FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT--The Lord Knoweth How

"In some cases, temptation may have the added force of potential or actual addiction. I am grateful that for an increasing number of people the Church can provide therapeutic help of various kinds to aid them in avoiding or coping with addictions. Even so, while therapy can support a person’s will, it cannot substitute for it. Always and ever, there must be an exercise of discipline—moral discipline founded on faith in God the Father and the Son and what They can achieve with us through the atoning grace of Jesus Christ. In Peter’s words, 'The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations' (2 Peter 2:9)" (Elder D. Todd Christopherson, "Moral Discipline," General Conference, October, 2009).

Wow~ where has THAT verse been all my life?!: "The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations!"

From this short sentence, I learn three lessons about God, the Atonement, and His love for me:

1. Just because He knows how to deliver me from my temptations, it doesn't mean He will without some effort on my part. He only said He knows. He doesn't say how to do it. I have to be willing to ask how. And I have to be willing to listen to the answers and do the required work.
2. The word "deliver" indicates that there is a need for help. I CANNOT do it by myself.
3. Before I qualify for the Lord's help, I must first be godly.

I'm going to write this verse on my heart. I truly love the hope that comes from the sweet, sweet word of God!

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Crock Pot Black Bean Chili

Serves: 8

Points: 4

1 pound ground turkey breast or extra lean ground beef

1 large onion — finely chopped

2 fresch garlic cloves, minced

1 can (15 oz.) black beans — rinsed and drained

1 large can (29 oz.) diced tomatoes

2 T. tomato paste

2 c. water

1 small green pepper, diced

1 small red pepper, diced

1 small yellow pepper, diced

7 oz. diced green chilies

1 T. chili powder

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. salt1 tsp black pepper

In nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook ground meat and garlic until meat is no longer pink; drain. Transfer meat to Crock Pot. Add remaining ingredients and stir until combined. Cook on “high” for 4 hours; remove lid and stir quickly halfway through. Enjoy!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"You need to know that nothing that can separate you from the love of Christ” (Barbara Thompson, "Mind the Gap," General Conference, October 2009).

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT--Ups and Downs

As most of you know, these last months, for me have been HARD! Hard in so many ways. . . Though I have maintained as upbeat of an attitude as possible, the reality of our financial woes and the stress of uncertainty creeps up and at times stays there with my mind, on the pillow through the night. Losing a job and learning to live on very little has caused me some pain, but surprisingly, there have also been just as many joyful moments. I am a little more patient with the children. Now that I've gone back to work, I appreciate my husband's sacrifices in providing a living so much more. I also appreciate quiet moments. I look forward to sitting on the couch, helping my daughters with their homework and reading. I love changing diapers and making dinner. I have been given the opportunity to pursue a long-time dream of starting my own photography business. I have a rewarding and challenging job in an insurance office, which has helped increase my self-confidence. And now that my husband has more time at home, his appreciation of my work as a mother has grown. The mutual understanding between us has led to greater tenderness in our relationship and a higher level of respect.

During the dark times, the moments when I am presented with the opportunity to choose faith or fear, I recite in my mind one of my favorite passages of scriptures, which is, incidentally, the YW theme this year: "Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." (Joshua 1:9)

These verses say it all. The Lord understands my confusion and fear. He knows that at times the temptation for discouragement is real. And he acknowledges that sometimes it is hard to choose a path. As my husband and I contemplate our path, it is so comforting to know that He will be with us, to guide us and buoy us, "whithersoever."

And I thank my readers for being there. How you inspire me. You help me to believe in myself and you make my day brighter. I love you all!

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Carrot Rice

Servings: 6

Points: 3

1 cup basmati rice
2 cups water
1/4 cup roasted peanuts
1 tablespoon margarine
1 onion, sliced
1 teaspoon ginger root, minced
3/4 cup grated carrots
salt to taste
cayenne pepper to taste

Combine rice and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover with lid, and allow to steam until tender, about 20 minutes.

