FMSC produces three special MannaPack meal formulas designed to relieve malnutrition.
Both donations and packing the meals are required in order to feed the children. FMSC doesn’t receive free ingredients or government aid. They raise all funds through private donors, purchase the ingredients, and calculate the exact amount needed for packing each meal packet. Ninety-plus per cent of total annual donations are spent directly on meal production.
All meal packs are assembled by volunteersincluding many Church youth groups - working two hours shifts in FMSC production facilities. Ingre-
dients (rice, soy, dried vegetables and a nutritionally complete blend of vitamins and minerals) are handpacked into plastic bags which are sealed, boxed, placed on pallets and shipped to their incredible partners working hard to reach starving children around the world. FMSC does not have its own staff distributing food. They donate meals to an exceptional network of missions and humanitarian organizations which accomplish that final task in hunger relief.
In 2017, FMSC made history when volunteers packed and shipped the two billionth meal prepared by the organization. “We are not about us, we are
By Katherine Ogden
about the people we feed and serve,” says Clint Parker, the development manager in the East Valley location. Feed My Starving Children has shipped food to ninety-three countries and counting, in the past year.
Richard Proudfit passed away in 2018, at the age of 88, but his legacy lives on. From time to time, Richard was asked about retirement. His response was always the same, “I can’t. My children are dying!”
FMSC has relocate to a newer, larger facility: 1100 W. Grove Parkway, Ste. #101, Tempe, Arizona, 85283. For more information on how you, your family, or youth group can donate funds, or to volunteer for a 2-hour packing shift at FMSC, please visit the Feed My Starving Children website at https://www.fmsc.org.
Photos courtesy of FMSC
Manna packs ready for shipping.
Children sharing their meals in Cambodia.
Children carrying their food packs, from the Cyclone Kenneth Village Food distribution in Mozambique.
Honesty Guides Mesa Man’s Business Venture
By Tony Gutiérrez
As David Hall sits behind his desk, he checks the search results for his most recent client who also happens to be his stepdaughter. “Put in any Arizona gardening term. I’ll be brave and type something that pops up into my head,” he said, before typing “How to grow turnips in Arizona?”
“The top is the University of Arizona Extension,” he noted. “The number two is ‘Growing in the Garden.’ We helped her with that.” Through The Website Factory, Hall, a member of the Kensington Ward in the Mountain View Stake in Mesa, hopes to help his clients grow their online presence.
Hall’s interest in web design began while he was a private practice dentist in Iowa. He had already been distributing handouts with dental information to his patients. In 1995, Hall began providing that same information on MyNewSmile.com.
Even though Hall no longer practices dentistry, that first website is still online, now serving as a resource for dental health and to help visitors find cosmetic dentists. “I just posted my little information sheets. That was in the very early days of the internet — there were very few dental websites up,
and I just thought it was so cool,” Hall said. “I had a library in Jordan that linked to one of my articles, and I thought, ‘Wow, this is powerful.’”
Hall had already been involved in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry leadership by then. Through that organization, other dentists reached out to him and asked him to build websites for them. Thus, Infinity Dental Web was born. “I sent out an email to a bunch of them that I knew, and I got replies and enough work to keep me busy to get started. I got everybody No. 1 ranking,” Hall said.
Hall recalled his involvement with the academy, took away time from his patients and considered leaving. However, he felt a prompting to remain involved, although he didn’t understand why at the time. “The reason now is that when I ended up starting this new career, that’s where I got my clients, from that,” Hall said. “It was a blessing. I really felt like I had a prompting to do that.”
As Hall began the business, he met his current wife Sharon through a Latter-day Saint dating website. Since his new venture allowed him to work remotely, he decided to relocate to where she lived, in Mesa.
It appeared that doors continued to open for Hall, he said. He met Michael Andre, a former vice president for the Germany-based Grey Group marketing agency when the latter served as a home teacher. “He had decided to go into consulting,” Hall recalled. “When we had an opening here at the company as we were growing, I talked him into coming to work for us.”
With the aim of providing services beyond the dental community, Infinity Dental Web became The Website Factory this past year. “We were so successful with the dentists, I thought, ‘Why can’t we just do websites for everybody?’” Hall said. “We’ve got designers, we’ve got technical people. I’ve got a couple of really powerful marketing people. I think we could do well for everybody.”
