FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"You who may be momentarily disheartened, remember, life is not meant to be easy. Trials must be borne and grief endured along the way. As you remember that 'with God all things are possible,' know that He is your Father. You are a son or daughter created in His image, entitled through your worthiness to receive revelation to help with your righteous endeavors. You may take upon you the holy name of the Lord. . . It matters not that giants of tribulation torment you. Your prayerful access to help is just as real as when David battled his Goliath." (Russell M. Nelson, Perfection Pending, Deseret Book, 1998, p. 112).

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Summer Macaroni Salad (from Weight Watchers 20 Mintues Cookbook)

Points Value: 3
Serving Size: 1/2 cup

1 1/2 c. uncooked medium elbow macaroni
1/2 c. reduced fat shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 c. light mayonnaise
1/2 c. frozen petite green peas, thawed
1/2 c. diced reduced fat ham
1/4 c. sliced green onions
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper

Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and oil. Drain. Rinse with cold water until cool. Drain.

Combine pasta, cheese, and remaining ingredients in a large bowl, tossing to coat. Serve immediately, or cover and chill until ready to serve. Makes 9 servings.

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

Alma 7:20, 23-24

"I perceive that it has been made know unto you, by the testimony of his word, that he cannot walk in crooked paths; neither doth he vary from that which he hath said; neither hath he a shadow of turning from the right to the left, or from that which is right to that which is wrong; therefore his course is one eternal round."

If we wish to have the Savior walk with us, by our sides, we must be sure that we ourselves are walking a straight path. If we are traveling a crooked path, he will not be by our sides. So, what can we do, specifically, to ensure that our path is fit for Christ? The answer is in verses 23-24:

"And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto Go for whatsoever things you receive."

"And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works."

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"I don't know how to get anything done except by getting on my knees and pleading for help and then getting on my feet and going to work." --Gordon B. Hinckley

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Strawberry Compote (from http://www.recipezaar.com/)

Points value: 0-1

4 cups strawberries, diced
4 tsp. cinnamon
8 T. water
Splenda or sugar, to taste

In a pot, mash strawberries. Pour in water. Turn on medium heat. Mix in Splenda or sugar and cinnamon. Keep heated for 3-5 minutes. Serve over whole grain pancakes, waffles, or light or sugar-free ice cream. Points value depends on whether using Splenda or sugar. Serves 4.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"President and Sister Hinckley did not waste time pondering the past or fretting about the future. And they always persevered in spite of adversity."

"While they were traveling from a chapel to an airport in Central America, their vehicle was involved in an accident. Sister Nelson and I were traveling behind them and saw it occur. A truck loaded on top with unsecured metal rods approached them at an intersection. To avoid a collision, its driver suddenly stopped the truck--inadvertantly launching those iron rods like javelins and piercing the Hinckley's car. Windows were smashed; fenders and doors were dented. The accident could have been very serious. While shattered glass was being removed from their clothing and skin, President Hinckley said: "Thank the Lord for His blessing; now let's continue on in a new car." (Russell M. Nelson, Perfection Pending, Deseret Book, 1998, p. 15)

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

As I mentioned in yesterday's quote, I did have a difficult week. One thing I am learning on this journey to better health, is how important it is to learn from mistakes, then maintain an attitude of optimism, always moving forward quickly. At the end of the posts when I describe a struggle I've had, you may notice that I always write the words, "Lesson learned, and on we go. . . "

Here's why: I know that Satan's number one tool for women in the church is discouragement. Think about it. As wives and mothers, we are absolutely the key to the church's future. Our influence surpasses even our own understanding. We cannot have even an inkling of the power we possess as nurturers, teachers, and examples to those around us. So Satan bombards us with feelings of doubt, inadequacy, and self-contempt. And here's the thing: all too often, it works. How many times have you looked at yourself in the mirror, absolutely disgusted with the way your body looks? How many times have you spoken unkind things to yourself? These are things we would never dream of saying to another person, yet they tend to become so natural we don't even realize we are doing it. These negative thoughts truly poison our minds, and can create a new and unfortunate reality in our lives.

