Mormon Tea A Production of MormonMediaNetwork.com

“In an age when everyone is constantly busy and short of time, what could be more enjoyable than taking time to indulge in what was once part of everyday life, but has now become a luxury—afternoon tea.” Lesley Mackley, The Book of Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea is a celebration of womanhood, sisterhood, friendship, femininity, etiquette, sweet & savory delicacies, the senses, beauty, and unhurried & uplifting conversation.

Life is a cup to be filled, not drained . . .

Episode 3

Fill my cup with Angels to bear me up . . .

Cancer . . . Death . . . These words pierce us to our very core. How would you react? How would you prepare? How would you cope?

Today, my sister Vicki shares her experiences with the diagnosis, the prognosis,

and living in peace with courage, faith, and joy.

Menu A Simple “Cream Tea”

Beverage: Tulsi Sweet Rose Herbal Tea

Scones & Fruit: Sweet Cream Scone with Rose Petal

Preserves, Clotted Cream & Lemon Curd

Green Grape Cluster

Gift:

A Pink Rose ~ represents Grace, Gentleness & Admiration

Rose Petal Bath Salts

Recipes Tulsi Sweet Rose Herbal TeaA delicate blend of Tulsi finely balanced with soothing chamomile, rose petals, and the fragrant essence of rose.

Throughout India, Tulsi is revered as a sacred plant infused with healing powers, and is lovingly called the “Queen of Herbs.” Traditionally grown in an earthen pot in every home, Tulsi (also known as Holy Basil) makes a delicious and energizing herbal tea. Tulsi is an adaptogenic herb, which helps your body relieve the negative effects of stress. Repeatedly noted for 5,000 years throughout sacred Indian scriptures, Tulsi has remarkable life-enhancing qualities.

USDA Certified Organic Tulsi Tea ~ Sweet Rose from Organic India is available at http://organicindiausa.com/boxed-tea/ (and occasionally found in stores like Home Goods and TJ Maxx).

Health Benefits of Holy Basil (Tulsi): Holy basil is used for the common cold, influenza ("the flu"), H1N1 (swine) flu, diabetes, asthma, bronchitis, earache, headache, stomach upset, heart disease, fever, viral hepatitis, malaria, stress, and tuberculosis. It is also used for mercury poisoning, to promote longevity, as a mosquito repellent, and to counteract snake and scorpion bites. Holy basil is applied to the skin for ringworm.

In cooking, holy basil is often added to stir-fry dishes and spicy soups because of its peppery taste. Cookbooks sometimes call it "hot basil."

How does it work? Chemicals in holy basil are thought to decrease pain and swelling (inflammation). Other chemicals might lower blood sugar in people with diabetes.

There is interest in using holy basil seed oil for cancer. Beginning research suggests that the oil can slow progression and improve survival rate in animals with certain types of cancer. Researchers think this benefit may be explained by the oil’s ability to act as an antioxidant. http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1101-HOLY%20BASIL.aspx?activeIngredientId=1101&activeIngredientName=HOLY%20BASIL

Sweet Cream Scones (healthier alternatives in parentheses) 2 cups flour (unbleached, unbromated, or freshly ground whole grain) ¼ cup sugar (organic, raw cane sugar) 1 T. baking powder (Rumford Baking Powder contains NO aluminum!) ¼ tsp. salt (Redmond RealSalt, Celtic Sea Salt, Himalayan Sea Salt – these

are not processed or bleached and retain inherent natural trace minerals)

1/3 cup butter (unsalted, from raw cream or from cows not treated with rBht growth hormone and antibiotics)

¾ cup Half n’ Half Powdered Sugar

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease a baking sheet. In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, ¼ cup sugar, baking powder and salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture; set aside. Add cream to flour mixture. Stir with a fork just until moistened.

Turn dough onto lightly floured surface. Knead dough by folding and gently pressing it for 10 to 12 strokes or until nearly smooth. On a round baking sheet or stone, pat or lightly roll the dough into an 8” circle. Score the top of the circle into 8 wedges. Bake for 25 minutes or until slightly brown. Cool 15 minutes on baking sheet. Dust with powdered sugar. Carefully cut and serve warm with lemon curd, clotted cream (very thick whipped cream) and fruit preserves.

Makes 8 wedge-shaped scones.

Rose Petal Jam½ pound fragrant, red rose petals 2 cups sugar 4 ½ cups water Juice of 2 lemons

Cut off white area from bottom of each petal. Into a bowl, put petals and sprinkle with enough of the sugar to cover them. Leave overnight.

In a saucepan, put remaining sugar, the water and lemon juice. Heat gently until sugar has dissolved. Stir in rose petals and simmer 20 minutes. Bring to a boil and boil 5 minutes, until mixture thickens.

Pour jam into clean warm jars. Cover and label. Store in a cool place.

Makes about 1 pound.

