FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Hey! You'll never guess what I just ran across! I found the formula that Weight Watchers uses to calculate their points:

(calories/50)+(fat/12)-(fiber/5)=points!

***You cannot claim fiber unless it has a minimum of 4 grams

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Spinach and Nectarine Salad (from http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/)

Serves: 2 (main dish)

Points: 4

2 tablespoon(s) orange marmalade
1 large shallot, thinly sliced
2 tablespoon(s) white balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoon(s) olive oil
1/4 teaspoon(s) salt
1/4 teaspoon(s) ground black pepper
1/4 cup(s) slivered almonds
1 package(s) (7-ounce) baby spinach
2 ripe nectarines, pitted and cut into wedges

In microwave-safe small bowl or 1-cup liquid measuring cup, combine marmalade and shallot. Cover with vented plastic wrap and cook in microwave on High 1 minute. Stir in vinegar, oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.

In small skillet, cook almonds on medium 5 minutes, stirring until toasted. Set aside to cool, about 2 minutes.

To serve, toss spinach, nectarines, and marmalade mixture until combined. Place on 2 dinner plates; scatter almonds on top.

Each serving contains 285 calories, 14 grams fat, and 14 grams fiber.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"You cannot discover new oceans unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore." - Dove Candy Wrapper

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

If stated as an equation, the way to achieve true conversion might be expressed as:

humility+godly sorrow+prayer+repentance+patience=conversion

One scripture that expresses this process is Mosiah 21:14-16, where the people of Limhi meet Ammon and are converted.

"And they did humble themselves even in the depths of humility; and they did cry mightily to God; yea, even all the day long did they cry unto their God that he would deliver them out of their afflictions."

"And now the Lord was slow to hear their cry because of their iniquities; nevertheless the Lord did hear their cries, and began to . . . ease their burdens; yet the Lord did not see fit to deliver them out of bondage."

"And it came to pass that they began to prosper by degrees . . . "

There are several key lessons to be learned from this passage:

1. Though it sometimes may seem that God doesn't hear our cries, He does. Perhaps, He is slow in His answer because of our iniquities. When we feel that our prayers are not being heard, maybe it's time to take a good look at our lives and see if repentance is needed.

2. The Lord doesn't always deliver us out of bondage when we ask Him to, but if we take time to notice, we will usually find small daily miracles, ways that He is easing our burdens, allowing us to continue on. Sometimes the burdens we carry serve to strengthen us, therefore He cannot always take them away, lest we remain weak forever.

3. God usually allows us to 'prosper by degrees,' rather than all at once. Why? I feel that it is to see if we will acknowledge His hand in our lives. Do we show gratitude for the little blessings we receive each day? Or are we waiting for a mega download of blessings all at once?

I testify that while true conversion doesn't always come easily, it does come to those who follow the formula. Those who seek God with patience, in turn receive His comfort and direction, and their lives will never be the same.

"Treasure up these words in thy heart. Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will encircle tthee in the arms of my love" (D&C 6:20).

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Grilled Asparagus (from Good Housekeeping, July 2008, 190)

Serves: 4
Points: 1

1 lb. medium asparagus, ends trimmed
1 T. olive oil
1/8 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper

Prepare outdoor drill for covered direct grilling on medium. Place asparagus on jelly-roll pan; brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Transfer asparagus to grill topper or vegetable basket on hot grill grate. Cover grill and cook asparagus 6 to 8 mintues or until lightly charred and tender, turning occasionally. Serve warm or at room tempertaure.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"Are you … continually increasing your testimony by diligent study of the scriptures? Do you have a daily habit of reading the scriptures? If we’re not reading the scriptures daily, our testimonies are growing thinner, our spirituality isn’t increasing in depth. We, ourselves, must be studying the scriptures and have a daily habit" (President Harold B. Lee, Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee, 59).