Continued on pg. 22
Photo by Tony Gutiérrez
David Hall, owner of The Website Factory, sits at his desk in his Mesa office.
Communicate Your Love Personalized Homemade Gifts
By Rauna Mortensen
Christmas and birthdays are wonderful occasions to give thoughtful, personalized homemade gifts. In this age of ease and materialism, when almost anything factory-made can arrive in a day or two at your doorstep, such gifts convey much more affection and meaning.
Children’s interests can change quickly, and all the toys and gimmicks bought for the latest fad can soon be tossed aside or thrown out. Personalized gifts are much more timeless; some may even be treasured and carefully passed on to the next generation! Here are some homemade gift ideas for you to consider:
For young children:
• Alphabet book using a photo of a family member for each letter of the alphabet on its own little page. Example: photo of Aunt Amy holding an apple. Fill up the rest of the page with fun stickers or clipart of items beginning with that letter.
• Design a short, simple story, with photos or drawings, about a family member (yourself?) or ancestor. You could print it and put it in a binder, or print it on large label sheets and put these into a blank board book, or get it printed professionally.
• Sew a simple pillowcase either with fun prints or holiday fabric. Or add iron-on transfers of photos and love notes to a store-bought pillowcase. Embroider their name by hand or machine onto this and/or a blanket.
For teens, adults, or spouse:
• A book compiled of family stories (tender mercies), testimonies, and/or ancestor stories, including their conversions, or collection of your journal snippets about them.
• Photo collage of family memories from the past year, travels, temples visited, etc.
• Photo pedigree chart.
• Calendar with a photo theme on each page. Maybe one page has photos of all your children at their baby blessings, another page for their baptisms, etc. Other themes: family at the temple, sports, dance, the beach, on bikes, first day of school, wearing school spirit attire, graduations, with Santa or the Christmas tree.
• Shadow box of three dimensional items of significance to them: awards from school/sports/scouting, memorabilia from performances, art projects, etc.
• T-shirt quilt. Keep it simple by cutting each t-shirt printed area to the same size, add stabilizer, then form rows and columns.
• For returned missionaries, make a photo collage representing each area of their mission or a cross stitch map of their mission with the cities/areas they served in highlighted. Organize all the emails they sent you into a binder.
• Celebrate weddings with a photo collage or cross stitch of temple.
For grandparents:
• Photos of grandkids inside of clear ornaments.
• Small flip calendar of cute and funny quotes from their grandkids. Supplement with your favorite inspiring quotes. Plan well ahead of time so your gift idea doesn’t add to the holiday stress. If it’s just not doable for this year, choose a simpler version or set a goal to begin in the new year.
The possibilities are endless, and your gifts will give frequent and priceless reminders of your love!
Photo pedigree chart.
Photos and gifts pictured by the author
Sample page ABC book.
A Web of Christmas Love
Arizona’s Stephanie Morris, nicknamed Steppie, has released a new Christmas story titled A Web of Christmas Love. This heartwarming legend is told through the eyes of a spider, but not a scary or creepy one. It is reminiscent of the beloved spider in Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White.
Morris says, “This tender and relatable tale follows a curious spider on his Christmas Eve journey. As he explores a room beautifully decorated for the season, he unknowingly leaves a trail of gloomy webs behind him. By the story’s end, the message is clear: no matter what mistakes we make, Jesus Christ’s love for us is unwavering. In His love there is hope, acceptance, forgiveness, and the real-
ization that even our imperfections can become something incredible.”
Several lines help set the mood. “A thought crept in that made him feel an inch and one foot tall. The love of God flows freely to all creatures—large and small.”
Photo courtesy of Ted Photography
Author Stephanie “Steppie” Morris.
Morris first heard the legend of the curious spider when making a little golden spider tree ornament while serving in the Young Women’s program of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She says, “Now, each holiday season, that little spider, is moved around the tree by her children. It reminds her that Christ loves every single one of us and that all are welcome in this magical
season of celebration.”
