FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"Paced progress not only is acceptable to the Lord but also is recommended by Him. Divine declarations say: ‘Ye are little children and ye cannot bear all things now’ (D&C 50:40); ‘I will lead you along’ (D&C 78:18). Just as divine disclosure usually occurs line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little, so likewise we will achieve our spiritual progress gradually." (D&C 128:21; 98:12) (Neal A. Maxwell--"Men and Women of Christ" [1991], 23).

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT--Small Answers

I was at my brother's house tonight and for some reason picked up their copy of the "New Era," which I hadn't read yet. I was so touched and moved by the First Presidency Message by Elder Bednar, entitled "Line Upon Line, Precept Upon Precept." The article started out with a question which I have OFTEN asked myself: “How can I tell the difference between my emotions telling me what I want to hear and the Holy Ghost telling me what I need to hear?”

I would highly suggest that you read this deep, informational article, but I would also like to share some key quotes that helped me understand this principle better:

". . . we tend to believe the Lord will give us A BIG ANSWER QUICKLY AND ALL AT ONE TIME. However, the pattern repeatedly described in the scriptures suggests we receive “line upon line, precept upon precept,” or in other words, many small answers over a period of time."

"Most typically we receive a series of seemingly small and incremental spiritual impressions and nudges, which in totality constitute the desired confirmation about the correctness of the path which we are pursuing."

"Remember, Nephi tried several different approaches before he was able to successfully obtain the plates of brass from Laban (see 1 Nephi 3–4). And he did not learn how to build a ship of curious workmanship all at one time; rather, he was shown by the Lord “from time to time after what manner [he] should work the timbers of the ship” (1 Nephi 18:1).

"As described by Elder Richard G. Scott: “When we receive help from our Father in Heaven, it is in response to faith, obedience, and the proper use of agency” (“Learning to Recognize Answers to Prayers,” Ensign, Nov. 1989, 30)."

"If you and I would distinguish our personal emotions from the impressions placed in our hearts and minds by the Holy Ghost, then we must desire and seek, ask and discern, hear and obey, and then again desire and seek and ask and discern and hear and obey. Our faith and diligence and obedience are ongoing invitations for additional spiritual knowledge and insight. Faith leads to obedience, which yields wisdom and an even greater desire for added light and truth."

"It is not just that we have grown older, nor have we simply become smarter and had more experiences on which to draw, as important as those experiences are. Rather, the Holy Ghost has over time been expanding our intellect, forming our feelings, sharpening and elevating our perspective, such that we increasingly think and feel and act as the Lord would under similar circumstances. In short, we have made steady progress in obtaining “the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16)."

"As you ponder the principle of 'line upon line, precept upon precept,' you will be able to discern more clearly the consistent help from heaven you have received in your lives. And your faith in the Savior will be stronger, and your hope for the future will be brighter."

Good stuff, right? Here's the link to the article: http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=07d3321a03faa210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=024644f8f206c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"The best antidote I know for worry is work. The best medicine for despair is service. The best cure for weariness is the challenge of helping someone who is even more tired." — Gordon B. Hinckley

FOOD FOR THE BODY

GRILLED CHICKEN CHOPPED SALAD (adapted from http://www.realsimple.com/)

Serves: 4

Points: 8

1/4 c. whole-grain mustard
1/2 c. apple juice
1/4 c. white vinegar
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 c. plus 2 T. extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 lbs. chicken cutlets
4 small zucchini, cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick slices
4 Roma (plum) tomatoes, cut lengthwise in half
1 large red onion, sliced into 1/2-inch-thick rings
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1 (5 oz.) bag salad greens

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mustard, apple juice, vinegar, 2 tablespoons water, 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper, and 1/2 cup of the oil. Transfer 1/2 cup of the mixture to a large resealable plastic bag and refrigerate the rest. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Add to the bag, seal, and refrigerate for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, heat grill to medium. Place the zucchini, tomatoes, and onion on a baking sheet. Add the salt and the remaining oil and pepper and toss.
Grill the chicken and vegetables, turning occasionally, for about 10 minutes total. Transfer to a cutting board and roughly chop the ingredients. Divide the salad greens among individual bowls and top with the chicken, vegetables, and the reserved dressing.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

“Motherhood is the greatest potential influence either for good or ill in human life." --President David O. McKay

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

". . . may I say to mothers collectively, in the name of the Lord, you are magnificent. You are doing terrifically well. The very fact that you have been given such a responsibility is everlasting evidence of the trust your Father in Heaven has in you." (Jeffrey R. Holland, "Because She is a Mother," Ensign, April 1997).