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

Elder Yoshihiko Kikuchi recently wrote about a topic that is near to my heart: opening the heavens by daily pondering and praying. He asked:

"Do you want to feel the love of God more powerfully in your life? Do you want to feel more in tune with His Spirit? Do you want to have the heavens opened to you daily?"

"There is a way you can feel a daily renewal of God's everlasting love and drink from 'the fountain of living waters' (1 Nephi 11:25). It follows a pattern set by the Prophet Joseph Smith when he went to a grove of trees early one morning in 1820 seeking answers to his questions. I speak of a morning devotional time spent in prayer, meditation, and scripture study. . . " (Elder Yoshihiko Kikichi, "Opening the Heavens," Ensign, August 2009, 34).

I want to add my testimony to Elder Kikuchi's that a daily devotional will infuse you with power from on high. I have only recently, within the last six months, reinstated the practice of a daily morning devotional, and since then, my life has changed dramatically. Yes, I feel the love of God more powerfully in my life. Yes, I feel more in tune with His Spirit. Yes, I have had the heavens opened to me. I am able to stay closer to Him each day, despite my many imperfections. I am more able to recognize the little miracles all around me. I am more aware of my standing before God, and what I need to do to improve. Furthermore, I am more aware of just how much I am loved: of my individual worth. My relationship with my Father has become very real and for that, I am so grateful.

Joseph Smith said: "The manifestation of the gift of the Holy Ghost, the ministering of angels, or the development of the power, majesty or glory of God were very seldom manifested publicly . . . but most generally when angels have come, or God revealed Himself, it has been to individuals in private, in their chamber; in the wilderness or fields, and that generally without noise or tumult" (Joseph Smith, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, 2007, 121).

Where is your chamber? Where is your sacred grove? Where do you have your daily "sweet hour of prayer?" Do you daily "cast on Him your every care?" Do your heartfelt prayers ascend to him each morning, making all your "wants and wishes known?" ("Sweet Hour of Prayer," Hymns, 1985, 142).

I testify that as you begin seeking the Lord earnestly each morning, literally putting the Lord first, by putting Him first thing each morning, that your days will begin to orchestrate themselves, that your priorities will become evident, that your spiritual keenness will improve, and that you will develop deeper, more meaningful relationships with your Father in Heaven and with the Savior, who truly love you deeply.

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Three-Bean Tuna Salad (Good Housekeeping Magazine, July 2008, 43)

Serves: 4 (main dish salad)

Points: 7

1 lemon

1 T. extra virgin olive oil

3 stalks celery, thinly sliced

2 green onions, thinly sliced

3 (15 oz.) cans beans, any assortment (I use cannelini, kidney, garbanzo or pinto)

2 (6 oz.) cans tuna, drained and flaked

4 large Boston lettuce leaves

From lemon, grate 1 tsp. peel and squeeze 2 T. juice. In large bowl, stir together lemon peel, juice, oil, celery and onions, 1/4 tsp. salt and 1/8 tsp. ground pepper. Stir in beans until coated, then gently stir in tuna. Serve bean mixture in lettuce cups.

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Chicken Fiesta Salad (from http://www.allrecipes.com/)

Serves: 6

Points: 5

2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 (1.27 ounce) packet dry fajita seasoning, divided
1 T. vegetable oil
1 (15-oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (11-oz.) can Mexican-style corn
1/2 c. salsa
1 (10-oz.) package mixed salad greens
1 onion, chopped
1 tomato, cut into wedges

Rub chicken evenly with 1/2 the fajita seasoning. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat, and cook the chicken 8 minutes on each side, or until juices run clear; set aside.

In a large saucepan, mix beans, corn, salsa and other 1/2 of fajita seasoning. Heat over medium heat until warm.

Prepare the salad by tossing the greens, onion and tomato. Top salad with chicken and dress with the bean and corn mixture.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Fast Day

I hunger, Lord, and sense my need,
Yet not for want of bread alone.
Upon the Bread of Life I'd feed
And shun the temptor's loaves of stone

While wandering through this wilderness
While none but Thee fills emptiness.
I thirst, dear God, and parched, I seek
For water from Thy cooling well,

A living drink which quenches deep.
Thy fountain must my drought dispel
Lest in an arid world I die
My deepest thirst unsatisfied.