Morris continues, “Since this story centers on a visit from Christ, I knew it needed an artist who could masterfully capture the light.” Illustrator, Paul Wembabazi, who hails from Uganda, was “the perfect fit for bringing this story of love to life.”
By Cindy R. Williams
Beehive BOOK REVIEW
Morris says, “This is a timeless message that each of us is special, valued, and loved—no matter our age. There have been moments in my life when I needed the reassurance of Christ’s love despite my imperfections, weaknesses, and mistakes, and I
2024 Lds Author Book List
believe we all need that reminder once in a while. The vibrant illustrations of this spider’s journey are sure to capture the hearts of young children, but this story is truly for families to cherish together. Morris is also the author of I Hope Your Dreams Are Sweet, Children in the Box, and Come Dance in the Rain. All are available online at Amazon, and at Barnes and Noble bookstores.
Presenting The Arizona Beehive Magazine list of books written by members of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints, and published in 2023 and 2024. Happy Reading!
CHILDREN’S BOOKS
A Web Of Christmas Love by Steppie Morris
An Easter Story Of Light by Ora Smith
Happy Being Me by Rachel Renee
Jesus’ 2nd Coming by Beulah Martin
Jesus’s Hands: An Easter Story by Beulah Martin
Picture The Alphabet by Cathy Witbeck
Sophie, The Tangled Web Masker by Beulah Martin
A Distraught Maiden: Book Ten Of The Royal Romance Series by Anna Del C. Dye
A Renaissance Of Locks by Taylor C. Bailey
A Season For Shariton Park by Christine M. Walter
A Time For Shariton Park by Christine M. Walter
An Unexpected Proposal by Betsy Love
Beauty And The Bachelor by Kelly Oram
Brooks by Deebee Daws
Chromatic, (3rd Book In The Color Theory Trilogy) by Ashley Bustamante
Cinnamon Sky by Brynn Lee
Dangerous Reflection by Donna Weaver
Donuts And Denial by Angela R. Barton
Farnsworth Chronicles by William Staub
First Class Romance by Emily Maxwell
Flat Deception by Paige Edwards
Guardian Of Faith by William Staub
Hinge Points In History by R.k. Irvine.
I Never Knew: A Novel by S, Louise Thomas
In The Garden by The Sea by Jo Ellen Guthrie
Kiss Of The Bionic Mermaid by Don Carey
Knights Of Roshalla by John Parsons
Let’s Learn Together Book Of Mormon by Rebecca Irvine
Love And Breakfast Book 1 by Angela Barton Love
Mapleshire: Secrets Of Rose Manor by Kimberleigh Dixon
Mind Your Ps And Clues by Terry Deighton
Mistaken Heart by Kaleena Shreeve
Mistletoe Rescue by Donna Weaver
My Twin Sister’s Extremely Famous And Incredibly Hot Neighbor by Victorine E. Lieske
One Spark by Holly D. Morgan
Our Demark Chapter by Kim Roth
Penance by Pam Eaton
Perfect In Christ by Michelle Wilson
Positivity Happens by Laurie Mckay
Purrrfecting Your Bond by Jessica Mockett
Pushing Up Roses by Am Jenner
Shattered Identity by Betsy Love
Skye Fall by Paige Edwards
Stealing Mackenzie’s Heart by Melody J. Williams
Stones Of Light: Jonathan’s Journal by W. David Eaton
Substitute For Love by Lacey Chase
The Autumn Fallout by Amey Zeigler
The Bad Penny by Keri Brooks Mcwhorter
The Best Clean Jokes; Volume 2 by Stan Cronin
The Blog by Carolyn Adams Hanchett
The Broken Threads Of Fate by Charity R. Nelson
The Candlelight Chapel by Jennifer Griffith
The Centaur Choice by Christie Valentine Powell
The Christmas Mug Neighborhood by Amey Zeigler
The Dissection And Reassembly Of Cohen Hoard by Elesa Hagberg
The Late Bloomer by Amey Zeigler
The Mistletoe Lift by Jennifer Griffith
The Peace Of Pocahontas, Jamestown’s Boy Interpreter by Ora Smith
The Perfect Rose by Brooke Hampton
The Seven Sages by Christie Valentine Powell
The Tempus Guild Series Book 2 by Charity R. Nelson
The Watchers; Night Of Light by Deirdra Eden
The Wizard’s Mark by Janette Rallison
Unexpected Romance Collection by Christine M. Walter
We Are Shadows by Gail Grant Park
Weave Of A Thousand Words by Amey Zeigler
Winter’s Handmaiden by Ashley Bustamante
Winter’s Handmaiden by J. C. Wade
Women Of The Covenant Series by Angelique Conger
1: Sarah, Mother Of Nations
2: Hagar, Mother Of Sorrows
3: Keturah, Mother Of Virtue
4: Rebekah, Mother Of Hope
You’re Everything: A Novel by S. Louise Thomas
Give shelter to families in crisis!