FOOD FOR THE BODY

LEMON-THYME CHICKEN (from http://www.health.com/)

SERVES: 4
POINTS: 5 (including couscous)

1 T. lemon zest
1 T. chopped fresh thyme
1 lb. chicken cutlets
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 T. olive oil
1/2 c. water
1/3 c. uncooked couscous
3/4 lb. zucchini (about 2 medium), halved lengthwise and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 lb. yellow summer squash (about 2 medium), halved, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces
1/4 c. fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth
Chopped fresh thyme, for garnish

Place the lemon zest and thyme in a small bowl; toss. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. Sprinkle half of the lemon-and thyme mixture evenly onto one side of each cutlet. Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; cook the chicken, herb side down, turning after 2 minutes. When the chicken is golden and cooked through (about 4 minutes), transfer to a cutting board. Cover chicken, and keep warm. Bring 1/2 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan; gradually stir in the couscous. Remove pan from heat; cover and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Cover couscous, and keep warm.

Sauté the zucchini and squash (in the same skillet used for the chicken) over medium heat, stirring frequently, until golden and tender (about 4 minutes). Stir in the remaining lemon-and-thyme mixture, chicken broth, and couscous. Spoon the couscous mixture evenly among 4 plates; top each with a chicken cutlet. Garnish with thyme.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues." (Thomas S. Monson, "An Attitude of Gratitude," Ensign, Feb. 2000).

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT--Gratitude Journal

Today I was looking at my list of 30 things to do in my 30th year and I have picked start a gratitude journal as my next task. Since I already have this blog, I'll probably be periodically posting these blessings here to share with you. Here are a few gems for which I am grateful from the past week:

I love teaching. I love that I get so many opportunities to teach in Young Women's and to help fill in for my hubby, who is the Sunday School President. I love preparing the lessons and handouts, studying, learning, presenting, and bearing my cherished testimony to others. On Sunday, I had the opportunity to teach the Gospel Essentials class AND my YW in the same day, and for me, it was heaven. The GE lesson was about the millenium, which was a wonderful lesson. I learned quite a bit in studying that I didn't know. I look forward to the millenium, a time when I will be able to rest from my labors and truly enjoy my family as well as serve in God's kingdom. It was truly refreshing to read about the time when all my hopes will come to fruition and I will be able to live with the Savior in my midst. Just imagine! No contention, no temptations, no sin, no heartache, no disease. Ahhh. Sign me up for that!

My YW lesson was about temple marriage, and I could hardly speak at some points, as I shared with the girls the love I have for temples and the opportunity I have to be with my sweetie FOREVER and EVER if I do my part to live a righteous life. It was so sweet to reflect on how good our life has been in our almost ten years of marriage. I am so grateful for this man: his willingness to serve our family, to honor the priesthood, to care for each of our needs. He makes me smile daily and laugh often. I honestly don't know what I'd do without him. The most wonderful part of our love story is, that through the plan of salvation, I can be with him for "eternity and beyond!"

(More gratitude coming soon to a computer monitor near you!)

30 in 30 update: This week I wrote an unexpected thank you note, forgave someone who's hurt me, and smiled big on a very hard day. Plugging right along!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"I hope it goes without saying that guilt is not a proper motivational technique . . . " (Elder M. Russell Ballard, "O Be Wise," Ensign, November 2006)

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT--Proverbs

I apologize for my shoddy appearances in blogland of late. My internet isn't feeling so hot and I rarely have time to post from work. :( Hopefully we'll figure out what's wrong with our home computer soon.

