The Spirit of Music

Dave Hasson blessed the Carmichael Family Home Evening with his incredible music. Performing beautiful love songs and Christ centered popular music with soloist Kaity Bell. She and her mom Sheri Turner Gray performed the final duet about the prodical son held the audience spell bound. Look for Dave Hasson’s music performed by a talented local choir directed by Sheri Turner Gray in future firesides. You will not want to miss it!

Eastern Dance

The Eastern dance started off with dynamic Declan teaching a fun dance lesson. He also teaches at the Latin dance. Next month we will learn the cha cha at 8PM. Our favorite lively duo disc jockeys rocked the night away with a great variety of popular tunes. Dancers came from as far away as San Jose to enjoy Sacramento Single Adults. Everyone enjoyed a lovely spread of sweet and healthy treats. Invite your friends to join the fun!

Fun Loving Trio

Brianna, Fred, & Debbie

Two Beautiful Smiles

Charlotte and Tamara

Look and Lift

Carmichael Family Evening invited President Greer of the Sacramento temple presidency to speak Monday night. The Spirit was strong and the personal relationship between many of those present went back many years. Story after story of uplifting personal experiences gave a strong message that our Father in Heaven knows each one of us and our talents and missions. He had a tender heart for the sisters and their giving spirit. His expressions of love for his wife are tender. Their combined faith in Jesus Christ led to a healing miracle. Without notes, filled with the Spirit, he lifted our lives. His comment “I am only a heart beat away from being in the same place as you are” referring to being a single adult, gave each member a reassurance he understood. President's over riding message was to look around and lift others spirits. He practices what he preaches. We will all look forward to his return speaking engagement in April.

Happy Saint Patty's Day

Carmichael Family Home Evening had a touch of the blarney stone whimsy with Irish green tablecloths and St Patrick’s Day decor. Corn beef and cabbage, cornbread with other green food groups made the festivities lively. Charlette's wispy green ears brought a smile & Dave shared magic tricks faster than the eye could follow. Barry had the luck of the Irish as his wore a red lit lip pin with the words, “kiss me I’m Irish”. You’ll have to ask the Irishman himself how it worked. A wonderful end to the evening as Patty sharing her lucky but truly divinely directed trip to Japan. A rough journey with a happy ending led to a golden investigator, which was baptized before she came home. She truly strengthened our testimony that the Lord provides a way for his children’s eternal joy. We take our Irish derby hat off to Patty for a great evening. We all enjoyed an Irish blessing.

On A Spiritual Note

Sunday’s Fireside lifted us with music and lyrics from the Church hymnbook. Performances vocally and on the piano touched chapel members as each song was presented with a story of a personal connection to the hymn.

Lovin Latin

Kicking off a new Latin Friday night dance tradition with dance lessons and spicy treats. A full cultural hall stepped to a new Latin rhythm. Still flavored with regular favorite dance music but with a generous sprinkle of South of the border beat. The word is out and singles will Salsa the night away the second Friday of the month. Great job Don and Tiffany.

Family Home Geography

Carmichael Family Home Evening group got to know each members roots Monday night. An enlightening get to know you activity, sharing birthplaces and geographical locations where each attendee lived, proved to be connecting and enjoyable. Many had been born and raised in Sacramento but some born far across the ocean as England and Hawaii. Many missionaries traveled to Japan. England, Germany and Finland. It was agreed that being a member of the church has a closer connection than the general population. Several stories of introductions abroad revealed mutual friends, family and neighbors right next door in the States. It is a small world.

Turning Weakness into Strengths

Carmichael Family Home Evening members evaluate their personal Christlike attributes. Lana distributed a survey activity from Preach my Gospel helping individuals assess strengths and weaknesses. A mixer game similar to “upset the fruit basket” helped inspire childlike fun to remember the attributes.

After a poll of strengths the group divided into four small teams (charity, patience, diligence and obedience). Each team stood and delivered a scripture, picture, object lesson , food, movie and song representing a particular Christ like attribute. All participants were great sports as each group member gave thoughtful, funny, inspirational, and spiritual representations of their attribute. Cheerful spontaneous music from Arne wound up the evening and we all left with a smile and a song in our heart.