While rice is cooking, pulverize peanuts in a blender and set aside. Melt margarine in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Saute onions until golden brown. Stir in ginger, carrots, and salt to taste. Reduce heat to low and cover to steam 5 minutes. Stir in cayenne pepper and peanuts. When rice is done, add it to skillet and stir gently to combine with other ingredients. Garnish with chopped cilantro.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"Try a little harder to be a little better." --Gordon B. Hinckley

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"If ever you are tempted to become discouraged or to lose faith. . . hold on a little longer. You can do this! You are part of a special generation. You were prepared and preserved to live at this important time in the existence of our beautiful planet earth. You have a celestial pedigree and therefore have all the necessary talents to make your life an eternal success story.

The Lord has blessed you with a testimony of the truth. You have felt His influence and witnessed His power. And if you continue to seek Him, He will continue to grant you sacred experiences. With these and other spiritual gifts, you will be able not only to change your own life for the better but also to bless your homes, wards or branches, communities, cities, states, and nations with your goodness.

It may be hard to see that at times, but hold on a little longer, for “eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” and wait for Him (1 Corinthians 2:9; see also D&C 76:10; 133:45).
I bear witness of the truth of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and the truth of this, His Church. I testify with all my heart and soul that God lives, that Jesus Christ is His Son and stands at the head of this great Church. We have a prophet on the earth again, even President Thomas S. Monson.

. . . even when things are bleak. . . know and remember this: the Lord loves you. He remembers you. And He will ever sustain those who “endure in faith to the end” (D&C 20:25). (Dieter F. Uchdorf, "Hold on a Little Longer," Liahona, January 2010).

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Brothers and sisters, God always provides safety for the soul, and with the Book of Mormon, He has again done that in our time. Remember this declaration by Jesus Himself: “Whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived”15—and in the last days neither your heart nor your faith will fail you (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "Safety for the Soul," General Conference, October 2009).

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT--I Won't Give Up!

As you know, these last 2 1/2 months have been a whirlwind of change and emotion for me and for my family. I have had moments of profound gratitude and days when I have felt so incredibly cared for and watched over. Unfortunately, I have also had days and nights when I have allowed pride and frustration to enter into and harden my heart. Something about the survival-of-the-fittest mentality of a job search and a whole new way of life for our family, left me lacking once again in regards to things spiritual. I found myself this week, at the bottom of the vicious cycle of pride spoken of in the Book of Mormon. Tonight's post, at a rather late hour, is my way of pledging to God that I will not allow Satan's lies and tales of hopelessness and worthlessness defeat me.

Tonight, I read of a literal account of hopelessness in Alma 56. Moroni and his "little" band of 2000 young, inexperienced soldiers, found themselves in dire circumstances in a very dangerous war for liberty:

vs. 40 ". . . Neither would I turn to the right nor to the left lest they should overtake me, and we could not stand against them, but be slain. . . and thus did we flee all that day into the wilderness, even until it was dark."

I found myself in this verse. I found myself running from fear and uncertainty. I was there, running from my fear of failure, my disappointment in self. Imagine my surprise when I again found myself a few verses later, in a much different light:

vs. 44 "Therefore, what say ye my sons, will ye go against them to battle?"

Yes! I do not want to give up this most important fight. The fight for liberty of soul and spirit! I will trust AGAIN in the God who has delivered me in the past!

Then, I saw my future self in verses 46-47, and I could picture the triumph of defeating my depression, my health problems, my weight, and my uncertainty and lack of faith:

". . . behold our God is with us, and he will not suffer that we should fall; then let us go forth. . . "

". . . Now they had never fought, yet they did not fear death (or failure). . . they had been taught. . . that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them."

I do not doubt that I am here at this point in my life for a purpose. I do not doubt that, through my faith and my attitude, I possess the strength to survive and thrive through hard times. And moreover, I do not doubt that through God's tutelage, I can be guided and taught until all my weaknesses become my greatest triumphs.

