FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT--All Blessings Come from Thee

I love The Biggest Loser! I realize that it is not realistic; the contestants are isolated and have personal trainers and chefs helping them to plan and prepare their meals. Also, it is not advisable to expect to lose more than two or three pounds a week on average. Still, I love seeing people who, like me, battle with the same trials I bear. I love that moment in each contestant's story when they decide: "Enough's enough!" This last episode that moment came for one man as he worked at a inner-city food bank every day for a week. While working closely with people who had NOTHING to eat, he realized how mindless his own overeating had truly been.

I was touched by this episode and couldn't hold back the tears. I realized that my overeating, in a way, is a form of ingratitude. As I take good food for granted, with which I have been blessed, I am essentially saying to Heavenly Father: "I don't really care that this is YOURS. I do not choose to acknowledge that all my blessings come from Thee."

In this sense, my overeating becomes more than a mere weakness or character flaw. It truly becomes a sin.

This week, I am going to try a little harder to keep track of each bite I take. I want to be able to contemplate how it was made. I want to imagine the wheat fields, gardens, and dairy farms and those loving hands who grew my food. Then, I will think of the employment that blessed the families of workers in the manufacturing and packaging plants. I will think of my husband's and my own jobs, which allow us to place food on our tables. And though it brings back unpleasant moments involving spinach at the kitchen table, I really will think about the "starving children in Africa" who have so very little. In other words, I will remember that "the Earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof." And for the many blessings that come from the Earth, I will learn to be more appreciative. I will truly give thanks for all things.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"Noble and great. Courageous and determined. Faithful and fearless. That is who you are and who you have always been. And understanding it can change your life, because this knowledge carries a confidence that cannot be duplicated any other way." --Sheri Dew

A NEW IDEA. . .

I want to thank all of you who support me by faithfully following my blog and want to let you in on a new way I am challenging myself to lose weight. I have called several of my close relatives and friends, those who I think would be nothing but supportive, and asked them to participate in a "pound-for-pound" challenge. For each pound I lose, those who are participating are invited to (if they are able) donate one pound to their local food pantry. I am hoping that if I know I am helping others in this way, I will be able to "raise the bar" for myself and find the motivation I need to really get going with my weight-loss goals. If any of my followers are willing to participate, I'd love to invite you to do this with me. It's for a good cause and I will try to update you weekly on my progress. Here are a few rules I have established for myself:

* Supporters do not need to donate food to be involved. Those who are pledging to donate pound for pound, need not do so if circumstances prohibit. This is JUST FOR FUN and your participation is always OPTIONAL.

* The pounds I report will always be ORIGINAL pounds. That means if I backslide and have to play catch up, my supporters will not have to donate for those pounds.

* Those who participate, whether on my blog or from my email contact list, are hereby granted the title of AWESOME POSSUM!

Thank you all for your support! You are the BEST and I LOVE YOU!

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Chicken and Bean Burritos (adapted from www.foodnetwork.com)

Serves: 4

Points: 7

1/2 cup brown rice
2 cloves garlic; 1 smashed, 1 minced
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 pound (about 2 cups) diced butternut squash
1 cup shredded or canned chicken, cooked

1/2 c. unsalted, shelled sunflower seeds
1 15-ounce can black beans
1 cup diced tomatoes
1/2 cup fresh cilantro
1/4 c. diced green chilies, lightly drained
4 8-inch whole-wheat tortillas, warmed
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
fat free sour cream, for serving (optional)

Heat a medium skillet over high heat. Add the rice and smashed garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Add 1 cup water, season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Add the squash and reduce the heat to low; cover and simmer, undisturbed, about 25 minutes. Sprinkle the chicken and sunflower seeds over the rice mixture, cover and remove from the heat.

Meanwhile, make the bean salsa: Drain and rinse the beans and chop the cilantro and peppers. Toss with the minced garlic and tomatoes in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

Stir the chicken-rice mixture and spoon it down the center of each tortilla, then top with half of the bean salsa and sprinkle with the cheese. Fold in the sides and roll up. Slice in half and serve with the remaining bean salsa and sour cream, if desired.

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," Ensign, November 2009, 21).

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT--The Lord is My Rock

I have been reading in Psalms this week. I have always loved the psalms and have often wondered about the trials that compelled David to write with such passion and conviction. Tonight as I read Psalm 18, I was actually moved to tears by its beauty and authenticity.

