FOOD FOR THE BODY

Black Bean Dip Kitty (from http://www.familyfun.com/)

(Great for a Halloween Party!)

Serves: 6

Points: 2

1 (15.5 oz.) can black beans
1/3 c. medium-hot salsa, 1 tablespoon for garnish
1/4 c. cilantro leaves, plus extra for garnish (optional)
4 tsp. fresh lemon juice
l small garlic clove, minced

Assorted vegetables of your choice, such as:
Celery
Cherry tomatoes
Broccoli
Carrots
Green beans
Mushrooms
Zucchini

Cauliflower

Drain and rinse the black beans, setting aside l tablespoon for garnish. Combine the black beans, salsa, cilantro leaves, lemon juice, and garlic in a food processor. Blend until smooth. Garnish with the black beans and, if you like, cilantro leaves or salsa. Arrange vegetables in the shape of a cat, as shown. Serve with black bean dip.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"The great task of life is to learn the will of the Lord, and then do it" (President Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, May 1988, 4).

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT--Putting the Lord First

In my last post, I brought up the question: "I know that I should be putting the Lord first in my life, but how, specifically should I be doing this?"

I have thought about this same question a lot in the last year or so and I have some thoughts:

1. Put the Lord first in your DAY. This means getting up early and having a morning devotional, which includes prayer, scripture and other gospel study, along with time to meditate and record your feelings. My stake president recommends at least one "meditative half-hour" each day. Other times of day are better than none, but the morning is ideal. In the morning hours, our hearts and minds are better prepared to face life's challenges. We are well-rested and more alert. I cannot emphasize how important it is to record the impressions that WILL come during our morning meditation and study. They will help us to truly understand God's will for us, so we must write them down, or this precious personal revelation will become lost as other matters vie for our attention throughout the day.

2. Forget yourself and go to work. Through our service to others, we are healed. We forget about our own problems. Charity towards our families and neighbors cures depression. As we lift the heads and hands around us, life becomes much more meaningful. We start to see things in perspective. And as we begin to serve others more, our hearts begin to change, allowing Christ entrance. The spirit begins to find place in us, making everything seem more peaceful and possible.

3. Choose hope. As we develop a better, more positive attitude in our trials, we are testifying to ourselves and those around us that we have hope in the plan of salvation. Happiness is an expression of the belief that through the Savior we can become perfected. It means that we truly believe that God knows us, loves us, and cares about us. It means that "all these things will work out for good." And as we heal from addiction and bad habits, or from depression and self-doubt, it helps so much to remember that "a merry heart doeth good like a medicine."

4. Understand the "Why." Why do we repeatedly engage in harmful, sinful behavior. Logically we know the consequences for doing so. In our hearts, we also realize the damaging effects of sin. Deep down, far beneath the surface, there are reasons for our bad behavior. The gospel of Jesus Christ, if lived properly, can help us find the answers to why we struggle with these things. And like Enos, who also wrestled with desires of the natural man, we will in time, receive the comfort that only the Atonement can bring into our hearts.

"The God-given freedom from addiction, or change in behavior that we seek is always preceded by an inner change of heart (or desire). Even though our weaknesses are painful, we often desire to hold on to them because of the seeming benefits. [What are the seemingly] rational reasons why you hold on to a particular weakness?" (Colleen C. Harrison, He Did Deliver Me from Bondage, Windhaven Publishing, 2002, 82).

As we strive to apply these four areas to our lives, we will feel the love of the Savior who heals. And as we are healed, we can begin to live more fully and help others fight their own battles.

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Crock Pot Chicken Fajitas (from http://www.5dollardinners.com/)

Serves: 6

Points: 6

3 large chicken breasts, sliced into strips

1 can of Rotel

1 green pepper, sliced

1 onion, sliced

1 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp lemon juice

1 garlic clove

1/2 bag corn or light flour tortillas

Marinate chicken in 1 can of Rotel. Place chicken with Rotel in the crockpot. Add sliced green peppers and sliced onions and combine with chicken and Rotel. Cook on high for 5 hours or low for 7 hours. Add sliced green peppers and sliced onions and combine with chicken and Rotel and cook for another half hour until veggies are tender-crisp. Don't let them get soggy!