From The Book of Afternoon Tea by Lesley Mackley

Lemon Curd4 lemons 1 ¾ cups sugar (organic, raw cane sugar) 1 ½ cups butter (unsalted, from raw cream or from cows not treated with rBht growth hormone and antibiotics) 4 eggs, beaten (from cage-free chickens)

Into a heatproof bowl (or double boiler), finely grate zest of lemons. Squeeze lemons and pour juice into bowl. Stir in sugar. Cut butter into small pieces and add. Set bowl over pot of simmering water and stir until butter has melted and sugar is dissolved. Stirring constantly, slowly pour beaten eggs into hot mixture. Cook gently, stirring frequently, 10-15 minutes, until mixture is creamy and begins to thicken. Pour into jars and cool. Store in refrigerator. (Makes about 1 ½ pounds, or approx. 2+ pints.)

For Lime Curd, simply use limes instead of lemons!

Symbolism of the Rose Roses have been used as symbols in a number of societies. The Rose is an ancient symbol of love and beauty. “Rose” means pink or red in a variety of languages, particularly Romance languages, Greek and French.

The many colors of roses also have significant meanings attached:

Color Symbolism

Red Love, Beauty, Courage & Respect, Congratulations

Dark Red Unconscious beauty

Single Red “I Love You”

White Purity, Innocence, Reverence, Humility

White (Bridal) Happy love

Pink Appreciation, Grace, Perfect Happiness, Admiration, Gentleness, Sympathy, Sweetness

Yellow Joy, Gladness, Friendship, Promise of a new beginning

Orange Desire, Enthusiasm, Fascination

Red & White Given together signifies unity

Red & Yellow Jovial and Happy Feelings

Peach Appreciation Sincerity, Gratitude, Let’s get together

Lavender Love at first sight, Enchantment

Red Rosebud Purity and loveliness White Rosebud Girlhood

Single– any color Simplicity, Gratitude, utmost devotion

Two Roses entwined

“Marry me”

Six Roses Need to be loved or cherished Eleven Roses You are truly and deeply loved Thirteen Roses A secret admirer Thornless Rose Love at first sight

Source: www.rkdn.org/roses/colors.asp

Gift Rose Petal Bath SaltsThese rose petal bath salts are quick and easy to make and smell so wonderful!

To make these you will need: 1 cup Epsom salts Several drops of rose or geranium (rose) essential oil A handful of dried rose petals Optional: ¼ cup sea salt

Combine the Epsom salts with sea salt, if using. Rub the dried rose petals between your fingers to crush into tiny pieces. Stir into the salt. Add several drops of rose essential oil. (Or, geranium rose for a less expensive alternative.) Let your nose be your guide as to how much you use. Stir well and pour into a pretty jar. Tie with a ribbon and tuck a small dried rose bud in for decoration.

To use: Sprinkle in your bath as the water runs. Seal tightly between uses to retain the lovely rose scent.

From Things to Do With Roses, http://www.TheNerdyFarmWife.com

Fill My Cup with Angels to bear me up . . .

“ . . . I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.” D&C 84:88

“Courage isn’t having the strength to go on. It is going on when you don’t have strength.”~Napoleon Bonaparte

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph overhe who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” ~Nelson Mandela

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.”~Corrie ten Boom

“Besides the noble art of getting things done, the~Lin Yutang

“The spiritual submissiveness which is central to the blessings of the Atonement was well exemplified by Melissa Howes as she led her family in prayer a short while before her father died of cancer. Melissa was only 9 and her father 43. Consider unselfish Melissa’s pleading, in her own words as reported to me by her mother: “Heavenly Father, bless my daddy, and if you need to take him and need him more than us, you can have him. We want him, butdone. And please help us not to be mad at you.” (Letter from Christie Howes, 25 Feb. 1998)~Elder Neal A. Maxwell, Testifying of the Great and Glorious Atonement,” 2001, p. 14)

“ . . . Let us run with patience the race that finisher of our faith . . .” Hebrews 12: 1

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord,that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7

♥ ♥Caring Bridge was a valuable tool to keep family and friends informed on a dayVicki’s ever-changing condition. Vicki was continually buoyed up by the many thoughtful and prayerful messages posted by those who love her so very much. Her family was alsand strengthened by the kind messages.

Bringing family, friends and loved ones together when it matters

Fill My Cup with Angels to bear me up . . .

“ . . . I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.” D&C 84:88

“Courage isn’t having the strength to go on. It is going on when you don’t have strength.”

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.”

“Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is a nobler art of leaving things undone.”

“The spiritual submissiveness which is central to the blessings of the Atonement was well exemplified by Melissa Howes as she led her family in prayer a short while before her father

. Melissa was only 9 and her father 43. Consider unselfish Melissa’s pleading, in her own words as reported to me by her mother: “Heavenly Father, bless my daddy, and if you need to take him and need him more than us, you can have him. We want him, butdone. And please help us not to be mad at you.” (Letter from Christie Howes, 25 Feb. 1998)~Elder Neal A. Maxwell, Testifying of the Great and Glorious Atonement,” Ensign

“ . . . Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith . . .” Hebrews 12: 1-2

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ was a valuable tool to keep family and friends informed on a day-

changing condition. Vicki was continually buoyed up by the many thoughtful and prayerful messages posted by those who love her so very much. Her family was als

the kind messages.

