What's In The Pantry?

My pantry isn’t anything special; it’s just a small closet stuffed with various types of canned goods, cereal, baking supplies and bread.  But, there must be something in there with magnetic powers because it seems to draw people toward it. When my kids, my daughter-in-law, my sons-in-law and my grandchildren come to my house, they head to the pantry, open the door, turn on the light and then just stand there looking.  What’s in there?  What are they looking for?

After they leave, I have to go check it out for myself.  I stand there and I look and look and look. I can’t figure out what they find so interesting.  Maybe it’s how it’s organized.  Maybe it’s so crammed with stuff, they can’t see the trees through the forest.

Well, today I cleaned it out.  What did I find?  Four bags of opened rice krispies, one package of rock hard forgotten-about red licorice, ten pounds of mints left over from my daughter’s 2003 wedding reception, six partial bags of three different sizes of marshmallows and a whole lot of orange jello.

Hmmm….I’m still wondering what it is the family is looking for in there.

Institute

Jerry and I have been serving as Church Service Missionaries for the Institute Program for over two years.  We recently extended our calling for another year because we love our calling.

We not only get to associate with some of the choicest young people in the church (I call them the “cream of the crop”), but we also get to attend the classes and learn new things in the gospel.  

 Our assignment is to open the building and set up the classrooms, greet and welcome these single young adults every Thursday night, assist the teachers in whatever way we can, take roll and provide refreshments after class.

The whole idea of refreshments is to get the young people to “munch and mingle” so they can make good friends with those who share their same values.   Throughout the two years we have served, we have worked by ourselves providing the refreshments every week, and we have also worked with other missionary couples sharing that responsibility.  It’s a lot of work coming up with some great and delicious ideas for refreshments.

Pecan Pie and Ice Cream

Rice Krispie Treats with Chocolate and Caramel

Cream Puffs, Danish Dessert, Strawberries and Chocolate Dipped Rice Krispie Treat

There are over a hundred young adults attending every week this semester, but during some past semesters, we have had classes with as little as four or five. It doesn’t matter though, the spirit felt there is the same.  The prophets have made promises of blessings to those who attend Institute.  President Monson said, “Friends will be made, the Spirit will be felt and faith will be strengthened.”  President Hinckley promised, “… your knowledge of the Gospel will be increased, your faith will be strengthened, and you will develop wonderful associations and friendships.”  Jerry and I have the privilege of watching this literally happen every Thursday night.  What a choice opportunity we have of serving these young people!

More Information on Institute