Week-Night Easy Rolls (from http://www.kitchenparade.com/)

Serves: 12

Points: 4

1 package active dry yeast (1/4 ounce, 2-1/4 teaspoons)
2 cups warm water
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup canola oil
1 egg
4 cups bread flour, fluffed to aerate before measuring
2 tablespoons (yes, tablespoons) baking powder
2 teaspoons table salt
Chopped fresh herbs such as chives, sage or rosemary, optional

Preheat oven to 425F. Grease the cups of a muffin tray with standard-size cups. Stir together the yeast and water, set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil and egg. Separately, stir together flour, baking powder and salt. With a wooden spoon, stir in the flour mixture a cup at a time until just mixed, adding a portion of the yeast-water mixture between additions.

Stir in herbs, if using. With two soup spoons, one to scoop and the other to scrape, fill the muffin tins. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden. Cool for 5 minutes. Best served hot but keep two to three days.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.-Eleanor Roosevelt

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT--General Conference Awesomeness

Here are some more great thoughts from General Conference:

"As our Father, He is always willing and desirous to forgive our errors and weaknesses and the sins we commit, subject only to total and sincere repentance. And as a complement to that—and as the maximum manifestation of His immense love for each one of His children—He provides us with the consequences of the singular work wrought by the Savior, namely the Atonement, brought about by an obedient Son always willing to do the Father’s will in benefit to each one of us" (Jorge F. Zeballos, "Attempting the Impossible," General Conference, October 2009).

"Tempered glass, like tempered steel, undergoes a well-controlled heating process which increases strength. Thus, when tempered glass is under stress, it will not easily break into jagged shards that can injure.

Likewise, a temperate soul—one who is humble and full of love—is also a person of increased spiritual strength. With increased spiritual strength, we are able to develop self-mastery and to live with moderation. We learn to control, or temper, our anger, vanity, and pride. With increased spiritual strength, we can protect ourselves from the dangerous excesses and destructive addictions of today’s world" (Elder Kent D. Watson, "Being Temperate in All Things," General Conference, October 2009).

"For most, repentance is more a journey than a one-time event. It is not easy. To change is difficult. It requires running into the wind, swimming upstream. Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.”18 Repentance is turning away from some things, such as dishonesty, pride, anger, and impure thoughts, and turning toward other things, such as kindness, unselfishness, patience, and spirituality. It is “re-turning” toward God. . .

"Sometimes in our repentance, in our daily efforts to become more Christlike, we find ourselves repeatedly struggling with the same difficulties. As if we were climbing a tree-covered mountain, at times we don’t see our progress until we get closer to the top and look back from the high ridges. Don’t be discouraged. If you are striving and working to repent, you are in the process of repenting." (Elder Neil L. Anderson, " Repent. . . That I May Heal You," General Conference, October 2009).

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Lemon Asparagus Pasta (from http://www.kitchenparade.com/)

Serves: 4

Points: 6

8 oz. bow-tie pasta
1-1/2 lbs. fresh asparagus, woody ends trimmed

LEMON SAUCE:
1 T. unsalted butter
1 shallot, chopped finely
3/4 c. fat free half’n’half
Zest from 3 lemons (about 2 tablespoons)
Juice from 2 lemons (about 1/4 cup)
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
0 – 2 tsp. sugar
About 1/3 c. fresh dill, chopped
Freshly grated black pepper
Grated fresh Parmesan cheese

Cook pasta in well-salted water and drain. Steam asparagus until just slightly underdone (it will finish cooking in the sauce). Cut into two-inch lengths.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt butter on medium heat, add shallot and slowly soften. Add half’n’half, zest, lemon juice, salt and sugar. Stir in asparagus and gently warm until spears reach desired tenderness. Stir in hot pasta, letting it soak up sauce. Gently stir in dill and black pepper.

Transfer to serving bowls. Sprinkle with Parmesan. Serve and enjoy!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

" . . .the rich[est] rewards come only to the strenuous strugglers" (As quoted by David O McKay, The Teachings of David O. McKay, by Mary Jane Woodger, 2004, 300).

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT--He Loves Us Perfectly

More Awesome Quotes from Conference:

"Since the beginning of time, love has been the source of both the highest bliss and the heaviest burdens. At the heart of misery from the days of Adam until today, you will find the love of wrong things. And at the heart of joy, you will find the love of good things. And the greatest of all good things is God" (President Dieter F. Uchdorf, "The Love of God," General Conference, October 2009).