Great Gomm

No words can describe the rare privilege of listening to Brother Gomm’s incredible life experiences. His unique calling as one of the first missionaries in Israel showed great courage opening a new territory. Brother Gomm’s unshakable faith and straight talk made him an instant favorite. Perfect love casteth out fear was a reoccurring example and message for the evening.
A full-length table of artifacts, memorabilia and a replica of Christ’s tomb gave onlookers a reverence for the country in which Jesus walked 200 years before. The enthusiasm and power of Brother Gomm’s testimony as he showed pictures of a stone manger, Golgotha, shepherds field, lilies etc. gave the audience another witness to Jesus Christ reality. Passing objects of a stoning rock, (widow’s) mites among the crowd gave us a hand held taste of the Holy land. Brother Gomm lifted a curled animal horn and blew a loud trump sounding like the army of Jews at the walls of Jericho. The beautiful harp accompanied musical numbers sounded and felt like angel bookends to the faith filled presentation.

Danville Delivers

Rumors Are True! Dancers drive from miles around to attend one of the hottest singles dances in the northwest. Disco mirrored lights twirl on every ballroom, rocker and country performer. Everyone novas or professional feels right at home on the ballroom floor in a multi-age circle showcase dance or kicking couples dancing to a country cha cha. Smiles all over the room are plentiful and laughter common. The post Valentine dance goodies displayed on a beautiful hotel catered table held healthy veggies and dip to pink, red and most important Chocolate sweets. The delightful ice filled punchbowls with floating strawberries and sliced apples were an attractive and refreshing thirst quencher. You were in the right place at the right time Friday night if you were dancing in Danville.

It's About Time

Carmichael Family Home Evening is about Time. Bob presented a trivial pursuit with an Oatmeal twist. Cute empty packets of Oatmeal held the answers to timely questions. He then shared a tender poem and quotes from February's Ensign about lessons from Adam’s time to ours. Tom Perry's article “The Great Plan of Our God” gave lessons from Gospel Dispensations. Great participation from everyone attending gave a true family feel to the evening. Plans are coming together to meet at the church to carpool to the Friday night dance in Danville.

Heroes

We all have heroes. Some of my heroes are Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Joan of Arch, Helen Keller, Lance Armstrong, Napoleon Hill, Joseph Smith and my ultimate hero is Jesus Christ. I found a new hero Nick Vujicic from Australia. He was born with no arms and no legs and he is an intensely valiant and noble faith filled man. Check it out and tell me what you think. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DxlJWJ_WfA&NR=1

We can be a hero. We can be heroes to our children, spouse, family, friends and everyone around us. Most importantly we need to be our own heroes. We need to inspire ourselves to be better than we thought we could be. We need to see ourselves over come obstacles again and again. We all have strength and potential that only opposition can bring to the surface. Why do we see trials as sorrow filled? These trials are the very thing that springs the greatest joy and strength? I was taught; every growing thing needs a little manure. Yes, it stinks to struggle, but up blooms amazing beautiful experiences we would not have other wise. I believe “bloom where you are planted.” It is always amazing to me to see a full-grown tree growing in what appears to be a solid rock ledge. Lone trees are much stronger than those in a forest. Stand up and be counted as a hero. Look in your heart and rise to the greatness that is within you.
YOU ARE A HERO

My list of favorite movies with inspiring real people heroes:

Remember the Titans
We are Marshall
Rudy
Radio
October Sky
Sea Biscuit
Sound of Music
The Nativity
Patch Adams
The Rookie
Invincible
Miracle

Weekend in Vegas

Singles Conference in Vegas is a fun filled weekend with great speakers and dances. One of the best parts of the weekend is the strong spirit filled Sacrament Meeting. An inspirational and moving presentation by David & Richard Barnes (English Channel swimmers) gives strength and hope to all those who have dreams yet to fulfill. Kenneth Cope’s testimony thru his beautiful moving music sent all those who attended home on a high note.

Dwell Among Them

Placerville Fireside members were warmed and well fed by the Lord’s tender mercies Sunday night. President Steed a counselor to the Sacramento Temple presidency gave a loving spiritual message. His testimony of temple work and his experiences feeling the love of the Lord touched our hearts. The purpose of Temples: the Lord wants to be close to his children and they can be near him by attending the temple. Ex 25:8 And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. Many stayed to taste the delicious variety of refreshments and to enjoy each others company. It may have been cold outside but this evening was very warmhearted inside.