I want to urge each of you to try to be a little kinder, a little gentler with yourselves this week. Make a list of all your strengths. Read your patriarchal blessing. Make a conscious effort to speak kindly to yourself, and to forgive yourself for mistakes you make. Learning to be kinder will allow your motivation to lose weight last longer, and will also allow you to maintain a positive attitude. Let's not just travel this road to weight-loss because it's something we SHOULD do or HAVE to do, let's do it because it CAN and WILL bring us true joy in our lives.

And above all, remember that we do NOT have to do this alone. Our Savior is there for us, and longs to help us reach our goals, both spiritual and temporal. Are we fully inviting Him into our hearts? Are we doing the things each day that will bring us closer to Him? I know we can do this! I know that each time I become discouraged, I can look up! Lesson learned, and on we go!

WEIGH-IN RESULTS

I weighed exactly the same tonight. Whew! I'm actually pretty relieved because I was almost positive that I'd gained. I did a lot of, um. . . repenting this week. I did have sort of a bumpy Memorial Day weekend despite all my good intentions. Why, oh why, does my husband have to make the BEST sourdough pancakes ever?! Then there were the chocolate chip cookies that were part of my object lesson for YW. Oh, and the Drumstick ice cream. But mostly those incredible pancakes. But come Tuesday, I realized I had gained, so I GOT MOVING! I went for a long walk to the cemetary on Monday, played catch with my hubby that night, walked all over the world yesterday, and then walked about an hour and a half today. Imagine my relief when I managed to squeak out an even steven. I am making a goal to never have to lose the same pound twice. This week, I'm going to make my exercise COUNT for something. Lesson learned, and on we go. . .

FOOD FOR THOUGHT (submitted by Nicole)

Here's a link that you might find interesting: http://www.ksl.com/?nid=649&sid=6618443
Apparently, others are turning to God in their weight-loss attempts too! Thanks Nicole for the tip!

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Sweet and Spicy Roasted Corn (from allrecipes.com)

Points value: 3
Serving size: 1 ear of corn

6 large ears sweet corn in husks
2 tablespoons canola oil spread or butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon chili powder

Carefully peel back corn husks to within 1 inch of bottom; remove silk. Rewrap corn in husks and secure with kitchen string. Soak corn in cold water for 1 hour.

Coat grill rack with nonstick cooking spray before starting the grill. Grill corn, covered, over medium heat for 25-30 minutes or until tender, turning occasionally. Remove string before serving.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt butter. Add garlic, brown sugar, red pepper flakes and chili powder. Serve with grilled corn.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

" Life has no pause button! Dreams have no expiration date! Time has no holiday!" --author unknown

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Kevin's Teriyaki Chicken (from allrecipes.com)

Points value: 5

1/2 cups pineapple juice
1/2 cup soy sauce
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

In a large bowl, mix together pineapple juice, soy sauce, ginger, garlic powder, and white pepper. Reserve a small amount of the sauce for dipping later. Place chicken in marinade and add enough water to cover. Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours.

Heat an outdoor grill on medium-high heat. Brush grate lightly with oil. Grill chicken 5 to 7 minutes on each side. Chicken is done when no longer pink inside and juices run clear. Serves 4.

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

As most of my blog followers already have figured out, I am currently a member of Weight Watchers. One of the things we learn in WW is that there are "filling foods," foods which naturally have a way of giving you long-term satisfaction and a sense of being full. These foods include things like fruit, vegetables, whole grains, low fat dairy, lean protein, etc. When I eat these foods, my cravings are tempered and I truly do feel more satisfied, and much healthier. My energy levels go up, and my weight goes down. In contrast, when I eat junkie foods, I keep wanting more and more, my energy drops, and I find myself constantly eating in an attempt to fill myself.