You can donate your Arizona Charitable Tax Credit to A New Leaf and give a safe, temporary home to families facing homelessness!
Your donation will change a life by providing:
• Safe, secure shelter
• Food and basic needs
• Baby formula and diapers
Donate your Charitable Tax Credit!
By making a gift to A New Leaf you will qualify for a dollar-for-dollar tax credit of up to $938 for couples, or up to $470 for individuals.
Put simply: when you file your taxes, you get your money back! It’s that easy!
Make a local impact for families!
A New Leaf serves families facing homelessness across Maricopa County and Pinal County, helping people in your local community.
You can scan this QR code to donate!
Your support can give safe shelter to families like Sheriel and her son!
The “Memories” Feature of FamilySearch
My husband and I are blessed to be the parents of eight daughters. They are amazing, strong, creative and caring each in their own way, and continue to be a blessing in our lives. Our oldest daughter Kimberly is no longer with us. She was taken way too early at the age of 38, now being gone for almost 13 years. She married two months before she passed away and had no children. Who will remember her and how will future generations know her? FamilySearch.org is the answer.
I wanted people that knew her to remember her, and people that didn’t know her to get to know her. So, I took it upon myself to build her life using a wonderful tool on FamilySearch is called “Memories.”
While going through Kimberly’s effects, I found pictures, stories and poems that she had written. These
were such exciting finds! First came the picture of her looking at a book at three months. Then I added a picture of her wearing her orange hat and shirt supporting Westwood High School where she taught. I also added a picture and the story of her wedding. I added the beautiful story she wrote about her love of reading. While reading this, I remembered that I seldom saw her without a book in her hand and several waiting to be read. This is a byproduct of adding memories, remembering more and more each time you add something. I also found her graduation certificates from high school, ASU and U of A as she received her Bachelor and Masters degrees. I also found recommendations from peers so that she could begin her PHD program. She was a constant learner.
“Memories” has many capabilities. You can add pictures, stories, documents and audio recordings. I have a cute
story by our daughter telling the story of Snow White when she was about 4. This is a recording that I added. For each memory you can add a Title, Date, Place and Comments. People
in photos, documents and stories can be tagged, which is important to do so you know, for example, when a photo was taken or a document was completed. If you don’t add such information, others will struggle to identify people in the photos, documents, and stories you include. I have several pictures from
Continued on pg. 23
By Lynne Tolman
Kimberly Tolman in the stands at Westwood High School.
Photos by the author
Kimberly Tolman at 3-months.
Service Of Your Fellow Beings
A New Leaf Professional Advisors Council Member Darren Richardson
to utilize his professional skills and passion for service as a volunteer with A New Leaf. As an estate planner, Darren’s expertise perfectly fits his volunteer role on A New Leaf’s Professional Advisors Council, where he helps connect generous donors with the nonprofit in ways that make the biggest impact.
“For A New Leaf, I can offer guidance and resources to donors interested in planned giving, helping them structure gifts that provide maximum benefit to the organization while also achieving their own financial and philanthropic goals.”
Darren’s introduction to A New Leaf came during a tour of one of A New Leaf’s family homeless shelters,
where he was inspired by the organization’s focus on creating long-term solutions.
“A New Leaf’s approach meets people where they are, whether it’s someone experiencing homelessness, a survivor of domestic violence, or a family struggling with poverty, while also providing the tools and resources for a sustainable future.”