"God does not look on the outward appearance. I believe that He doesn’t care one bit if we live in a castle or a cottage, if we are handsome or homely, if we are famous or forgotten. Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God’s love encompasses us completely."

"We are important to God not because of our résumé but because we are His children. He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken" (President Dieter F. Uchdorf, "The Love of God," General Conference, October 2009).

"My dear brothers and sisters, don’t get discouraged if you stumble at times. Don’t feel downcast or despair if you don’t feel worthy to be a disciple of Christ at all times. The first step to walking in righteousness is simply to try. We must try to believe. Try to learn of God: read the scriptures; study the words of His latter-day prophets; choose to listen to the Father, and do the things He asks of us. Try and keep on trying until that which seems difficult becomes possible—and that which seems only possible becomes habit and a real part of you" (President Dieter F. Uchdorf, "The Love of God," General Conference, October 2009).

The divine love of God turns ordinary acts into extraordinary service. Divine love is the motive that transports simple words into sacred scripture. Divine love is the factor that transforms reluctant compliance with God’s commandments into blessed dedication and consecration. Love is the guiding light that illuminates the disciple’s path and fills our daily walk with life, meaning, and wonder. Love is the measure of our faith, the inspiration for our obedience, and the true altitude of our discipleship. Love is the way of the disciple (President Dieter F. Uchdorf, "The Love of God," General Conference, October 2009).

Minnesota Sloppy Joes (adapted from http://www.kitchenparade.com/)

Serves: 4

Points: 6, with bun

1 pound ground turkey or lean ground beef
3/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
To taste, chopped onion

To taste, chopped celery

Buns

In a skillet, cook the meat until done, breaking apart into small clumps as it cooks. (For double or triple batches, cook the meat in a couple of skillets for more surface area.) Meanwhile, collect all the remaining ingredients in a slow cooker. Stir in the cooked meat, cover and cook on high, stirring occasionally if possible, for 4 – 5 hours, longer is fine too. Can be made ahead and rewarmed for later. Freezes well.

To serve, scoop meat onto a bottom bun, top with pickles and chips, put the top hat on. Serve and savor and – yes – smile.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

No, God does not need us to love Him. But oh, how we need to love God!

For what we love determines what we seek.

What we seek determines what we think and do.

What we think and do determines who we are—and who we will become.

(President Dieter F. Uchdorf, "The Love of God," General Conference, October 2009)

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT--Grapes and Jalapenos

Yay! The text from General Conference has been posted! For the next few posts, I'll probably be quoting some of the AWESOME and INSPIRING quotes from conference. So many quotes, so little time!

"I am convinced that there is no simple formula or technique that would immediately allow you to master the ability to be guided by the voice of the Spirit. Our Father expects you to learn how to obtain that divine help by exercising faith in Him and His Holy Son, Jesus Christ. Were you to receive inspired guidance just for the asking, you would become weak and ever more dependent on Them. They know that essential personal growth will come as you struggle to learn how to be led by the Spirit" (Elder Richard G. Scott, "To Acquire Spiritual Guidance," General Conference, October 2009).

"Spirituality yields two fruits. The first is inspiration to know what to do. The second is power, or the capacity to do it" (Elder Richard G. Scott, "To Acquire Spiritual Guidance," General Conference, October 2009).

"The inspiring influence of the Holy Spirit can be overcome or masked by strong emotions, such as anger, hate, passion, fear, or pride. When such influences are present, it is like trying to savor the delicate flavor of a grape while eating a jalapeño pepper. Both flavors are present, but one completely overpowers the other" (Elder Richard G. Scott, "To Acquire Spiritual Guidance," General Conference, October 2009).

"Because the Spirit is often described as a still, small voice, it is also important to have a time of quiet in our lives as well. The Lord has counseled us to 'be still, and know that I am God.' If we provide a still and quiet time each day when we are not bombarded by television, computer, video games, or personal electronic devices, we allow that still, small voice an opportunity to provide personal revelation and to whisper sweet guidance, reassurance, and comfort to us" (Vicki F. Matsumori, "Helping Others Recognize teh Whisperings of the Spirit," General Conference, October 2009).