I have been studying Proverbs with Tyler lately. I LOVE these awesome little gems. They are so filled with wisdom and hope. He are a few of my faves:

Proverbs 3:11-12 "My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of His correction. For whom the Lord loveth He correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth."

Proverbs 4:26 "Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy paths be established.

Proverbs 6:6-8 "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways and be wise, which having no guide, overseer or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer and gathereth her food in the harvest."

Proverbs 16:20 "He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good, and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he."

AND THE WINNER IS . . .

jnkeller!!!!

It was honestly just a random coincidence that my top commentor won this giveaway, but I'm SO excited it was her. Nicole, you're awsome! I'll facebook you to get your address then have the book shipped to you. Enjoy!!!

Thank you everyone else who entered the giveaway. Look for another one soon! I love you all!

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT--Awake, My Soul!

I recently returned from camping for several days. I love camping, but always wind up SO EXHAUSTED afterwards! This morning as I tried to get out of bed and get ready for work, after hitting the snooze button at least four times, I thought a scripture in Romans, Chapter 13: "And that, knowing the time, that it is now high time to awake out of sleep. . . "

This is a call to awaken our spirits, an admonition to get up and "at 'em" in doing all righteousness. Another verse, this time in the Book of Mormon offers the same "wake up call":
"Awake, my soul, no longer droop in sin!" (2 Nephi, 4:28)

I started thinking, am I hitting my spiritual snooze button? Am I awake to the reality of my spiritual standing? Or am I in sleep-mode, snoring away while I could be working hard to build my own testimony, serve those around me, share the gospel or magnify my callings?

Anyway, something to think about . . . cock-a-doodle-doo!

FOOD FOR THE BODY

GRILLED CORN ON THE COB (from http://www.allrecipes.com/)

Serves: 6

Points: 3

6 ears corn
6 tablespoons butter, softened
salt and pepper to taste

Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat and lightly oil grate. Peel back corn husks and remove silk. Place 1 tablespoon butter, salt and pepper on each piece of corn. Close husks. Wrap each ear of corn tightly in aluminum foil. Place on the prepared grill. Cook approximately 30 minutes, turning occasionally, until corn is tender.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

‎"We have a sacred obligation to SEEK after the power of God and then to USE that power as He directs."
--Sheri Dew

"Life, like classical music, is full of difficult passages that are conquered as much through endurance and determination as through any particular skill." --Sheri Dew

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT--Turning Our Lives Over to God

President Ezra Taft Benson once said: “Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can.”

I have always loved this quote. It has always served as a sort of compass. Several times in my life, as I have struggled with various aspirations, it has occurred to me, that perhaps, I should invite the Lord to figure into the equation. Once I begin living with His will in mind and heart, praying more sincerely, serving with more frequency and earnest, studying His words more faithfully, I begin to see things falling into place. My heart becomes a conduit to the glorious power of personal revelation, which allows me to live with greater clarity of objective.

I have a often-quoted-by-me, very wise friend, Diane, who begins each day with an invitation. She asks the Lord to allow the Holy Ghost to help her to "orchestrate" her day. She has had many, many experiences where she was able to run into the right person at the gas station, or to read just the right conference talk, or think of just the right thing to say to her children. I want to be more valiant in following her example because I think that as we live thusly, we become better and better. Little by little, we become people so unlike what we had in mind, but more like what the Lord has in mind.

My life has had many twists and turns, especially in the last few years. I have faced personal adversity, and have been blessed beyond comprehension. I was thinking today, specifically about changes to my body in the last ten years since I was married and began having children. In that ten-year time period, I have had four children and have miscarried four times. Add to that, the general stresses of being a mother and of life in general, and my body is COMPLETELY different now. I'm not making excuses and I'm not accepting my weight gain and health as mere fate. But when all is said and done, I wouldn't change much else. If having my perfect size 10 wedding-dress body back meant that I couldn't have my babies, or even that I had to trade in all my trials with their attendant lessons and blessings, I wouldn't even consider it. Despite its challenges and dips and ditches, I love my life. Moreover, I invite the Lord to guide me, to continue to try me, and even to chastise me, if needed, because without all that, who would I end up as? I don't want to finish life without these experiences, because they TEACH me who I was and who I will become. So today, I publicly recommit to the Lord, that I will accept His will for me. I will follow Him and turn my life over to Him. I will invite Him to lead my paths in all things.