I faint, O Lord, and feel the lack
Of nourishment for my weak flesh.
My weak spirit too grows slack.
Thy power must my strength refresh

While in this desert I endure
The temptor's wiles and sin's allure.
I've lifted up my prayers to Thee;
With hungry souls I've shared my bread.

Hear then, my cry, my heartfelt plea.
Say "Here am I!" Upon me shed
Thy light to guide my pathless way
And my darkness as noonday.

(John S. Tanner, Ensign, August 2009, 39)

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

In Matthew, Chapter 4, we read of Satan's attempts to tempt the Savior during his forty-day fast. A recent article in the Ensign discusses the story and classifies his temptations into three categories:

1. Temptations of the appetite
2. Yieldings to the pride, fashion, and vanity of the world
3. Gratifying of the desire for riches of the world, or power among men.

In the story of Satan tempting Christ, we see examples of all three methods. "When Satan said, 'Command that these stones be made bread' (Matthew 4:3), he was appealing to the appetite. He knew that Jesus was hungry, that He was physically weak, and he thought that. . . he could awaken a desire to eat. Failing in that. . . Satan then tried Him in another way--an appeal to His pride, to His vanity. . . But the Savior answered him in terms of scripture, 'It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God' (Matthew 4:7). What was the third? An appeal to. . . power, domain, wealth: 'All these things will I give thee if thou wilt fall down and worship me' (Matthew 4:9). 'Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written Thou shalt worship the Lord they God, and Him only shalt thou serve' (Matthew 4:10)" (David O. McKay, "Unspotted from the World," Ensign, August 2009, 27).

The article goes on to suggest that we might classify our own temptations into these three categories, allowing us to better understand how Satan works on each of us, and thus how better to defeat Him.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Every time you get up
And get back in the race
One more small piece of you
Starts to fall into place.
--Rascal Flatts, "Stand"

WOOOO HOOOOO!

Well, today is my 29th birthday, and incidentally, my weigh-in as well. I am so excited to announce that as of this morning, I have lost TWENTY POUNDS!!! (That was before I went to Winger's for my birthday slice of asphalt pie...16 points.) I want to thank all of my readers, commenters and followers. You guys are AWESOME and I couldn't have made it to twenty without you! My next goal is 10%, which I should probably hit pretty soon, too. Thanks again!!!

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Southwestern Beef Chili (from http://www.realsimple.com/)

Serves: 4

Points: 4

1 T. olive oil
2 carrots, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 poblano or bell pepper, chopped
1/2 lb. extra lean ground beef
2 T. tomato paste
2 (15-oz.) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1 T. chili powder
kosher salt and pepper
1/2 c. corn kernels (from 1 ear, or frozen and thawed)
1/2 c. grated 2% milk Cheddar (2 ounces)
2 scallions, sliced

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the carrots, onion, and poblano and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes. Add the beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is no longer pink, 3 to 5 minutes.

Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, until it is slightly darkened, 1 minute. Add the beans, chili powder, 3 cups water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Simmer over medium heat until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.

Stir in the corn. Divide among bowls and top with the Cheddar and scallions.

Each serving contains 250 calories, 9 grams fat, 11 grams fiber.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"When obedience ceases to be an irritant and becomes our quest, in that moment God will endow us with power." --Ezra Taft Benson

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

I think as members of the church, sometimes we forget that the temple is not just for doing vicarious work for the dead, or for sealing together families for eternity, but is also for US. By attending the temple regularly, we bring into our lives a greater measure of peace, understanding, revelation, and capability to accomplish the things we are intended to accomplish here on Earth. In this month's Ensign, we read:

"Other blessings come as well. The temple is the Lord's university. When I go there I always learn something new. I learn something important for my eternal progression. I learn something about how I can live my life better, how I can solve problems, and how I can serve more unselfishly. I can receive direction and insight into my life because the temple is a place of personal revelation."

