FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"Christ does not need admirers. He needs followers." --M. Russell Ballard

FOOD FOR THE BODY

CINNAMON APPLE SPICED OATMEAL

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

Serves: 1

Points: 5

One bowl prepared oatmeal (not from packets)

1 T. apple butter, swirled in or spread over top

ground cinnamon, to taste

1/4 c. low fat granola

1/4 c. finely diced apple, if desired

YUM!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"The holy scriptures are like letters from home, telling us how we can draw nearer to our Heavenly Father." --Ardeth Kapp

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT--Gratitude for the Scriptures

I have a testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. I just had to start with that. I can't tell you how much I have learned from reading its sacred pages. I truly have a testimony of the fact that these words were intended not only for our day, but for ME. I am so grateful for the depth of each story, each character, and each passage. I love to turn each page, striving to find personal applications to my own life with the gift of personal revelation.

Last week, I had a HORRIBLE day at work. I'm talking, really, really bad and discouraging. That night as I sat on the floor next to my bed with this precious volume in hand, I prayed for a verse or two that would keep me going. And I turned "randomly" to Alma 38. The words therein were like water seeping into a dry, cracked desert dust.

Then this morning, I was thinking again about HOW on earth to receive direction during this time of great uncertainty and copious choices for our family. I felt prompted to read Alma 37, where I was taught the importance of prayer and scripture study. Verse 37 is a perennial favorite of mine:

"Counsel with the Lord in ALL thy doings, and when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that He may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day."

I also love the discussion of faith and righteousness as well as study of the Lord's words serving as a personal, modern-day "Liahona" to each of us. I know from personal experience that without His daily guidance, I DO "tarry in the wilderness, or do not travel a direct course. I am afflicted with hunger and thirst" when I do not choose o study and live His words.

How grateful I am for the scriptures. What would I do without them? What scripture helped you today?

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT--Tough Love and Lessons

Wow! You know, life is really CRAZY sometimes! This month has been chaotic to say the least. Tyler started a new second job this week that we are super excited about. He will be teaching computer aided drafting at the local community high school for about 10 hours each week. It's not much, but the pay is much better than we anticipated, so we are so grateful. Plus, teaching CAD has been his dream job since he was in high school, so this is very fulfilling for him. In addition to that, he received a small raise this week from his full-time job. It's not as big as we would've liked, but most raises have been frozen for quite some time and we're not sure anyone else is even getting raises right now, so we'll take it! And to add the the hectic pace we are living, Tyler is now officially registered for Spring Semester at our local university. Whew! I'm not sure that we're both up to the challenges ahead of us, but we are feeling cautiously optimistic that our situation may be starting an upward trend. (I have another secret, but I won't be able to tell you about that for a long, long time. The excitement is killing me! And no, I'm not expecting.)

Anyway, Tyler and I have discussed these exciting changes this week and we've decided that it is really, really neat how the Lord knows our innermost desires, sometimes even better than we do. He knew that Tyler would love this new position and planted the idea in his mind. Tyler went in to talk to the school's principal, with no inkling that there would even be an interest in his propsed program. There was no help-wanted ad. Tyler simply had an idea (fruits of the spirit) which he acted on. A week and a half later, he is working as a teacher, something he dearly loves.

I take great comfort in the fact that the Lord knows each of us this intimately. Sometimes we feel alone and forgotten, but often in those very hours when we cannot even think of taking another step into the dark, a light shines forth, showing the way.

We were reading scriptures with the kids the other day and my eight-year-old daughter made a profound observation. We were reading about Nephi's family when they were sailing toward the promised land. She mentioned that it was the wind that carried them closer to the shores of peace and safety. In her own words: "Mommy, they never would've gotten there without the wind. It's like when we have hard times. Sometimes they can make us better people."

I'm grateful for the "tough love" of my Heavenly Father. So many times during my trials, I would've loved to have been snatched from my trials and set down in a more comfortable spot. But, as I look back at the past, I see that in the most difficult times, my testimony has grown, I have learned new skills, I have become more compassionate, my humility has increased and I have been made more ready to trust in the Lord. I would never trade these lessons for a comfortable, warm "house on the hill." I know the Lord knows my thoughts and desires. He loves me and will always guide me to the lessons I need most. With that in mind, I need never fear. Only believe.

DEAR FOOD NETWORK,

I want to thank you for hours and hours of inspiration and entertainment. I love to sit before you, on my comfy couch, with pen and notebook in hand, gaining culinary know-how. I love the feeling I get when I make one of your recipes and it turns out wonderfully delicious. Oh, how I love to take all the credit for these morsels. Please forgive me for never sharing my secret. . . you. Thank you for teaching me about panko and double-boilers, fondant and taragon, reductions and most of all, myself. You have brought to my attention a new passion and have taught me to dream big. Thanks to you, all roads lead to my DELICIOUS future!