Open your Eyes

Carmichael Family Home Evening feasted on the words of President Benson presented by Arne Jerde. After a rousing “Onward Christian Solders” accompanied by Dave the master pianist and conducted by Jillian, we were all spiritually well fed with the doctrine of secret combinations. Arne’s thirty-year study of this topic gave insightful well-documented sources to being aware that secret combinations exist today. An interesting statistic showed that the number of scriptures related to secret combinations in Book of Mormons is forth on the list. Jesus Christ is first most frequent scripture topic, war is second, and missionary work is third. The main point is to “open your eyes” and be aware of influences around you that could harm and destroy you. Ether 8:24, God commands us to awake to the sense of our awful situation because of this secret combination which shall be among us

Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed." D&C 123:17.

For great quotes and articles from all the Presidents of the Church and many General Authorities on Secret Combinations and the Constitution go to www.latterdayconservative.com.

A Letter from Home

Elk Grove Family Home Evening inspired members to read the Book of Mormon. Darrell Haag, Stake Single Adult Leader, gave recap of Elder Marcos A. Aidukaitis powerful talk of “Because My Father Read the Book of Mormon.” A touching quote from that evening, “I feel sad when someone has been given the Book of Mormon and had these things explained to him still refuses to read it . . . It is as if a son or a daughter, separated from a loving father, refused to read a letter from him without even opening the envelope.” The promise in Moroni 10:3-5 is a simple call to know for yourself it is true.

Hats Off

We take our HAT off to Roberta Tanner, at the Elk Grove Stake Fireside, who gave a wonderful presentation of history with the topping touch of hats. Her ‘Hats Tell the Story’ is history in a nutshell with style! Great reviews all around “It was great, if you didn’t go you really missed something” and “She did a great job with ‘Emma’ and this was just as good.” And “On a scale of one to ten it would be at the top”

LOVEly Success

The Valentines Dance was a LOVEly success.
Beautiful red roses and a handsome couple greeted all who stepped into the door. The dance was very well attended with the dance floor hopping to the heartbeat of good music. Thanks to all the many excellent song requests the music invited couples and groups to dance the night away. The refreshment table was a work of art from the floating ice hearts in the punch with the crowning touch of chocolate covered cherries on the tables. The hot meatballs, the salmon lip finger sandwiches, the table full of appetizers gave an elegant romantic party atmosphere. Hats off to all who made this a fantastic activity!

JOY IS A CHOICE

For six years I avoided singles activities at all cost. I broke into a cold sweat and felt the rising of a panic attack at the very thought of speaking to the opposite sex. Trying to be invisible to the world, I did not want to encourage any more painful relationships. Danger, Danger was my mind and more importantly my HEART set.

It is a new day and I feel compelled to share the way to loving fulfilling relationships starts with YOU! You are not alone and the first step is to attend single events meeting others just like you. This choice over time dissipates your fear. I understand single adults are each on a different level seeking a companion. For many it is your objective to not find a companion, but your heart deeply aches for the pure unconditional one-on-one relationship that only marriage brings. Feeling rejuvenated to try again I want to help each LDS single adult to know and feel they are not alone. We all have a story and reason why we aren’t fully engaged in the singles program or finding a mate. As painful as this sounds “So what!” This is an excuse to stop living. I know because I was there. This is not a rehearsal this is the REAL deal. At times it is still scary and I have to wrestle within my heart and head to attend activities. The motto for my children was “Be where you need to be”. “Be,” means in person with your whole body and soul. I am disheartened at the new virtual seek and contact single system. Communicating miles apart behind a computer screen has blinding limitations. A virtual world creates virtual relationships.

My goal is for all of us to meet REAL People and have REAL Time together so we can have REAL Eternal Joy. Fear and faith cannot abide together. Courage is the action that over rides fear to move forward. May we have the strength and courage to act in hope and faith to love again. You are truly healed when you can love as you have always loved. That is the miracle of the atonement. The Savior loves us and can heal us from our pain. Let’s not waste our days waiting, but live our life in joy.
Joy is a choice