"The temple is also a place of peace, comfort, strength, and power. Whenever we are in the temple, we feel renewed. The temple helps us face life's challenges with more faith and trust in the Lord" (Cheryl C. Lant, "The Steps to the Temple," Ensign, August 2009, 23).

As I deal with my daily struggles, I need to remember that I can draw power from regular temple attendance. I often forget this. I will recommit myself today to return to the temple: the Lord's University, and learn.

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Honey Chicken Skewers with Grilled Corn Salad (from http://www.realsimple.com/)

Serves: 4

Points: 9 (including corn)

1/2 cup ketchup
2 T. honey
1 T. Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
kosher salt and pepper
canola oil, for the grill
6 ears corn, shucked
1 T. unsalted butter, cut into pieces
2 scallions, sliced

Place twenty 8-inch wooden skewers in water to soak. Heat grill to medium-high. In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, honey, and Worcestershire sauce; set aside.

Slice the chicken lengthwise into twenty 1/2-inch-thick strips. Thread each strip onto a wooden skewer. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

Lightly oil the grill. Cook the chicken, turning occasionally, until cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes, basting with the ketchup mixture during the last 2 minutes of cooking.

Meanwhile, grill the corn, turning occasionally, until slightly charred, 3 to 4 minutes. Cut the kernels off the cobs, place in a medium bowl, and toss with the butter, scallions, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Serve with the chicken.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"I know that His tender mercies and His miracles, large and small, are real. They come in His way and on His timetable. Sometimes it is not until we have reached our extremity. Jesus’s disciples on the Sea of Galilee had to toil in rowing against a contrary wind all through the night before Jesus finally came to their aid. He did not come until the "fourth watch," meaning near dawn. Yet He did come. (See Mark 6:45–51.) My testimony is that miracles do come, though sometimes not until the fourth watch (Susan W. Tanner, "My Soul Delighteth in the Things of the Lord," Ensign, May 2008).

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

Have you ever wondered if you weren't really, truly alone in the world? I know I have. I've heard time and again that we are never alone, that we are surrounded by those who love us here on Earth, by angels, and by the spirits of loved ones who have passed on or who are yet to be born. I also know that as a member of the church, I have been blessed with the gift of the Holy Ghost, and that following my righteousness, I am privy to the blessing of his companionship. Still, at times, it is so easy to forget that these promised acquaintances are very real. I cannot see the angels, other members sometimes are too busy to assist me, and the comforting voice of the Holy Ghost is so still and quiet, that I often miss its whispering.

Still, I know that even when I feel abandoned that I can rely on these blessings. I can turn myself more fully to living the principles of the gospel, which allows me to more easily feel the Holy Ghost in my life. I can reach out to others, in turn receiving peace in my heart and lasting friendships that enrich my life in so many ways. I can continue to have faith that angels are round about me, cheering me on as I make righteous choices each day. Most importantly, I can remember the Savior, who was truly alone, so I would never have to be. I can remember that He can understand my feelings of loneliness and desertion perfectly:

". . . he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him there is no beauty that we should desire him."

"He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. . . he was despised and we esteemed him not."

"Surely, he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted."

"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes, we are healed."
(Mosiah 14:2-5)

I will try to remember that I am never alone. I will try to always remember that he will never leave me comfortless. This knowledge will surely bless me and keep me going through difficulties here on Earth, teaching me compassion for others, forbearance, and blessing me with a deep and abiding testimony of the Atonement.