Love,
Kristen

P.S. My family thanks you as well.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"Sisters, we love you. We pray for you. Be strong and of good courage. You are truly royal spirit daughters of Almighty God. You are princesses, destined to become queens. Your own wondrous story has already begun. Your 'once upon a time' is now." (President Dieter F. Uchdorf, "Your Happily Ever After," Ensign, May 2010)

DEAR KITCHEN CHAIRS,

Thank you kindly for being there for me whenever I need to get something done without the children underfoot. It is so nice of you to line up in the living room and allow the kids to play "train" while I wash the dishes in peace. Oh, how they love to toot and wave out your imaginary windows, whilst I scrub away. You all are truly some of the best friends a mother could have.

Sincerely,

Kristen

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT--Heavenly Father is Awesome

Wow. Have I ever told you that I think the gospel is awesome. And I mean awesome in the more reverent sense of the word. Tonight I headed off to the Worldwide Training Meeting, sort of expecting a somewhat boring presentation of the new church-wide handbooks. But instead, I received a spiritual feast. I bathed in personal revelation from the opening hymn. And the personal revelation applied not just to my Young Women calling, but also to little struggles at home. The restored gospel of Christ is remarkable not only for its depth and scope, but also for its simplicity.

I felt like a bad mom today. For some reason, my kiddos were uber-hyperactive today. And grouchy. And fighting with each other. Non-stop. I had a headache. I was beyond grumpy. As I left the chilies at my wonderful, amazing, soon-to-be-twinkled mom's house to be babysat, I said a prayer that my heart would be prepared for the spirit and that I would have the chance to apologize for my inappropriate anger to the kids later.

During the meeting, which was mainly about how church councils can function effectively and benefit from each member's personal thoughts and revelation, it occurred to me. . . this message translates! My family is a council! My kids are member of the council and I need to include them in the discussions. When we are facing problems, I need to ask them to suggest solutions, offer their input. I also was taught that in order for our family to move forward, improving and growing each day, the spirit will have to be present in these council meetings. Once that happens, we will have more unity as a family.

It was such a breakthrough in thinking for me. In fact, I remember thinking that I felt like I was hooked up to a spiritual computer or something, receiving a spiritual download. And the message, though a shift in past methods, was simple in nature.

And I felt so loved. Heavenly Father heard my prayer and answered me in an understandable, timely, specific way. And that is awesome.

DEAR BLOGGERS,

I recently heard of a fun way to show gratitude. I am going to add a little "thank you" note to my blog from time to time, addressed to the person or thing I'm thankful for. I think this will be a fun exercise and I hope you will feel free to share with me what makes you feel grateful as well. Here's my first thank you note:

Dear Bloggers,

Thank you for reading my words without judging me for my weaknesses. Thank you for your tender, encouraging comments and your prayers. Thank you for your own faith. Knowing women like you makes me feel like part of a sisterhood. I feel stronger each day because of this blog and you have motivated me to pick myself up, dust off and continue in hope. I love you all!

Sincerely,
Kristen

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT-Viva Las Vegas (or Just Stay Home Next Time!)

Well, we went to Vegas. It was a much-needed break from reality for both of us, but it is SOOOO good to be home. Though exciting and different, downtown Las Vegas was stinky, loud, and a little depressing. Walking around the strip was a fun adventure, but after a few days, the glitz and glam wore off and we were ready to come back to good ole' Utah with its trees and fresh mountain air. But despite "Sin City's" filthiness, we came back with a few lessons about life (and a lot of souvenirs!)

Las Vegas itself is a little like the war between good and evil. The brochures all were so enticing, each promising excitement and entertainment, a respite from reality and a city that never sleeps. The lights and fancy casinos were beautiful and impressive at first. And nothing beats the food. We ate like kings! But after a day or two, we began seeing truth all around us. The brochures said nothing about the smell of cigarettes and alcohol that somehow slipped under the door of our "no-smoking: hotel room. Nor did they mention that about every 10 minutes we could expect to hear the siren of a racing ambulance or police car. We weren't told that the casinos that we would walk through were to be filled with lost, hollow souls numbly staring at flashing screens, which promised false hope of riches. It was fun to see Paris and the Bellagio, the Luxor, the MGM Grand, Excalibur, New York New York, and the Mandalay. The most unsettling experience for both of us was the walking salespeople. Each casino had highly persuasive men walking around looking for sweet, unsuspecting tourists like us. They promised us free tickets to be used at a "show" of our choice and vouchers for free meals. Though we said we were not interested, they persisted, promising us that we would have a good time. And they were everywhere! The funniest part was when we told one man that we were going to the dollar theater in town, so we didn't need tickets. He asked us what show we were going to see. You should have seen the look on his face as my awesome hubby responded, "Nanny McPhee Returns." He pretty much gave up on us at that point, probably guessing that we were Mormons.