Warm tortillas in tortilla warmer, or wrapped in foil in the oven. Serve chicken and peppers on tortillas.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

When the pain of the problem gets worse than the pain of the solution, we'll be ready to change." --unknown

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT--First Spiritual, Second Temporal

I am learning more and more, the importance of setting out to solve the real heart of my problems first, and then allowing the symptoms of my problems to alleviate themselves. For example, weight gain and retention is the symptom of a much deeper problem: not knowing who I am. My weight gain, I now realize, has been the result of years of depression, stress and spiritual depletion. As I begin to rediscover myself through God's eyes and have occasional glimpses of my royal potential, becoming more righteous along the way, it is slowly becoming easier to take care of my body.

In all things, we should be "seeking first, the kingdom of God", then all other righteous things we desire will be added according to the will of God. (Matthew 6:33)

We read about this same principle of priority in D&C 29:32:

"First spiritual, secondly temporal, which is the beginning of my work. . . " (emphasis added)

"The Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the outside in. The world would take people out of the slums. CHRIST [first] takes the slums out of the people--and then they have the vision and power to take themselves out of the slums" (Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, July 1989, 4).

"With that recovered relationship [knowing Christ], will come the vision of who we are and the power to transform the physical circumstances of our lives to reflect the new inner serenity. . . Heart-deep, soul-deep healing doesn't happen by the efforts or power of man, no matter how logical or wise. Putting the emphasis on the spiritual reality and turning to God must come first" (Colleen C, Harrison, He Did Deliver Me from Bondage, 2002, Windhaven Publishing, 9).

"When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives. Our love of the Lord [must] govern the claims for our affection, the demands on our time, the interests we pursue, and the order of our priorities" (Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, May 1988, 4).

It's wonderful to hear this: that we should be putting the Lord first, but you may be wondering how, specifically to do this. In tomorrow's post, I will be tackling that most important question. . .

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

". . . Bad days come to an end, faith always triumphs, and heavenly promises are always kept" (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "Lessons from Liberty Jail," Ensign, September 2009, 33).

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT--He Hears My Cries

I have often felt guilty for having such difficulty adjusting to and overcoming my weight problems. I have wondered how I can see this issue as such a stumbling block--such a hardship in my life. Others have such pain and heartache in their lives; how can I struggle so with such a small trial? Why can’t I just live a healthier life and get on with it? How can I possibly feel good about praying to God, night and day, about my weight-related problems, while others in the world don’t even have a place to lay their heads?

While it may be true that others suffer more than me, I am coming to the realization that God hears my cries, too. He realizes that each person suffers in their own way, and He reaches out to each individual, no matter their circumstance or setting. It has become a comfort to know that He does understand my suffering, and He feels the pain--very real and deep--that I go through as I face this obstacle in my life. He longs to help me, but cannot fully take the trial away, for through adversity, I am meant to become humble and learn and grow.

"Whenever these moments come, we must not succumb to the fear that God has abandoned us or that He does not hear our prayers. He does hear us. He does see us. He does love us. When we are in dire circumstances and want to cry, ‘Where art Thou?’ it is imperative that we remember He is right there with us–where He has always been! We must continue to believe, continue to have faith, continue to pray and plead with heaven, even if we feel for a time our prayers are not heard and that God has somehow gone away. He is there. Our prayers are heard. And when we weep He and the angels of heaven weep with us. . . "

"When lonely, cold, hard times come, we have to endure, we have to continue, we have to persist. That was the Savior’s message in the parable of the importuning widow (see Luke 18:1-8; see also Luke 11:5-10). Keep knocking on that door. Keep pleading. In the meantime, know that God hears your cries and knows your distress. He is your Father, and you are His child. . ."

"We are not alone in our little prisons here. When suffering, we may in fact be nearer to God that we’ve even been in our entire lives. . ." ((Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "Lessons from Liberty Jail," Ensign, September 2009, 29-30).

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Strawberry-Yogurt Swirl Pops (from www.womansday.com)

Serves: 10

Points: 2

1 lb strawberries, hulled

1⁄3 cup plus 1⁄4 cup sugar, preferably superfine

2 tsp lemon juice

2 cups vanilla low fat yogurt

You’ll also need:

2 large plastic squeeze bottles,

10 pop molds (1⁄2-cup capacity)

Place strawberries, 1⁄3 cup sugar and lemon juice in blender; purée 3 minutes. Pour into a large plastic squeeze bottle and screw on bottle top.