"I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower" (Psalms 18:1-2).

Verses six through 15 describe natural disasters, storms and general adversity that have plagued the people. I am almost positive that David is also describing his trials and sorrows figuratively here. Then in verse 16, he describes his deliverance beautifully:

"He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters."

I have felt this same way many times, as God has shown mercy to me in adversity. I think that this verse can definitely be applied to those who find themselves immersed in the "'waters" of any type of addiciton. The next verse also applies:

"He delivered me from my strong enem[ies]. . . for they were too strong for me."

Anyone who has dealt with the strangling hold of addiction will surely acknowledge that these trials at times, truly become "too strong" to handle on our own. Thank goodness the Savior has been commissioned to deliver us from ourselves, and our worst vices.

Verse 19 is the one that brought tears to my eyes: ". . . he delivered me, because he delighted in me." I LOVE THAT!!! I am so filled with return love when I read that, despite all my imperfections, He still delights in me. I am his child! Again, I must admit, that I am touched so deeply as the implications of this simple statement sink in.

I do not have to overcome my bad habits alone. I need to recognize that at times, my temptations ARE stronger than me. I NEED my Savior, for without Him, I cannot do this. Only He can deliver me out of the "waters" of addiction and adversity. And if I am righteous, and turn to Him in my need, he WILL deliver me because He delights in me.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"When we are on the Lord's errand, we are entitled to His help." --President Thomas S. Monson

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Fresh Fish Tacos with Crunchy Corn Salsa

(adapted from http://www.allrecipes.com/)

Serves: 6

Points: 6

1 cup corn
1/2 cup diced red onion
1 cup peeled, chopped jicama
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
1 lime, zested and juiced
2 tablespoons fat free sour cream
2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons salt
6 (4 ounce) fillets tilapia
2 tablespoons olive oil
12 corn tortillas, warmed

Preheat grill for high heat. In a medium bowl, mix together corn, red onion, jicama, red bell pepper, and cilantro. Stir in lime juice and zest.

In a small bowl, combine cayenne pepper, ground black pepper, and salt. Brush each fillet with olive oil, and sprinkle with spices.

Arrange fillets on grill grate, and cook for 3 minutes per side. For each fiery fish taco, top two corn tortillas with fish, sour cream, and corn salsa.

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Easy Eggplant Parmesan

Serves: 4

Points: 6

2 medium eggplants, peeled and thinly sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
1 T. salt
1 egg, beaten
1 1/2 c. plain bread crumbs
2 c. tomato sauce, divided
1 (16 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/3 c. grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 tsp. dried basil

Heat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C). Place sliced eggplant in a colander and sprinkle salt over eggplant and let stand 10 minutes; rinse salt and pat dry. Dip eggplant in egg then in bread crumbs. Place a single layer on a sheet pan. Bake until tender, about 5-7 minutes on each side.

Add 1 cup tomato sauce to 9x13 baking dish, half of the eggplant, mozzarella and parmesan cheese; repeat layering process finishing with the cheeses. Sprinkle basil on top. Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

On Happiness:

Happiness cannot come from without. It must come from within. It is not what we see and touch or that which others do for us which makes us happy; it is that which we think and feel and do, first for the other fellow and then for ourselves. --Helen Keller


The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers. --M. Scott Peck


If you observe a really happy man you will find him building a boat, writing a symphony, educating his son, growing double dahlias in his garden. He will not be searching for happiness as if it were a collar button that has rolled under the radiator. --W. Beran Wolfe

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT--Always with a Smile

Tonight at our mutual activity, our Bishop told a sweet story. He works as an optometrist at a Target Super Center and has established a sweet friendship with the "shopping cart boy" there. Tim is a mentally disabled young man whose only job is to continuously collect shopping carts from the parking lot and return them to the front of the store. Though this doesn't seem to me, a particularly rewarding or desirable occupation, he truly loves his job. He always works with a smile on his face and while whistling or humming a happy little tune.

I was so touched to hear of this young man. Here is someone who obviously has faced adversity in his life. He is also obviously a man of meager means. Yet, he chooses to look at what he DOES HAVE. Instead of dwelling on his inadequacies and limitations, Tim's heart is full of gratitude for his friends and his health. He is happy because he chooses to find happiness around him.