Then today I read the following passage in 3 Nephi 12:6: "And blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost. So, there are "filling foods" doctrinally speaking too! These might include: scripture study, daily prayer, fasting, serving others, attending the temple, attending our church meetings, listening to Conference, keeping the commandments, etc. When we participate in these wholesome activities, we are keeping our spirits full, minimizing our "cravings" for the world's solutions, which inevitably will leave us hungering for more.

As James E. Faust taught, we need to have daily, "conscious contact" with God. He said: "Some time ago in South America, a seasoned group of outstanding missionaries was asked, 'What is the greatest need in the world?' One wisely responded, 'Is not the greatest need in all the world for every person to have a personal, ongoing, daily, continuing relationship with Deity?" Having such a relationship can unchain the divinity within us, and nothing can make a greater difference in our lives as we come to know and understand our divine relationship with God and His Beloved Son, our Master. As Jesus said in the great Intercessory Prayer, 'This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.' (John 17:3)

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Slow Cooker Mixed-Bean Italian Soup (from Better Homes and Garden's Biggest Book of Slow Cooker Recipes)

Points Value: 5

1 c. dry Great Northern beans
1 c. dry red beans or pinto beans
4 c. water
1 medium onion, chopped
2 T. instant beef bouillon granules
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp. dried Italian seasoning, crushed
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 (28-oz.) can tomatoes, cut up
1 (9-oz.) package frozen Italian green beans or cut-up green beans

Rinse dry beans. in a Dutch oven combine rinsed beans and 5 cups cold water. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Cover and let stand for 1 hour. Drain and rinse beans.

In a 3 1/2- to 6-qt. slow cooker combine beans, 4 cups water, onion, bouillon, garlic, Italian seasoning, and pepper.

Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 11-12 hours or on high-heat setting for 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 hours or until beans are almost tender. If using low, turn to high. Stir undrained tomatoes and thawedd green beans into soup. Cover and cook about 30 minutes more or until beans are tender. Serve with whole wheat rolls and salad. Makes 6 servings. Points value is 5.

(Calories 290, Fat 2 grams, Fiber 12)

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

Exploring the Good Stuff in 2 Nephi 4

vs. 18 "I am ENCOMPASSED about because of the TEMPTATIONS which do so EASILY BESET me."

vs. 19 "And when I do DESIRE to REJOICE, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have TRUSTED."

vs. 20 "My GOD hath been my SUPPORT; he hath LED me through mine afflictions in the WILDERNESS; and he hath PRESERVED me upon the waters of the great deep."

vs. 21 "He hath FILLED ME with his LOVE, even unto the consuming of my flesh."

vs. 23 "Behold he hath HEARD my CRY by day, and he hath given me KNOWLEDGE by visions in the nighttime."

vs. 24 "And by day, have I waxed bold in mighty PRAYER before him. . . and ANGELS came down and MINISTERED unto me."

vs. 28 "AWAKE my soul! No longer DROOP in sin. REJOICE, oh my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul.

vs. 34 "O Lord, I have TRUSTED in thee and I will TRUST in thee FOREVER."

vs. 35 "Yea, I KNOW that God will give LIBERALLY to him that ASKETH. . . Behold, my voice shall FOREVER ASCEND up unto thee. . . "

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Slow-Cooker Eggplant and Tomato Sauce with Pasta (from AllYou magazine)

1 (28-oz.) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 (6-oz.) can tomato paste
1/2 c. water
1 medium eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tsp. dried oregano
salt
1 lb. fusilli or other curly pasta

Combine tomatoes, tomato paste, water, eggplant, onion, garlic, oregano and 1/2 tsp. salt in slow cooker and cook on low until eggplant is soft and sauce is thick, 5 to 7 hours.