In a medium bowl, stir remaining 1⁄4 cup sugar into yogurt until sugar is dissolved. Pour into the second squeeze bottle and screw on bottle top.

Fill each pop mold with strawberry and yogurt mixtures, alternately squeezing or spooning the mixtures into each mold to create a swirled pattern. Place tops on molds; insert wooden sticks. Freeze at least 6 hours until solidly frozen.

Remove molds from freezer. Soften slightly at room temperature, about 5 minutes (or dip molds in warm water a few seconds). Remove pops from molds. Serve immediately, or wrap pops separately in plastic wrap, then store in freezer bag or container.

Tip: Large squeeze bottles (2-cup capacity) are available in crafts stores and baking supply stores, sometimes labeled for candy-making. To easily unmold the pops, use a pair of pliers to grip the sticks and gently pull out pops.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"Did you know that Heavenly Father knows you personally--by name? . . .

"You may not have heard the Lord call you by name, but He knows each one of you and He knows your name. Elder Neal A. Maxwell said. 'I testify to you that God has known you individually . . . for a long, long time (see D&C 93:23). He has loved you for a long, long time. He not only knows the names of all the stars (see Psalm 147:4; Isaiah 40:26); He knows your names and all your heartaches and your joys!' ("Remember How Merciful the Lord Hath Been," Ensign, May 2004, 46)."
Elaine S. Dalton, "He Knows You by Name," Ensign, May 2005, 109-10

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT--Raising the Bar

When I was younger, I loved high jumping, so I was very excited and touched when Elder L. Tom Perry told this story about his son in the October 2007 Conference:

"Lee was a member of his high school track team—he both sprinted and high-jumped. During the 1968 Summer Olympic Games held in Mexico City, the world became enamored with a little-known high jumper named Dick Fosbury. He had experimented with a new high-jumping technique that involved sprinting diagonally toward the bar, then curving and leaping backward over the bar. It came to be called the Fosbury flop.

Like many others, Lee was intrigued by this new technique, but until the new school year started, he didn’t have a place to practice it. I came home one evening to find him practicing the Fosbury flop in our basement. He had set up two makeshift standards by stacking chairs, and he was jumping over a broomstick set on the chairs, using a sofa to cushion his landing. It was very clear to me that the sofa would not hold up under such treatment, so I called a halt to his indoor high-jumping. Instead, I invited him to go with me to a sporting-goods store, where we purchased some foam padding to use for landing and high-jumping standards so he could move the activity out of doors.

After experimenting with the Fosbury flop, Lee decided to return to the western roll technique that he had used previously. Still, through the end of the summer into the fall, he practiced high-jumping for many hours in our backyard.

One evening as I returned home from work, I found Lee practicing his jumping. I asked, “How high is the bar?”

He said, “Five feet, eight inches.”

“Why that height?”

He answered, “You must clear that height to qualify for the state track meet.”

“How are you doing?” I asked.

“I can clear it every time. I haven’t missed.”

My reply: “Let’s raise the bar and see how well you do then.”

He replied, “Then I might miss.”

I queried, “If you don’t raise the bar, how will you ever know your potential?”
So we started moving the bar up to five feet, ten inches; then to six feet; and so on, as he sought to improve. Lee became a better high jumper because he was not content with just clearing the minimum standard. He learned that even if it meant missing, he wanted to keep raising the bar to become the best high jumper he was capable of becoming" (L. Tom Perry, "Raising the Bar," Ensign, November 2007).

Though this story was originally told as it relates to preparation for missionary work, I recognize its validity as counsel for many areas of life. With weight loss, am I truly trying my hardest? Could I eat more fruits and vegetables and turn down more goodies? Could I keep a better food journal? Could I exercise a little harder, a little more often? Could I be a little more positive with my self-dialogue? Could I be living more righteously, thus inviting the Spirit of the Lord to help me know how to improve my life? I think that as I, too, raise the bar, I will become better at losing weight. So this week, I commit to reexamine my plan, and look for an area where I could try a little harder to do a little better. Then, I will allow the blessings of hard work to spill more freely into my life.