Importantly, Darren’s faith plays a central role in his dedication to service. When thinking about why he serves, he cites Mosiah 2:17, “When ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God.” This belief shapes Darren’s commitment to helping others, particularly those facing difficult circumstances, and fuels his passion for supporting A New Leaf’s mission.
One experience that deeply moved Darren was serving dinner at A New Leaf’s men’s homeless shelter. “I was humbled by the many individuals we were privileged to interact with and to serve. Each one expressed gratitude for our being there and to A New Leaf for believing in them and providing them a safe space. It’s moments like these that remind me that anything can happen to
The Website Factory Continued from pg. 16
Hall has also shared his marketing gifts with the Church when he served as director of public affairs for the Church in Eastern Iowa. After conducting a poll that found many Iowans didn’t know whether Latter-day Saints were Christians, Hall partnered with the local American Legion post to host an Easter egg hunt.
“We got huge publicity for it, and all the TV stations would be there. One of the hospitals had this mascot rabbit, and they sent that. We had thousands of kids show up in Noelridge Park for the Easter Egg Hunt put on by the American Legion and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints,” Hall said.
anyone at any time.”
Darren encourages others in his faith community to get involved, emphasizing that even small acts of service can make a difference. “It’s about recognizing the divine potential in every person, especially those going through difficult times, and helping them find their path forward with dignity and independence,” says Darren.
“I think I got the word across that yes, we do celebrate Easter and … yes, we are Christians,” he added.
Hall continues to serve the Church by volunteering at the Mesa Temple once a week.
His faith also influences his business practices, Hall said, adding that he likes being in business for himself so that he can hire people that share his values and will be honest with clients.
“We’ll give them honesty, what we think they need, and then we’ll respond to them,” Hall said. “I want to do a good job for my clients, and I want to give good jobs to good people. We have a good team.”
For more information please contact dave@thewebsitefactory.org
The Richardson Family.
Photo by A New Leaf
What’s Cooking?
By The Arizona Beehive Magazine
Fall is finally here! If you love to cook, this time of year is the best baking and cooking season as the weather serves up the perfect excuse to retreat to the comforts of the kitchen. This trifle is a sweet and spicy pumpkin-y creation that easily takes its place at any party table. The layers of mousse-like spiced pumpkin custard are alternated with snow-white whipped cream and shaved dark chocolate to create a festive dessert for the holiday season. The Pumpkin Pie Crunch recipe is an autumn twist on an old favorite snack. Break out the board games and fill a bowl for everyone. They’ll be begging for seconds.
PUMPKIN
PIE CRUNCH SNACK INSTRUCTIONS
1. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice and set aside.
2. In small microwave-safe dish, microwave butter on high about 30 seconds or until melted. Stir in vanilla.
3. Combine the cereals into a large microwavable bowl. Pour butter mixture over cereal mixture, then add nuts and stir. Heat the mixture in the microwave for 5-6 minutes, stirring every two minutes.
4. Next, add sugar and spice mixture and stir well until coated.
5. Spread out onto cookie sheets and let cool. Mix can be made up to two weeks ahead. Store the mix in an airtight container.
PUMPKIN PIE CRUNCH SNACK INGREDIENTS
■ ¼ cup brown sugar
■ 1 T pumpkin pie spice
■ ¼ cup butter
■ 2 tsp vanilla
■ 2 cup cinnamon-flavored rice squares cereal
■ 2 cup honey nut-flavored rice squares cereal
■ 2 cup graham cracker cereal
■ 8 oz honey-roasted peanuts or roasted pecans
PUMPKIN MOUSSE TRIFLE INGREDIENTS
■ 5 large egg yolks
■ 1 cup sugar
■ 3 ½ cups heavy cream
■ 15 oz. canned pumpkin
■ 2 tsp. vanilla extract
■ 1 ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
■ ½ tsp. ground ginger
■ ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
■ ¼ tsp. salt
■ 2 T. rum extract
■ 1 tsp. powdered gelatin
■ 3 oz. shaved dark chocolate
By Mark Randall
PUMPKIN PLEASURES
PUMPKIN MOUSSE TRIFLE INSTRUCTIONS
1. Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl halfway with ice and water and set aside.