Bringing family, friends and loved ones together when it matters

“ . . . I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.” D&C 84:88

“Courage isn’t having the strength to go on. It is going on when you don’t have strength.”

it. The brave man is not

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.”

re is a nobler art of leaving things undone.”

“The spiritual submissiveness which is central to the blessings of the Atonement was well exemplified by Melissa Howes as she led her family in prayer a short while before her father

. Melissa was only 9 and her father 43. Consider unselfish Melissa’s pleading, in her own words as reported to me by her mother: “Heavenly Father, bless my daddy, and if you need to take him and need him more than us, you can have him. We want him, but Thy will be done. And please help us not to be mad at you.” (Letter from Christie Howes, 25 Feb. 1998)

Ensign, October

is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is the righteous judge, shall give me at

that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

-to-day basis of changing condition. Vicki was continually buoyed up by the many thoughtful and

prayerful messages posted by those who love her so very much. Her family was also comforted

Select Quotes that offer Hope & Inspiration to Vicki

On the other side of the veil there are perhaps 70 billion people. They need the same gospel, and releases occur here to aid the Lord’s work there. Each release of a righteous individual from this life is also a call to new labors. Those who have true hope understand this. Therefore, though we miss the departed righteous so much here, hundreds may feel their touch there. One day, those hundreds will thank the bereaved for gracefully foregoing the extended association with choice individuals here in order that they could help hundreds there. In God’s ecology, talent and love are never wasted. ~Elder Neal A. Maxwell, Notwithstanding My Weakness, p.55)

Mortality without the dimension of temptation or trial would not be a full proving; it would be a school with soft credits and no hard courses. The tests given to us here are given not because God is in doubt as to the outcome, but because we need to grow in order to be able to serve with full effectiveness in the eternity to come . . . The relentless love of our Father in Heaven is such that in His omniscience He will not allow the cutting short some of the brief experiences we are having here. To do so would be to deprive us of everlasting experiences and great joy there. What else would an omniscient and loving Father do, even if we plead otherwise? He must at times say no. ~Elder Neal A. Maxwell, All These Things Shall Give Thee Experience, p. 26

Everybody in this life has their challenges and difficulties. That is part of our mortal test. The reason for some of these trials cannot be readily understood except on the basis of faith and hope because there is often a larger purpose which we do not always understand. Peace comes through hope. ~President James E. Faust

And it has been said that the most important event in life is death. We live to die and then we die to live. Death is a kind of graduation day for life. It is our only means of entrance to our eternal lives. And it seems to me to be a very helpful procedure to spend a little time pre-living our death. That is, what kind of person would you like to be when the last hour of your life arrives? ~Elder Sterling W. Sill, “To Die Well,” Ensign, November 1976, p. 46

But the Lord has not left us comfortless or without any answers. As to the healing of the sick, He has clearly said: “And again, it shall come to pass that he that hath faith in me to be healed, and is not appointed unto death, shall be healed” (D&C 42:48). All too often we overlook the qualifying phrase “and is not appointed unto death” (“or,” we might add, “unto sickness or handicap”). ~Elder Lance B. Wickman, “But If Not,” Ensign, November 2002, p. 30

The note on Vicki’s nightstand:

S is self-explanatory.H is my vision of me in the premortal life volunteering for assignments that are offered by the Lord. I like to think I not only willingly but anxiously told him I could handle every trial he asked of me. Y is a reminder that I’m doing all these things for Him, for whatever reason. That makes it so much easier for me to endure certain challenges in life.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

How can we help someone in Vicki’s situation?! “All I could tell people who wanted to help was that there was really nothing they could do for me. Meals? I couldn’t eat (remember the feeding tube?!). Clean my house? My kids, who had been trained to care for me, were also taking care of the house. Some people brought DVDs to watch or books to read. I liked that, but was frankly too tired to stay awake to watch or read. Visits? Because of risk of germs, I couldn’t have visitors. That’s where the Caring Bridge was helpful. The messages let me know people cared and brightened my days. I enjoyed cards and letters in the mail, too! And I could read them over and over! Most importantly, prayers and prayer rolls were very much appreciated!”

Seek ye first the kingdom of God.

Here am I, send me.

You’re doing this for me.

I am standing by the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength, and I stand and watch until at last she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sun and sky come down to mingle with each other. Then someone at my side says: “There she goes!”

Gone where? Gone from my sight – that is all.

She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and just as able to bear her load of living freight to the places of destination. Her diminished size is in me, not in her.

And just at the moment when someone at my side says: “There she goes!” There are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout, “Here she comes!”

(Parable of immortality, A ship leaves . . . , by Henry Van Dyke, 1852-1933)