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Super Chef Salad (from http://www.womansday.com/)

Points: 7

2 large hardboiled eggs

2 romaine hearts, cut in thick shreds

1 can (15 to 16 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1 medium cucumber, sliced

2 plum tomatoes, cut in wedges

1 c. shredded 2% milk cheddar

4 oz. fully cooked ham, cut in strips

Serve with: your favorite fat free dressing

Peel eggs and cut into wedges.2. Put romaine in a large salad bowl. Top with eggs and mounds of remaining ingredients.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

On reading the Book of Mormon:

"Without reservation I promise you that if each of you will observe this simple program, regardless of how many times you previously may have read the Book of Mormon, there will come into your lives and into your homes an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God." (Gordon B. Hinckley, "A Testimony Vibrant and True," Ensign, Aug. 2005, 5-6).

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT--I Will Give Unto You Success

Have you ever been reading the Book of Mormon for the umpteenth time, and noticed a verse that you SWEAR wasn't there last time?! That happened to me this morning. Check this one out:

Alma 26:27

"Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us and said. . . bear with patience thine afflictions and I will give unto you success."

Good stuff...good stuff...

FOOD FOR THE BODY

No-Bake Peach Crisp (from http://www.familycircle.com/)

Serves: 2

Points: 2

1/8 tsp. cinnamon
2 c. sliced peaches, divided
2 T. crushed lowfat granola
4 T. vanilla nonfat yogurt

In a small bowl, stir cinnamon into fruit; divide between two serving dishes. Sprinkle with granola and top with yogurt. Sift a little more spice over yogurt, if desired.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"May I invite you to rise to the great potential within you. But don't reach beyond your capacity. Don't set goals beyond your capacity to achieve. Don't feel guilty or dwell on thoughts of failure. Don't compare yourselves with others. Do the best you can, and the Lord will provide the rest. Have faith and confidence in Him, and you will see miracles happen in your life and the lives of your loved ones. . . "

"My dear sisters, as you live your daily life with all its blessings and challenges, let me assure you that the Lord loves you. He knows you. He listens to your prayers, and He answers those prayers, wherever on this world you may be. He wants you to succeed in this life and in eternity" (President Dieter F. Uchdorf, "The Influence of Righteous Women," Ensign, September 2009, 8).

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT--Today is Part of Eternity

I think, especially as women, we become so caught up in what needs to be fixed, or what isn't quite right in life, that we forget to see all the good around us. For example, as one who has a weight problem, sometimes I spend so much energy focusing on that aspect of my situation, that I don't take time to realize how truly remarkable my kids are. I miss the joy in every moment because I am too busy fretting about how I feel and look.

President McKay said it well as quoted in this month's Ensign:

". . . to make life sweet today, to give contentment to the heart today, to bring salvation today. . . Some of us look forward to a time in the future--salvation and exaltation in the world to come--but today is part of eternity" (President David O. McKay, as quoted by President Dieter F. Uchdorf, "The Influence of Righteous Women," Ensign, September 2009, 8).

I want to set a goal to truly savor each moment I have here on Earth. I want to be able to recognize joy in the little moments: a tiny hand in mine, a beautiful sunset, a quiet moment with my husband, an opportunity to serve someone in need. I know that as I learn to live in joy, despite my struggles and concerns, life will become more meaningful and fulfilling. I pledge to thank God for this part of eternity, as well as the blessings of exaltation to come. . .

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache." — Marjorie Pay Hinckley

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Tortilla Soup (from http://www.sunset.com/)

Serves: 12 (1-cup servings)

Points: 3

1 tablespoon vegetable oil, plus more for frying
2 large onions, chopped
8 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 tsp. coarse kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon red chile flakes
12 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 can (28 oz.) diced tomatoes
Juice of 2 limes
1 package (8 oz.) small corn tortillas, cut into 1/4-in.-thick strips (see Notes)
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/4-in.-thick strips
1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Sliced avocado, sour cream, grated Monterey jack cheese, additional chopped cilantro, and/or sliced green onions for topping

Heat 1 tbsp. vegetable oil in a large pot (at least 5 qts.) over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in two-thirds of the garlic, 1 tbsp. salt, cumin, and chile flakes and cook 2 minutes.

Add broth, tomatoes, and half the lime juice and increase heat to a gentle simmer; cook 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, pour about 1 in. of vegetable oil into a small frying pan set over medium-high heat. When oil is hot but not smoking, add one-third of the tortilla strips and cook until golden brown and crisp, about 2 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer strips to a paper towel-lined baking pan. Repeat with remaining tortilla strips in two batches. Sprinkle with 1 tsp. salt. Set aside.