FOOD FOR THE BODY

FRUIT KABOBS AND FRUIT DIP (from http://www.skinnytaste.com/)

Serves: 10

Points: 2

3 lbs. fruit

10 bamboo skewers

Cut fruit into bite-sized pieces to keep them all relatively the same size. Place onto wooden skewers and keep chilled until ready to eat.

Dip:

1 cup low fat sour cream
4 tbsp brown sugar

Combine sour cream and brown sugar. Place in a bowl to use as a dip

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

“When our wagon gets stuck in the mud, God is much more likely to assist the man who gets out to push than the man who merely raises his voice in prayer—no matter how eloquent the oration.” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Two Principles for Any Economy,” Ensign, Nov. 2009, 56-57)

30 Things to Do in My 30th Year Update

Here's a quick update on my list of 30 Things to Do in My 30th Year.

Goal #8 Eat a guilt-free candy bar. As you can imagine, this took me about five seconds to accomplish :)

Goal #1 Be someone's miracle. I noticed a post on Facebook from a single, working mom whose regular daycare arrangements had fallen through. She was asking for a babysitter and I volunteered. I really saw it as a way to pay it forward for all the childcare help I've received from my family since I've gone back to work. I took my kids and the two boys to Willard Bay and we played at the beach. It was so nice to see the look of gratitude and relief in the mother's eyes. I'm so grateful that I listened to the Spirit.

Goal #3 Dance in the rain with the kids. Our chance came when it started sprinkling in the parking lot at Wal-Mart. It was truly uncharacteristic of me to break out in a boogie there in front of all those complete strangers, but my kids loved it and surprisingly, so did I!

Goal #14 Meet someone famous. Today I had the amazing opportunity to meet one of my personal heroes, Becky Douglas. Becky is a former Miss Georgia, a classical violinist, a member of the church, a mother of seven and also the founder of Rising Star Outreach. Her foundation offers microloans, mobile medical services, and educational opportunities for many whose lives have been touched by leprosy in India. She has been featured on Oprah, CNN and Larry King Live. My boss knows her and asked her to come speak for his Kiwanis meeting today. After the meeting, she came to our office to change out of her sari, then sat at my desk while she ate her lunch. She and I had an opportunity to talk about her work in India and about life in general. She was warm, approachable, very humble and I loved every minute I spent with her. I feel so blessed that our paths merged for half-hour or so. It was AWESOME!

If you want to watch some of the TV spots about Becky and her work in India or find out more about her foundation, go to www.risingstaroutreach.org

FOOD FOR THE BODY

COCOA FUDGE COOKIES (from http://www.cookinglight.com/)

Serves: 24

Points: 2 (per cookie)

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons butter
7 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup plain low-fat yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350°.

Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine flour, soda, and salt; set aside. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat; stir in cocoa powder and sugars (mixture will resemble coarse sand). Add yogurt and vanilla, stirring to combine. Add flour mixture, stirring until moist. Drop by level tablespoons 2 inches apart onto baking sheets coated with cooking spray.

Bake at 350° for 8 to 10 minutes or until almost set. Cool on pans 2 to 3 minutes or until firm. Remove cookies from pans; cool on wire racks.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"He knows the way because He is the Way." --Sheri Dew

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT--He'll Tell You Too!

"I was raised on a farm in Kansas where we lived next door to my Grandma Dew, and I was her shadow. We went everywhere together—to the bank, the doctor, the Early Bird Garden Club, and to an endless procession of Church meetings. When it came to the gospel, Grandma was zealous. She would talk about the Church anytime and with anyone—including her eldest granddaughter.