"Sometimes Sister Bednar and I wondered if our efforts to do these spiritually essential things were worthwhile. Now and then verses of scripture were read amid outbursts such as “He’s touching me!” “Make him stop looking at me!” “Mom, he’s breathing my air!” Sincere prayers occasionally were interrupted with giggling and poking. And with active, rambunctious boys, family home evening lessons did not always produce high levels of edification. At times Sister Bednar and I were exasperated because the righteous habits we worked so hard to foster did not seem to yield immediately the spiritual results we wanted and expected.

Today if you could ask our adult sons what they remember about family prayer, scripture study, and family home evening, I believe I know how they would answer. They likely would not identify a particular prayer or a specific instance of scripture study or an especially meaningful family home evening lesson as the defining moment in their spiritual development. What they would say they remember is that as a family we were consistent. . .

In my office is a beautiful painting of a wheat field. The painting is a vast collection of individual brushstrokes—none of which in isolation is very interesting or impressive. In fact, if you stand close to the canvas, all you can see is a mass of seemingly unrelated and unattractive streaks of yellow and gold and brown paint. However, as you gradually move away from the canvas, all of the individual brushstrokes combine together and produce a magnificent landscape of a wheat field. Many ordinary, individual brushstrokes work together to create a captivating and beautiful painting.

Each family prayer, each episode of family scripture study, and each family home evening is a brushstroke on the canvas of our souls. No one event may appear to be very impressive or memorable. But just as the yellow and gold and brown strokes of paint complement each other and produce an impressive masterpiece, so our consistency in doing seemingly small things can lead to significant spiritual results. “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great” (D&C 64:33). Consistency is a key principle as we lay the foundation of a great work in our individual lives and as we become more diligent and concerned in our own homes" (Elder David A. Bednar, "More Diligent and Concerned at Home," General Conference, October 2009).

YES, I'M STILL HERE!

I have to apologize for my lack of posts lately. Since Ty lost his job, I have gone back to work and life has become a little more. . . well, complicated. I will still try to post at least two or three times a week, but I don't think I can manage a post every day. Keep checking back though, and PLEASE continue leaving comments. Your comments are always that little push that keeps me going with this project. Love you guys!

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Baked Apples (from http://www.kitchenparade.com/)

Serves: 9

Points: 5

1-1/2 cups brown sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Dash cinnamon
Dash nutmeg
1-1/2 cups water
4 tablespoons butter
9 small or medium apples

In a 1-1/2 quart saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch and spices; stir together with a wooden spoon to remove any obvious lumps. Add water and stir. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Add butter. Cook until thick, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, rub a 9x9-inch glass dish with butter. Wash and core the apples and place right side up in the dish. Pour the sauce into and over the apples.

Bake 45 minutes at 325F. Halfway through baking, remove from oven and cover the apples with hot syrup again. Return to oven to complete baking. Serve hot or cold.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"It is true that the answers to our prayers may not always come as direct and at the time, nor in the manner, we anticipate; but they do come, and at a time and in a manner best for the interests of him who offers the supplication."

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

On Prayer:

"Prayer is a supernal gift of our Father in Heaven to every soul. Think of it: the absolute Supreme Being, the most all-knowing, all-seeing, all-powerful personage, encourages you and me, as insignificant as we are, to converse with Him as our Father. Actually, because He knows how desperately we need His guidance, He commands, "Thou shalt pray vocally as well as in thy heart; yea, before the world as well as in secret, in public as well as in private."

"It matters not our circumstance, be we humble or arrogant, poor or rich, free or enslaved, learned or ignorant, loved or forsaken, we can address Him. We need no appointment. Our supplication can be brief or can occupy all the time needed. It can be an extended expression of love and gratitude or an urgent plea for help. He has created numberless cosmos and populated them with worlds, yet you and I can talk with Him personally, and He will ever answer" (Richard G. Scott, "Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer," Ensign, May 2007).

Don't worry about your clumsily expressed feelings. Just talk to your compassionate, understanding Father. You are His precious child whom He loves perfectly and wants to help. As you pray, recognize that Father in Heaven is near and He is listening" (Richard G. Scott, "Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer," Ensign, May 2007).