I went to Ogden today with my mom to do some shopping. We were driving down Wall Avenue towards the mall and I saw a auto repair shop that was painted the most beautiful color of green. (As a photographer, I love colors!) As I mentioned the color to my mom, I realized that I was being a "Tim" at that moment. Instead of noticing the gray sky or the dirty city streets or drab, worn-down buildings around me, I had found something that made me happy.

I hope to be able to be more like this exceptional young man, and search for happiness all around me. Thanks, Tim, for your endearing example!

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Catherine's Spicy Chicken Soup (adapted from http://www.allrecipes.com/)

Serves: 8

Points: 7

2 quarts water
8 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons dried parsley
1 tablespoon onion powder
5 cubes chicken bouillon
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 (16 ounce) jar chunky salsa
2 (14.5 ounce) cans peeled and diced tomatoes
1 (14.5 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed tomato soup
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
2 (16 ounce) cans chili beans, undrained
1 (8 ounce) container fat free sour cream

In a large pot over medium heat, combine water, chicken, salt, pepper, garlic powder, parsley, onion powder and bouillon cubes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 1 hour, or until chicken juices run clear. Remove chicken, reserve broth. Shred chicken.

In a large pot over medium heat, cook onion and garlic in olive oil until slightly browned. Stir in salsa, diced tomatoes, whole tomatoes, tomato soup, chili powder, corn, chili beans, sour cream, shredded chicken and 5 cups broth. Simmer 30 minutes.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

“The Lord knows who we really are, what we really think, what we really do, and who we really are becoming.” (David A. Bednar, “Things as They Really Are,” CES fireside for young adults, May 3, 2009 )

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT--Delete Keys

Today I want to share with you my five favorite hymns. I cannot begin to tell you how powerful these sacred songs have been in my life. I constantly use these "delete keys" (see yesterday's Food For Thought quote by Boyd K. Packer) in my fight for righteous living.

1. When Faith Endures
2. Where Can I Turn for Peace?
3. All Creatures of Our God and King
4. I Need Thee Every Hour
5. Come, Come Ye Saints

Here are the words to "When Faith Endures," which I wish was more well-known in the church. Its message of resolute devotion encourages me in life's most difficult moments:

I will not doubt, I will not fear;
God’s love and strength are always near.
His promised gift helps me to find
An inner strength and peace of mind.
I give the Father willingly
My trust, my prayers, humility.
His Spirit guides; his love assures
That fear departs when faith endures.

(Text: Naomi W. Randall, 1908–2001. © 1985 IRI)

I would LOVE to hear what your favorite hymns are too!

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Teriyaki-Glazed Burgers (adapted from http://www.realsimple.com/)

Serves: 4

Points: 6

1 1/2 pounds extra lean ground beef
kosher salt and pepper
1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
4 English muffins, split
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
8 pickle spears

Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Form the beef into four ½-inch-thick patties and season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.

Grill the burgers to the desired doneness, 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium, basting with the teriyaki sauce during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Grill the English muffins until toasted, 1 to 2 minutes per side.

Sandwich the burgers in the muffins. Serve with the tomatoes and 2 pickles each.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

“When temptation comes, you can invent a delete key in your mind—perhaps the words from a favorite hymn. Your mind is in charge; your body is the instrument of your mind. When some unworthy thought pushes into your mind, replace it with your delete key. Worthy music is powerful and can help you control your thoughts (see D&C 25:12).”
Boyd K. Packer, “Prayer and Promptings,” Ensign, Nov. 2009, 46

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT--Superheroes

Yesterday was a great day. I am the second counselor in our Young Women's organization, so it falls on me each year to plan New Beginnings. Our program this year was centered around Joshua 1:9, which states: "Be strong and of a good courage, be not afraid, doubt not, neither be dismayed, for the Lord God is with thee withersoever thou goest."

We chose to do a superhero theme for the program. I spoke to the girls about how their powers as women in the church are not so different from the powers of popular super heroes. Here are a few of the examples we discussed:

Superman is often called the "Man of Steel" because of his strength. We, as women can develop strength as we live gospel principles and have faith in adversity.

Superman also had x-ray vision. We can see right through Satan's lies and see the truth.

Many superheroes are able to run very quickly. We can quickly flee temptations when they arise.

Many superheroes can fly. As we live the values and keep the commandments, we will be able to soar, above the low worldly standards.