Pedestrians in Las Vegas who walked even just a block away from the strip saw an entirely different downtown. There, they saw the sadness of drunken men, out of work and looking desperately for their next fix or drink. And I won't even start about the free pornographic pamphlets everywhere!

Anyway, the point is that Satan enlists the senses to help entice us to do evil. He tries to make sin seem appealing, exciting, flashy and desirable. Sadly, many fall for his lies, truly expecting a free show and a life free of consequences. But while our agency is free, we will never be able to choose our own consequences.

We visited the Las Vegas temple on our last day. What a contrast! As we stepped out of our car and walked around the grounds, we had a new appreciation for the sanctity of the Lord's House. The smells and noise of the city were forgotten. The landscaping was breathtaking and peaceful and we lingered for several hours.

As I have mentioned, I am currently serving in my stake's YW Presidency. I was THRILLED to hear that next year's theme will be the 13th article of faith. I felt that Las Vegas was the perfect visual. Though there are many unsavory sights and place in Las Vegas, anyone who lived there could find uplifting activities and be found in holy places. We were able to go see a very cute, clean movie, go to M&M World, and the chocolate factory, and to the Mormon Fort, as well as enjoy a picnic at a very nice city park. This could serve as an analogy as well. . . we were living in the world, but were trying hard not to be of the world.

Anyway, I know this post is very scattered, but the point to me is this. No matter where we find ourselves in life, or what Satan tempts us with, no matter how unsavory the world around us becomes, we always have the choice to live righteously. And as we do, we will be blessed with peace and security.

10th ANNIVERSARY

We're off! Tyler and I are headed to Vegas for our 10th Anniversary so don't expect any posts for about a week! Thanks all!

FOOD FOR THE BODY

WW PUMPKIN MUFFINS

(from http://www.laloosh.com/)

Serves: 24

Points: 3 (per muffin)

1 (18-oz.) box of spice cake mix

1 (15-oz.) can of pure pumpkin

1/2 c. applesauce

1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

Mix all ingredients together until smooth. Spoon into greased or lined muffin tins. Bake as directed on cake mix box.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"When faith is properly understood and used, it has dramatically far-reaching effects. Such faith can transform an individual's life from maudlin, common everyday activities to a symphony of j o y and happiness."

(Elder Richard G. Scott, "The Transforming Power of Faith and Character," General Conference, October 2010.)

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT--Good Stuff

YUP! I'm still studying the "good stuff" from Conference. Tonight I was reading the text from Elder Richard E. Edgely's talk, "Faith--the Choice is Yours" (I know, I know. . . the title got the Chuck-a-Rama jingle in my head too!) I loved the following passage:

"Beware that faith is not a free gift given without thought, desire, or effort. It does not come as the dew falls from heaven. The Savior said, 'Come unto me,' (Matthew 11:28) and 'Knock, and it shall be given you,' (Matthew 7:7). These are action words: come, knock. They are choices. So I say, choose faith. Choose faith over doubt, choose faith over fear, choose faith over the unknown and unseen, and choose faith over pessimism."

What a wonderful reminder! I have always thought of faith as a sort of cycle. It takes faith to take the first step. . . to pay tithing for that first time, for example. As we obey the commandments, our faith is rewarded with more faith, which allows us to choose the right once again, and again we are blessed with increased faith, and so forth. . .

Elder Edgely then states: ". . . And what I don't know or don't completely understand, with the powerful aid of my faith, I bridge the gap and move on, partaking of the promises and blessings of the gospel."
And he warns:

"As strong as our faith is, . . . it can also be very fragile. It needs constant nourishment through continued scripture study, prayer, and the application of His word."

This is a wonderful talk! Read it. Love it. Do it.
P.S. Have you checked out the new General Conference website? You can actually make your own study notes while you read the addresses. You can also download the talks to your computer or MP3 players, and watch conference videos. Oh, and you can relive all the beautiful music from conference. You really should experience it for yourself (wink, wink):

www.new.lds.org/general-conference

FOOD FOR THE BODY

LIME CHICKEN (from http://www.kitchenparade.com/)

Serves: 4

Points: 4

1/2 c. honey mustard

zest from 1 lime

2 T. lime juice (juice from 1 lime)

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 T. soy sauce

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Stir together first five ingredients and spread atop chicken breasts, covering evenly. Broil chicken until cooked through, about 3-4 minutes on each side.