2. Whisk the yolks, 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, and 3/4 cup cream together in a medium saucepan. Heat while stirring continuously with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon over medium-low heat, until thickened and the mixture coats the spatula—about 10 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl and set over the ice bath. Stir to cool.
3. Add pumpkin, vanilla, spices and salt to the egg mixture. Stir 1 tablespoon rum extract and 1 teaspoon gelatin together in a small bowl. Heat the remaining tablespoon of rum extract, and stir into the gelatin mixture until dissolved. Gently whisk into the pumpkin mixture. Beat 1/2 cup cream to stiff peaks, and fold into pumpkin mixture. Pour into a shallow dish, cover and chill until cold and thick enough to fall from a spoon in heavy dollops—about 8 hours or up to overnight.
4. To finish and serve, beat the remaining cream and sugar to stiff peaks. Alternately layer the pumpkin mousse and whipped cream in a glass serving dish. Sprinkle the chocolate shavings between top two layers. Serve chilled.
ur daughter was driving long hours with her five children on the interstate one day. She was stopped by the highway patrol for speeding. She was asked by the officer if she knew how fast she was going. Not wanting to incriminate herself she responded, “I’m not sure”. The patrolman then said, “I clocked you on radar going 85 mph”. Our 7-year-old grandson then popped up from the back seat and said, “Aw that’s nothin’, I’ve seen her do a hundred!’ Needless to say, she got the ticket!
Continued from pg. 21
my mother and grandmother and have no idea of the who, where or when. As you add dates to items the program places them in chronological order in your memories.
Building Kimberly’s life using “Memories” continues to be a fulfilling project for me as I find and add more information to my daughter’s memory. If you want to get to know our daughter, go to FamilySearch.org and sign in. Find her by her name Kimberly Tolman 1973-2012. Use this page as an example to help you get started on your project of helping your family members to be remembered, and not forgotten.
Family History
JustServe and Vending Machines: From Small
This year marks the 10-year anniversary of the Gilbert Temple dedication. Many were involved in the preparations including Steve and Fran Lowder. Through this volunteering, the Lowders made connections with interfaith leaders and others from across the state.
Shortly after the temple dedication, the Lowders were asked to be directors over the Gilbert JustServe pilot program. Originally designed to give proselytizing missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints legitimate opportunities to serve in the community, JustServe has expanded to include anyone interested in lending a helping hand to local charities. “Elder M. Russell Ballard who started it,” Fran says, “really was forward-thinking because it set the stage for service missionaries.”
At the onset, Fran was pretty much a door-to-door salesman for getting JustServe started in Gilbert, approaching multiple charities and non-profit organizations. “I got more no’s! Finally, I approached a friend, Kayla Kolar, at the HD South Museum. I told her, listen, there’s this website. If you will just take a chance, the website will bless your life.”
VALLEY TEMPLE SCHEDULES
Additional Information:
• Appointments for proxy ordinances are encouraged. Patrons without appointments are also welcome, but may be asked to wait for an opportunity to participate. To schedule or modify a proxy appointment, visit your temple’s information at https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temples
and Simple to Great and Glorious
about volunteer opportunities and to connect with individuals or groups interested in serving. We have been blessed with many volunteers through the years and could not do without their time and talent.”
House of Refuge has a goal to provide transitional housing and support service for families experiencing homelessness. As one of the agencies included in the 2022 Giving Machines, Kayla remembers, “It was an incredible way that allowed us to purchase needed items including small appliances and food for recipes for many families.”
“JustServe does exactly that.” Nancy says, “They SERVE with a joyful heart. They come ready to do whatever is asked and they consistently do it well. They may be working in the community, but there is no doubt their actions are in service of God.”
Following the first non-profit agency to say yes, came another with Nancy Marion, former Director of House of Refuge, current Executive Director for Community Housing Partnership. Referring to the first ones willing to give JustServe a try, Fran says, “These were 2 raindrops that fell from heaven and they started telling others about how good it was. Then there were four charities and then ten working with JustServe. Roc Arnett, Michelle Curry and others helped invite more organizations. Who raised up these organizations that exist across the valley? The Lord put them into place.”