Spiderman is able to scale tall buildings. We have the ability to climb to great heights as we counsel with the Lord and live righteous lives.

Spiderman has his "Spidey-sense" to help him be aware of dangers. We have the gift of the Holy Ghost to warn us and protect us from spiritual dangers.

Superheroes serve and save others. Members of the church dedicate their lives to the service of their fellow-beings. They can save many by their words of testimony and by their examples.

Superheroes fight for honor and justice. By living the gospel, we stand up for what we believe in and bear testimony of what is right and good and true.

Superheroes show up just when things look the grimmest. We have been saved to live in the Latter days. We need to be women of strength now, more than ever.

Each superhero has a weakness. Superman's, for example was Kryptonite. Our adversary, Satan, is also aware of our weaknesses and will do everything in his power to use them to destroy us. We must be very cautious to avoid contact with the things that could injure or kill our spirits.

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Guilt-Free Cherry Chocolate Clusters (from www.bhg.com)

Serves: 6

Points: 3

1 cup whole almonds, toasted and coarsely chopped
1/2 cup dried cherries, coarsely chopped
6 oz. dark or bittersweet chocolate (60 percent to 70 percent cocoa), finely chopped

In medium bowl toss together almonds and cherries. Line baking sheet with waxed paper.

Melt half of the chocolate in top of double boiler over slightly simmering water, on lowest possible heat setting. Stir chocolate frequently, making sure water in bottom pan does not touch top pan. Remove double boiler from heat. Stir in remaining chocolate until melted. Remove top pan and wipe water from bottom of pan; set aside To keep chocolate at the right temperature while making clusters, replace the simmering water in the bottom pan with warm tap water and place the pan of melted chocolate on top of the warm water.

Stir fruit-nut mixture into chocolate. Spoon heaping tablespoon-size clusters of the chocolate mixture onto waxed paper-lined baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Refrigerate to cool and set, about 20 minutes. Store and serve at room temperature. Makes 12 clusters.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"If there were no night, we would not appreciate the day, nor could we see the stars and the vastness of the heavens. We must partake of the bitter with the sweet. There is a divine purpose in the adversities we encounter every day. They prepare, they purge, they purify, and thus they bless" --James E. Faust, "Refined in Our Trials," Ensign, Feb. 2006, 7

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT--Spiritual Goliaths

I have recently recommitted to my goals for weight-loss. After several difficult months, I had let these aspirations become pushed to the back burner, but now I am feel ready to again face my "Goliath."

Speaking of Goliath, today as I studied the scriptures, I chose to read the account of the young shepherd boy who conquered his literal giant. After digesting the scriptural account, I found an amazing article by President Monson: "Meeting Your Goliath," from 1987.

"There was one, however, who did not quake with fear nor run in alarm. Rather, he stiffened the spine of Israel’s soldiers by his piercing question of rebuke toward them: “Is there not a cause? … Let no man’s heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” (1 Sam. 17:19, 32.)

As I look to the future and think of my righteous desire for a healthier body and lifestyle, I can't help but repeat David's words in my mind: "Is there not a cause?" YES! I KNOW that Heavenly Father stands ready to help me if I will allow His love to heal me. I KNOW that as I grow healthier, He will bless my life and the lives of those around me. I KNOW that as I lose the weight, I will live a longer life, and have countless opportunities to do good with my new-found energy. I WILL NOT let my heart fail me because of Satan's lies: that I cannot do this and that I am not worth the effort. I will go and fight with this "Philistine."

President Monson said: "Is there a Goliath in your life? Is there one in mine? Does he stand squarely between you and your desired happiness? Your Goliath may not carry a sword or hurl a verbal challenge of insult that all may hear and force you to decision. He may not be ten feet tall, but he likely will appear equally as formidable. . . The giant you face will not diminish in size nor in power or strength by your vain hoping, wishing, or waiting for him to do so. Rather, he increases in power as his hold upon you tightens. . . The battle for our souls is no less important that the battle fought by David. The enemy is no less formidable, the help of Almighty God no farther away. What will our action be? Like David of old, “our cause is just.” We have been placed upon earth not to fail or fall victim to temptation’s snare, but rather to succeed."

"David went to the brook and carefully selected five smooth stones with which he might meet his enemy. He was deliberate in his selection, for there could be no turning back, no second chance—this battle was to be decisive."