Purée soup in batches in a blender. Return soup to pot and resume simmering. In a small bowl, toss chicken with remaining lime juice, garlic, and 1/2 tsp. salt. Marinate at room temperature for 10 minutes, then add to soup and simmer 5 minutes, until chicken is just cooked through. Stir in cilantro. Serve hot with tortilla strips and your choice of toppings. (If you don't have time to make tortilla strips, store-bought chips are fine. You can reduce the recipe by 1 point by using baked Tostitos.)

Each 1-cup serving contains: 142 calories, 4 grams fat, 1.5 grams fiber.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Fall seven times, stand up eight. --Japanese Proverb

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT--Hiding Away Our Souls

In Alma 24, we read the profound story of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies as they become converted to the gospel to the extent that they choose to bury their swords forever. After obtaining forgiveness from the Lord for very serious sins, they feared that if they had access to their weapons, they might again be tempted to use them in the heat of the moment. Verse 16 explains:

". . . we will hide away our swords, yea, even we will bury them deep in the earth, that they may be kept bright, as a testimony that we have never used them at the last day. . . "

Those who may be struggling with a weakness, such as an addiction to food, can also bury their swords of rebellion, by turning their lives fully unto the Lord and allowing His Atonement to heal them. How can this happen? We need to stay on our knees a little longer each morning and pray a little more fervently. We should be studying our scriptures longer and harder. We should fast, so as to develop humility and discipline. We need to attend the temple more, where we can receive further "light and knowledge." When we do receive help from the Spirit, we need to heed it. These things, along with generally keeping the commandments, will allow us to keep our swords, or human weakness, buried deeply in the earth, lest we become weak again.

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT-The Marathon

Remember the beautiful story of Sister Elaine S. Dalton's experience in running the Boston Marathon? Here is a link to a beautiful video about her experience:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIrGKB5nRKE

This is so inspiring! Please take the time to watch it!

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Cape Cod Turkey Pitas (revised from http://www.familycircle.com/)

Serves: 8

Points: 4

1 slice deli smoked turkey, cut 3/4-inch thick (about 1 pound)
1/2 cup light ranch dressing
1/3 cup sliced, blanched almonds
1/3 cup Craisins, coarsely chopped
2 scallions, chopped

1/3 c. chopped apples
8 small wheat pitas, about 1 ounce each

Cut the turkey into 1/4-inch cubes.

In a large bowl, mix together the turkey, dressing, almonds, Craisins, apples and scallions. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.

To serve, cut open each pita about 1 inch from the top. Spoon a scant 1/2 cup of turkey mixture into each.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

“It is not enough merely to speak of Jesus Christ or proclaim that we are His disciples. It is not enough to surround ourselves with symbols of our religion. Discipleship is not a spectator sport. We cannot expect to experience the blessings of faith by standing inactive on the sidelines any more than we can experience the benefits of health by sitting on a sofa watching sporting events on television and giving advice to the athletes. . . .

“Ours is not a secondhand religion. We cannot receive the blessings of the gospel merely by observing the good that others do” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Way of the Disciple,” Ensign, May 2009, 76–77).

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT--Personal Conversion

What is the key to success in life either temporally or spiritually? Personal conversion. What is the key to lasting joy and happiness? Personal conversion. What is the key to personal revelation in matters spiritual and temporal? Personal conversion. What is the key to deeper knowledge of the gospel and its life-changing principles? Personal conversion.

I John 5:4-5, 14-15

"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."

"Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?"

"And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us:"

"And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him."

I love these verses for what they teach about the process needed for conversion. First, we need to develop faith. This is accomplished by staying true to what we believe, even during times of adversity and hardship. We also do this by simply believing that Jesus is the Son of God, and that through Him, we can be saved. Second, we learn to ask according to the will of our Heavenly Father. By so doing, we place our trust in him, knowing that he knows the beginning from the end. This step, though it sometimes seems difficult, is the key to lasting happiness and growth. Third, we begin to gain a testimony that he DOES hear our petitions and knows of our desires. As a loving Father, he keeps these desires in his heart, ready to pour down blessings if we can continue faithfully, living in accordance to our knowledge of the gospel.

I testify that as we live righteously, ready to accept His will, and with a constant prayer in our hearts, we will truly become converted, thus allowing God to bless us beyond our comprehension.