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Baked Chicken Parmesan (from http://www.laaloosh.com/)

Serves: 8

Points: 5 (without pasta)

4 (8 oz) chicken breast halves, sliced in half

1/4 c. seasoned breadcrumbs

½ c. Fiber One cereal, ground into fine, breadcrumb-like consistency

1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese

2 T. low calorie butter, melted (I like Brummel & Brown Spread)

3/4 c. reduced fat mozzarella cheese

1 c. marinara

Non-fat cooking spray

Preheat oven to 450°. Spray a large baking sheet lightly with spray.Combine breadcrumbs, Fiber One, and parmesan cheese in a bowl. Melt the butter in another bowl. Lightly brush the butter onto the chicken, then dip into breadcrumb mixture. Place on baking sheet and repeat with the remaining chicken. Lightly spray a little more cooking oil on top and bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Turn chicken over, bake another 5 minutes. Remove from oven, spoon sauce over chicken and top with shredded cheese. Bake 5 more minutes or until cheese is melted. Enjoy! ***1 c. white spaghetti would add another 3 points to this recipe, while 1 c. whole grain spaghetti would add 2 points.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"Baptized of John in the river known as Jordan, He commenced His official ministry to men. To the sophistry of Satan, Jesus turned His back. To the duty designated by His Father, He turned His face, pledged His heart, and gave His life. And what a sinless, selfless, noble, and divine life it was. Jesus labored. Jesus loved. Jesus served. Jesus testified. What finer example could we strive to emulate? Let us begin now, this very night, to do so. Cast off forever will be the old self and with it defeat, despair, doubt, and disbelief. To a newness of life we come—a life of faith, hope, courage, and joy. No task looms too large; no responsibility weighs too heavily; no duty is a burden. All things become possible (President Thomas S. Monson, "Examples of Righteousness," Ensign, May 2008).

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

Colossians 1:10-13

"That ye may walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God."

"Stregthened with all might according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness:"

"Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:"

"Who hath delivered us from darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son."

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

Philippians 4:6-7

"Be careful for nothing; (JST says "don't be unduly concerned about anything); but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ."

FOOD FOR THE BODY

One-Point Peanut Butter Cookies (from http://www.laaloosh.com/)

Serving size: 1 cookie
Point Value: 1 point

1 c. all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/8 tsp. table salt
3 T. reduced-calorie margarine, stick-variety
2 T. reduced-fat peanut butter
1/2 c. packed light brown sugar
1/4 c. sugar
1 large egg white
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 sprays non fat cooking spray

Combine flour, baking soda and salt in a small bowl; mix well and set aside.Combine margarine and peanut butter in a mixing bowl; beat on medium speed until blended and smooth. Gradually add both sugars and beat until blended; add egg white and vanilla and beat until smooth. While beating on low speed, gradually add flour mixture and mix until just blended.Transfer dough to a large piece of plastic wrap and roll into an 8-inch log. Wrap log in plastic wrap and freeze for 2 hours. (Note: You can make the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance and freeze until ready to bake.)

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Coat 2 large baking sheets with cooking spray. Remove cookie dough from freezer and slice crosswise into about twenty-four 1/3-inch-thick slices; place slices 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake until golden around edges, about 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool completely.

Yields 1 cookie per serving.

***Flavor Booster: Browned margarine has a nutty flavor that enhances a peanut butter cookie. Melt the margarine in a small skillet until it sizzles and just begins to brown. Remove from heat and freeze for 20 minutes, or until firm, before using in recipe.

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

Life is like a home-improvement project:

"Enduring to the end is definitely not a do-it-yourself project" --L. Tom Perry

"Ask how. Ask now." (Sherwin Williams)

"You can do it. We (other members and leaders of the church) can help." (The Home Depot)

"Let's build something (the kingdom of God) together." (Lowe's)


At one time or another, each of us will get to the point in our remodling, when it will become necessary to call in the great Contractor. We will no longer have the knowledge or power to complete the project ourselves. We will need the vision of the one who can see the beginning from the end. We will need the proper tools. We will need help to keep from becoming discouraged. True, we might keep trying to accomplish our renovation on our own, but quite possibly, we would be violating codes, requiring us to start over sooner or later. It would be much better for us, to make the call, and allow the professional to help us with our task.