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT--Act for Ourselves

What stood out to you in this last General Conference? I was deeply touched by President Uchdorf's talk about simplifying and going a little slower during the turbulent times. I also loved his counsel to establish meaningful relationships with God, family members, our fellowmen, and ourselves. I could certainly relate to His words: "Some people simply cannot get along with themselves." His was probably one of my favorite talks, but after the first session and onto the remaining ones, I started to notice a theme. Maybe I'm the only one who saw it. . .

I heard the phrase: "act for ourselves and not be acted upon," at least three times in different talks. The scriptural advice stuck in my mind like glue and several weeks later, I'm still pondering the meaning of this simple admonition. What does it mean? And more importantly, how does this seemingly important, repeated phrase fit in my life?

I started thinking about agency. We are always free to choose our own actions. In fact, this precious agency, our own will, is the only gift that we possess that is 100% ours. (Everything else somehow belongs to our Heavenly Father.) Knowing that, we are placed here on earth to prove our faithfulness and determination to make correct choices. Will we choose the right? Will we truly glorify God in all that we do, wherever we may go? In short, we "act for ourselves."

So what does it mean: "be acted upon"? I think that this part of the equation refers to the inevitable consequences of our actions. When we choose righteously, we receive blessings and guidance. Conversely, when we choose sin, we are often subject to pain and sorrow.

Having a basic understanding of the principle, I started thinking specifically. I have two examples from my own life's experiences:

1. I struggle with my weight. Though at times, I try to imagine that eating unwholesome foods (sometimes in large amounts) will not matter, I cannot avoid the probability that my waistline will expand and my energy and health will diminish. If I can learn to curb my cravings and eat healthier options, I will undoubtedly benefit from that decision.

2. As a teenager, I was careful to follow the prophets' counsels regarding dating, modesty, and moral cleanliness. As a result, I was prompted by the Spirit as to whom I should marry and when. When the time came, I was worthy to be sealed in the temple for all eternity. I was blessed for the choice.

Long story, short. . . we can be productive, and progressive, striving to better our individual situations, holding to the rod and be blessed. Or, we can "be acted upon," letting our personal situations fall victim to chance or fate. In my book, I'd rather have the promised blessings of the gospel, wouldn't you?

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"To strengthen our relationship with God, we need some valuable time alone with Him." (Dieter F. Uchdorf, "Of Things That Matter Most," Ensign, November 2010)

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

" We watch. We wait. We listen for that still, small voice. When it speaks, wise men and women obey. Promptings of the Spirit are not to be postponed." (Thomas S. Monson, "The Spirit Giveth Life," Ensign, June 1997, 4)

FOOD FOR THE BODY

CROCK POT MINESTRONE (adapted from http://www.skinnytaste.com/)

Serves: 6

Points: 3

1/2 onion, chopped

1 c. carrots, chopped

1 celery stalk, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 (28-oz.) can diced tomatoes

1 (15-0z.) can white beans, drained and rinsed

3 cups fat-free chicken broth

1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning

2 bay leaves

salt and pepper

1 medium zucchini, chopped

2 c. fresh or frozen (defrosted) spinach, chopped

2 c. cooked (al dente), small pasta such as salad mac, elbow or mini farfalle

Drain and rinse beans. Puree beans with one cup of broth in blender. In Crock Pot, combine broth, tomatoes, pureed beans, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, seasonings, bay leaves and salt and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.

Forty minutes before soup is done cooking, add zucchini and spinach. Cover and cook 30 more minutes. Add cooked pasta. Cook ten minutes more. Remove bay leaves. Ladle into bowls and top with Parmesan.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"I learned that it is okay to fall flat on your face." --Apollo Ohno

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT--A Beautiful Spirit

Originally this blog was titled "Faith Precedes Size 10: Finding Joy in My Weight Loss Journey." Since I started writing, I have had other struggles sort of eclipse the original purpose of the blog and have been pleased to find that the messages I had been posting and collecting translated quite nicely to many different types of trials. I have had comments from others battling obesity, those dealing with infertility, and others who are facing un- or under- employment. One of the beautiful things about gospel study is that you find layers of meaning in the words of the prophets and in the Savior's own teachings.