When asked about Just Serve, both Kayla and Nancy are open about the positive relationship between JustServe, Light the World Giving Machines and their charities.
the machines, it has now expanded to include opportunity for families in local stakes together with their assigned missionaries to gather on specific dates for the effort. “Families can bring their locally assigned missionaries with them, inviting friends the missionaries are teaching to come and see as well.” Fran says, “It’s possible to make the most of that day if people understand the meaning of it. The amount of Christ-like service opportunities is increased and that is our number one goal.”
In 2018, there were Giving Machines in five U.S. cities. This year machines will be stationed in 106 cities worldwide. All include items that will bless lives either locally or globally. Giving Machines are bringing people together, not only from various faith communities but those with differing political views.
Kayla says, “JustServe is a wonderful way for nonprofits to get the word out
The Lowders are quick to acknowledge God’s divine guidance and hand as they see people coming together to bless the community through a growing network of churches and charities.
When the Light the World initiative came from the Church mission department to the Gilbert Mission, at the time Gilbert Mission President K. Brett Nattress approached the Lowders and said, “There are some vending machines [the Church] wants us to do. Go find out about them.” The first Giving Machine was set up in 2018.
Missionary work is the common thread between JustServe and the Light the World Giving Machines. At its heart Steve explains, “JustServe is the best nonproselyting missionary effort ever, same for the Giving Machines. Both are serving opportunities by giving something.”
Initially missionaries volunteered at
When asked how their faith is tied to this service, Fran says, “My parents instilled service in my heart at a young age. There was never not a pot of soup or loaf of bread being delivered. My mom always promised if we would lose ourselves in service for others that the Lord would trust us to be His hands. I always wanted that trust.”
Steve adds, “We’ve learned Heavenly Father loves all His children so much. He has created means and ways to take care of them no matter where they’re at. God takes small and simple things, like vending machines, and makes them great and glorious. When people participate in JustServe and with the Giving Machines, they feel it and they want to go again.”
Today, the Lowders view JustServe and the Giving Machines as two superpowers and tools for the gathering of Israel. “At the core of both initiatives, it’s who we are, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It’s about the service and love for our brothers and sisters. It’s about bringing the Church out of obscurity, tearing down walls of misconception.”
For more information about the 2024 Light the World initiative, visit: https:// www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/light-the-world/giving-machines
• Patrons are encouraged to bring their own temple clothing.
• Ordinances for family names must be done in proper sequence—baptism, confirmation, Melchizedek Priesthood ordination (males), initiatory, endowment, and then sealing. Please allow sufficient time to perform all the ordinances you wish to complete during your visit. For additional help and information, please call the temple.
• Please contact the temple for more information or if you have special circumstances or needs.
• Temple websites can be found by searching churchofjesuschrist.org/temples
Gilbert Arizona Temple
3301 S. Greenfield Rd, Gilbert, AZ, 85297 (1) 480-822-5000
Services: Clothing rental available. No Cafeteria
Upcoming Closures 2024
Wednesday, 27 November - Thurs, 28 November 2024
Tuesday, 24 December 2024 - Wed, 25 December 2024
Tuesday, 31 December 2024
Mesa Arizona Temple
101 S. LeSueur, Mesa, AZ, 852014 (1) 480-833-1211
Services: Clothing rental available. No Cafeteria
Upcoming Closures 2024
Wednesday, 27 November 2024 (Limited Operations)
Thursday, 28 November 2024
Tuesday, 24 December 2024
Wednesday, 25 December 2024
Tuesday, 31 December 2024
Phoenix Arizona Temple
5220 W. Pinnacle Peak Road, Phoenix, AZ 85310 (1) 623-474-9500
Services: No clothing or cafeteria
Upcoming Closures 2024
Monday, 4 November - Monday, 18 November 2024
Wednesday, 27 November 2024 (Limited Operations)
Thursday, 28 November 2024
Tuesday, 24 December 2024 (Limited Operations)
Wednesday, 25 December 2024
Tuesday, 31 December 2024 (Limited Operations)
Distribution Centers
Mesa 445 E Main Street (480) 969-2170
Gilbert 2894 S San Tan Village Pkwy (480) 926-3234
Phoenix 2919 W Agua Fria Fwy (480) 660-6100
Emily Jex Boyle
Fran & Steve Lowder. Photo courtesy Fran Lowder