"Just as David went to the brook, well might we go to our source of supply—the Lord. What polished stones will you select to defeat the Goliath that is robbing you of your happiness by smothering your opportunities? May I offer suggestions:"

1. The stone of COURAGE will be essential to your victory. As we survey the challenges of life, that which is easy is rarely right. In fact, the course that we should properly follow appears at times impossible, impenetrable, hopeless.

2. Next, I select the stone of EFFORT—mental effort and physical effort. The heights by great men reached and kept Were not attained by sudden flight, But they, while their companions slept, Were toiling upward in the night. (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, “The Ladder of St. Augustine.”)

3. Then there must be in our selection the stone of HUMILITY, for haven’t we been told through divine revelation that when we are humble, the Lord, our God, will lead us by the hand and give us answer to our prayers?

4. And who would go forth to battle his Goliath without the stone of PRAYER, remembering that the recognition of a power higher than oneself is in no way debasing; rather, it exalts.

5. Finally, let us choose the stone of LOVE OF DUTY. Duty is not merely to do the thing we ought to do, but to do it when we should, whether we like it or not. . . "

Armed with this selection of five polished stones to be propelled by the mighty sling of faith, we need then but take the staff of virtue to steady us, and we are ready to meet the giant Goliath, wherever, and whenever, and however we find him.

Above all else, may we ever remember that we do not go forth alone to battle the Goliaths of our lives. As David declared to Israel, so might we echo the knowledge, “The battle is the Lord’s, and he will give [Goliath] into our hands” (1 Sam. 17:47) (Thomas S. Monson, "Meeting Your Goliath," Liahona, May 1987).

You can view this article in its entirety at http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=c93a8b5c1dbdb010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=f318118dd536c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Winter Turkey Chowder (Adapted from http://www.kitcheparade.com/)

Serves: 8

Points: 5

3 T. butter
3 large onions, chopped
1 lb fresh mushrooms, caps broken into pieces, stems chopped (see TIPS)
1 tsp sugar (optional but encourages browning)
1 – 2 large Yukon gold potatoes, skins on
4 c. turkey or chicken stock
4 c. evaporated 2% milk
1 lb. cooked, chopped turkey
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped

torn spinach leaves, optional (if you add 1 c. of spinach leaves, you can subtract one point!)

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter on medium. Add onion, toss to coat. Stirring occasionally, cook until onions are deep gold in color, about 90 minutes. Remove from pot, add mushrooms and sugar. Stirring occasionally, let cook til deep brown in color, about 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, separately cook potatoes in salted water. Drain, peel if desired, cut into large chunks. Meanwhile, separately warm all remaining ingredients on low heat, not allowing to boil.
In the large pot, combine cooked mushrooms, cooked onions, cooked potatoes and warm milk mixture. Cover and gently cook on medium low heat for 1 – 2 hours, stirring occasionally, not allowing to boil.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"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 Deiter F. Uchdorf, "The Love of God," Ensign, November 2009, 22).

I know, I know. I quote President Uchdorf more than anyone else. . . I love that man!

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT--Formula for Sanctification

"Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God." (Helaman 3:35)

Life-lessons gleaned from this verse:
1. Fasting + prayer + yielding of hearts= strength, humility, firmer faith in Christ, joy, consolation, purifying, sanctification.

I love that this little equation is lopsided; we give a litte by praying, fasting and offering up our hearts and in turn, we are blessed disproportionately by a generous and loving Heavenly Father. Our Father blesses us with lopsided and perfect love!

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Strawberry Pie for Valentines Day!

Serves: 6

Points: 4

1 whole frozen pie crust, 9" deep dish
4 c. fresh strawberries -- sliced or chopped
15 oz. strawberry pie glaze, sugar free

Sugar free whipped topping, if desired (add one point)

Bake pie crust according to package directions for a baked one crust pie shell. Wash and drain 1 quart fresh strawberries, removing stems and leafy tops. Place drained berries in prebaked pie shell. Use a spoon or spatula to spread glaze to cover strawberries. Refrigerate pie 1 hour or more before serving. Serve with sugar-free whipped topping, if desired for an additional point. (If strawberries are large, you may slice them in half).

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"There is no chance, no destiny, no fate that can hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul." --Ella Wheeler Wilcox