I’ll never forget an interchange she and I had one night as we drove home from yet another meeting. It began when I blurted out a question that flashed through my eight-year-old mind: “Grandma, what if the gospel isn’t true and we’ve been going to all of these meetings for nothing?”

Charming little eight-year-old, wasn’t I?

'Sheri, you don’t need to worry about that,' she answered, 'because I know that the gospel is true.'

I challenged her: 'How can you know for sure?'

Several seconds passed before she said slowly, 'I know for sure that the gospel is true because the Holy Ghost has told me that Jesus Christ is our Savior and that this is His Church.' She paused, and then she added something I will never forget: 'And, Sheri, He’ll tell you too, and when He does, your life can never be the same again.'

I still vividly remember what happened next. A sensation unlike any I had ever experienced charged through my body, and then I began to cry. Though I didn’t understand the reason for my outburst, I’m sure Grandma realized exactly what was happening—that the Spirit was bearing witness to me that what she had said was true. (Quoting Sheri Dew)

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Asian Noodles (from http://www.womansday.com/)

Serves: 5

Points: 7

1 pkg (7 or 8 oz) soba noodles or 1/2 pkg (16 oz) wholewheat linguine

1 bag (16 oz) frozen edamame veggie blend

1/2 cup bottled peanut sauce (such as House of Tsang, found in the Asian section)

Bring a 6-qt pot of salted water to a boil. Cook noodles as package directs, adding frozen vegetables 2 minutes before noodles will be done. Cook 2 minutes or until noodles and vegetables are tender. 2. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water. Drain noodles and vegetables in colander. 3. Return to pot. Add peanut sauce and a little reserved cooking water; toss to coat. Garnish with chopped cilantro and peanuts, if desired. (You can also add shredded chicken to this recipe if you want, for an additional 2 points per serving.)

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Whether the wrath of the storm-tossed sea
Or demons or men or whatever it be,
No waters can swallow the ship where lies
The Master of ocean and earth and skies.
They all shall sweetly obey thy will: Peace, be still.

(Hymns, "Master, the Tempest is Raging")

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT--Deliberately

Tonight was wonderful. At dusk, after I tucked the kids in bed, I went into the backyard with a camping chair and a book. I started to read, but decided instead to just lean back and watch the clouds. It was so peaceful. I watched the clouds slowly drift, finding shapes in them, just like I used to as a kid. I listened to the crickets (they were going crazy!), and watched the tree limbs waving gently in the breeze. Sigh.

It reminded me of the verse that says: "Be still and know that I am God."

It was just so good, so needed for me to take a few minutes and just let God be God. I was blessed with a moment to appreciate the immense dome of the dark sky and watch the stars pop out one by one. It was cleansing to feel the temperature drop, degree by degree as the moon and the sun changed guard.

Many feel so small as they look up at the stars, but not me. I feel so loved. I feel watched over and protected as I stare upward. I would like to share a little poem I wrote a few years ago for a writing competition. (Honorable mention :) I hope you like it. And I hope you "get yours" this week. Remember to remember to be still this week.

Deliberately
by Kristen Walton

No accident of any kind, Nor result of amateur life forms
No path created by drunk cowboys On the backs of drowsy horses

The cosmos share no company with randomness
But find their beginning, and destiny

In practiced laws of God's science,
Each swirl or ball of flame

Formed precisely as was meant
By the Creator of Creations

Each star set in its realm,
As a quilter lays each seam: deliberately.

and one more. . .

Nachtmusik
By Kristen Walton

My knees greet my chest
As I hug them closely,
Perched upon the stubborn trunk,
Watching the garden nocturnally grow,

The sound of irrigation flowing
Becomes a thousand tiny symphonies,
Melodies tumbling from canal and down each row,
Perhaps my own sort of Nachtmusik,

And the woodwind section whispers
As the owl’s oboe-tone sails, joining the crickets’ strings,
Then off in the distance, thunder announces
The timpani’s big finish