"I have discovered that what sometimes seems an impenetrable barrier to communication is a giant step to be taken in trust. Seldom will you receive a complete response all at once. It will come a piece at a time, in packets, so that you will grow in capacity. As each piece is followed in faith, you will be led to other portions until you have the whole answer. That pattern requires you to exercise faith in our Father's capacity to respond. While sometimes it's very hard, it results in significant personal growth."

"He will always hear your prayers and will invariably answer them. However, His answers will seldom come while you are on your knees praying, even when you may plead for an immediate response. Rather, He will prompt you in quiet moments when the Spirit can most effectively touch your mind and heart. Hence, you should find periods of quiet time to recognize when you are being instructed and strengthened. His pattern causes you to grow" (Richard G. Scott, "Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer," Ensign, May 2007).

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Autumn Pumpkin Bread (from http://www.kitchenparade.com/)

Servings: 12 slices per loaf

Points: 3 points per slice

1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk
3/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
4 eggs
16 ounces (2 cups) pumpkin
3-1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoon baking soda
1-1/2 cups pecans, chopped (optional)

Preheat oven to 350F. Spray two 9x5 loaf pans with cooking spray. In a large mixing bowl, combine oil, buttermilk and sugars and beat until smooth using an electric hand mixer. Add eggs and pumpkin; beat until smooth, about 2 minutes. Separately, combine flour, spices, salt and baking soda. Add to pumpkin mixture and combine until just blended. Remove beaters. Add pecans and stir in with a wooden spoon. Pour evenly into two loaf pans and bake 45 minutes or until a knife inserted into center is removed cleanly. Remove from oven, let cool five minutes Remove from pans and continue to cool.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Gratitude is a Spirit-filled principle. It opens our minds to a universe permeated with the richness of a living God. Through it, we become spiritually aware of the wonder of the smallest things, which gladden our hearts with their messages of God's love. This grateful awareness heightens our sensitivity to divine direction. When we communicate gratitude, we can be filled with the Spirit and connected to those around us and the Lord. Gratitude inspires happiness and carries divine influence. "Live in thanksgiving daily," said Amulek, "for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you."

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT--Around Every Corner

Do you ever get the feeling that someone is watching you? I know, it sounds creepy, but sometimes, I truly can feel someone not only watching me, but really looking out for me. I felt that way today as the announcement was made that a temple will be built in my hometown. I know there are probably millions of very deep, spiritual and temporal reasons for that particular announcement at this particular moment in time. Still, I can't help but feel that Heavenly Father is bringing a temple to Brigham City just for me. I think of the weeks the Spirit has been working on me, whispering that it's been too long since my last visit. I think of the last three attempts we made to go to the temple...babysitter backing out, no gas money, and no gas money. Could it be that with all the other reasons, Heavenly Father really, truly did think of me? Now, with this thought in mind, I recommit myself to regular temple attendance, as a token of my gratitude. I love that He loves me.

What about the day I needed size 3 diapers...NOW, but pay day wasn't until Friday? How was it that I went to the store anyway, knowing full well that diapers cost more than $4, only to find a ripped open, then taped back shut bag with a clearance sticker that read $3.50?

Or what about the day I went school shopping and completely "forgot" to buy jeans for my daughter, to come home to a large bag of hand-me-down, brand-name jeans in new condition, sitting on my doorstep?

I also think of God's love for me whenever a sunset in my favorite colors: bright orange and hot pink, canvases the sky just at the moment I am at my breaking point. I feel cared for when my alarm clock is set for p.m. instead of a.m. and I wake to someone whispering my name and a touch on my shoulder, and turn to see no one there except for my sleeping husband. And I am overwhelmed with gratitude each time I make a tremendous effort to get my large family out the door for 9:00 church and find myself sitting in a Young Women's lesson that turns out to be just the answer to prayer for which I was seeking so desperately.

I do not believe in coincidences. There are lessons, opportunities, testimonies, evidences, and consequences, but no coincidences. I do believe in God's love and what my dear friend, Diane, refers to as "arranging angels." I thank God for His watching care and the evidences of His love for me. . . around every corner.