Just before sauce is done, bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high heat. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain pasta, toss with sauce and serve. Serves 6. Points value per serving is 7.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

President Benson said that we must be "convinced that Jesus is the Christ, choose to follow Him, be changed for Him, captained by Him, consumed in Him and born again." (First Presidency Message, Ensign, July 19889, pg. 5; emphasis added)

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." --Marianne Williamson

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"Possessing this ultimate trust for God allows us not only to bow stoically beneath 'the lash' of this life's trials and mistakes, but to actually feel grateful for the lessons learned. By learning the lessons that our trials and mistakes have to teach us, these sad experiences are actually converted to our good." --Colleen Harrison (He Did Deliver Me from Bondage, Windhaven Publishing, 2002, p. 50)

see D&C 122:7

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Lemony Green Beans Amandine (from Weight Watchers 20 Minute Cookbook)

1 (12 oz.) package green beans (fresh, not frozen)
1 T. butter
2 T. sliced almonds
2 T. lemon juice
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. black pepper

Pierce green bean bag with a fork; microwave at HIGH 4 to 5 minutes or until tender. Let stand 1 minute. While green beans cook, melt butter in a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat; add almonds. Cook 1 to 2 minutes or until almonds are lightly browned. Add beans and lemon juice to butter mixture in pan; toss gently. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Makes four servings. Each serving is 1 point.

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

Mosiah 24:14-15

"And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that, I the Lord, do visit my people in their afflictions."

". . . and the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord."

I love, love, LOVE these verses! They are jam-packed with hope, don't you think? Yes, we have burdens. Yes, we are weak. But Heavenly Father has a plan for us. He gives us weaknesses to make us humble. He gives us weaknesses, then succors us so we can turn around and stand as a witness of His love and power to heal. It is entirely possible to be in bondage and have Him strengthen us, even to the point that we are able to move forward with power and direction. We can truly learn to submit to our lives' hardships and trials with a cheerful attitude and with patience. I am still learning how to make these promises possible in my life, and I must admit that at times, it seems that my faith is insufficient, but I do know this: if God promises something, it is POSSIBLE! I know He can bless me with more patience. I know that I CAN learn to have a better attitude. And I know that through these changes of heart, I truly can be healed.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

" Fear is a habit; so is self-pity, defeat, anxiety, despair, hopelessness and resignation. You can eliminate all of these negative habits with two simple resolves: I can!! and I will!!" --author unknown

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Cucumber-Yogurt Dip (from Weight Watchers 20 Minutes Cookbook)

1 cup grated, seeded, peeled cucmber (about 1 medium)
1 c. fat-free plain yogurt
1 (8-oz.) carton reduced-fat sour cream
2 T. chopped fresh dill
1 garlic clove, minced
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper

Press cucumber between paper towels until barely moist. Combine all ingredients in small bowl. Serve immediately, or cover and stoe in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Points value per 2 T. serving is 1.)

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Berry Breakfast Shake

2 c. frozen blackberry, blueberry, and raspberry mix
2 (6 oz.) cartons vanilla low-fat yogurt
1 small banana
1/2 c. fat-free milk
2 T. toasted wheat germ
1 T. honey

Place all ingredients in a blender; process until smooth. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings. Points per serving is 4.

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

2 Nephi 9:50-51

"Come, my brethren, every one that thirsteth, come to the waters; and he that hath no money, come buy and eat; yea, come buy wine and milk without money and without price."

"Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel; and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness."

I know, your're probably laughing to yourself right now, thinking "Aha! The Lord delights in fatness!" I admit this has always been one of my favorites for silly reasons, but today I wanted to bring out the true meaning of the scripture. First of all the scripture discusses the need of all of us to come and drink of living water, and to come and eat without need of money. This is meant as an invitation to come unto Christ, and gain spiritual nourishment from His good word. Then we are cautioned to put our priorities here on Earth in the correct order, and our energy towards only those things that will bring us eternal satisfaction.

Next, we're instructed to feast upon those things that do not perish. His word is everlasting and unchangeable. In other words, unlike any food that we could ever take into our physical body, it will never go bad. As we feast upon cookies, cake, potato chips, hamburgers, etc., it is no secret that our body will become fat, which we probably would view as unfavorable. But here, we learn that as we feast upon the Word of God, our spirits become fat with wisdom, knowledge, respect for deity, and gratitude. Thus the Lord's statement, ". . . let your soul delight in fatness."