I have been doing a lot of soul-searching the last few days since I read Elder Hallstrom's talk, which I referenced the other day. More specifically, the phrase: "deal with the problem directly and with all the strength you posess. . . "

I am so grateful for the prompting I received almost two years ago to start a blog. Though I haven't yet made tremondous progress with my physical health or appearance, I feel that my testimony and understanding have grown substantially. That, coupled with the support network from my readers, have made an incredible difference in my life. Thanks again for encouraging me.

When I used to attend Weight Watchers meetings I remember our class leader once taught us that the number on the scale is only feedback. If I gain one week, the number is simply feedback that whatever I did that week did not work. Calling a weight gain a "failure" is neither accurate or productive. If I lose weight however, the strategies I implemented worked and should probably be duplicated. It goes the same way in life. The only possible way I can ever really fail at anything, is by giving up. I do feel as if I have sort of given up on my goals to lose weight and I'd really like to get back on board with my plans. Though my life is riddled with stressors and complicated by uncertainty, I know that my goals are important to the Savior. They are righteous and qualify as an "anxious cause" in which I should be engaged. In short, I know that when and if I am willing, He offers His hand. He can help me get up off the ground and give this thing one more shot.

On Sunday, I did a family photo session and my husband and I had some pictures taken as well. Later, as I edited the images of myself, yes, there was the usual shock in seeing myself so large. And yes, the usual self-critical comments came to mind, but: 1) I was so proud of myself for taking the time to edit them, as I would for any of my clients and 2) I was surprised to see a beautiful spirit there in each photo. I feel that editing pictures of "fat me" was a extremely significant move towards self-love. After all, I am me. . . God's child. And He is there to help me. So, I will try again, with my hand in His.

FOOD FOR THE BODY

CHICKEN ENCHILADA CHILI

(adapted from http://www.5dollardinners.com/)

Serves: 5

Points: 3

1 c. homemade or store-bought beef broth

1 (6-oz.) can tomato paste

3 T. homemade taco seasoning

1 T. chili powder

1 (15-oz.) can red beans, drained

2 c. cooked black beans (canned is fine, rinse and drain)

1 (15-oz.) can diced tomatoes

2 c. cooked and shredded chicken

In a large saucepan or Dutch oven whisk together the beef broth and the tomato paste, plus about one can worth of water. Stir in the taco seasoning and chili powder. Add the red beans, black beans and tomatoes. Stir, heat through and simmer for ten minutes. Stir in the chicken. Simmer a little longer. (If simmering longer than 15 minutes, cover to prevent liquids from evaporating.)

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"Faith and fear cannot coexist." (Elder Kevin W. Pearson, "Faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ," Ensign, May 2009, 40)

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT--Deal with the Matter Directly

Can I just tell you. . . I love the gospel? Today was wonderful. Our Teachings for Our Times lesson was based on the address: "Turn to the Lord," by Donald Hallstrom from April, 2010 conference. It was awesome. He talked a lot about not becoming offended by others or discouraged when hard times come your way. Here is the quote that stood out to me. (Actually, it was more like a charge from a lightning bolt.)

"If you feel you have been wronged--by anyone. . . or by anything (the death of a loved one, health problems, a financial reversal, abuse, addictions) deal with the matter directly and with all the strength you have. "Hold on thy way" (D&C 122:9); giving up is not an option. And, without delay, turn to the Lord. Exercise all the faith you have in Him. Let Him share your burden. Allow His grace to lighten your load. We are promised that we will suffer "no manner of afflictions save it were swallowed up in the joy of Christ" (Alma 31:38). Never let an earthly matter disable you spiritually."

I LOVE THAT! 1. Handle problems directly and with all our strength. 2. Never give up. 3. Without hesitation, involve the Lord in the matter, having faith that He can and WILL lighten the load. And that last line: "NEVER let an earthly matter diasable you spiritually."

At one point in her lesson, the teacher asked what we can do to "turn to the Lord." One sweet lady, Ruth, my 81-year-old adopted grandmother, said that each time she is faced with adversity, she simply says a prayer asking the Lord to, in His own time, allow the trial to become a blessing. She noted that WITHOUT exception, every trial she has faced in her life has blessed her in some way. I was moved to tears by her simple, but mighty faith.

I hope that I will never allow a rude comment (such as the one that upset me the other day), an unkind glance, a judgement passed, or any other outside, earthly event rob me of the ability to live my life with grace and dignity, knowing that I am the Lord's and that He loves me. I hope that as challenges arise, I will consistently think of the Lord as my first helper and as my lifeline. I am full of love for Him and His promised assistance and watchful care.