Upside

The snow looks beautiful from underneath the streetlight.

As I drive home from Stake Conference, I remember that Trader Joes is right on the way. I can finish my grocery shopping after all!

I ponder as I sit at a red light.

All week, I have been asking what I am to learn from the things that are happening right now.

Then I realize what I have learned...

The talent of asking for help is a little, but critical, blessing.

 It drives away the lonely isolation of a hidden trial.

Burdens are lighter when others are helping to lift.

Father in Heaven often inspires His children to aid each other.

He will inspire me.

But I first need peace in my heart so I can hear His voice.



It was good to be gathered tonight with the Saints of Zion. I felt the Spirit testify it is good for me to be here. All week I have been looking forward to this Stake Conference with anticipation, knowing that if revelation will come, it will come in a meeting such as this. And when it ended, my heart felt lighter and my faith strengthened.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Random News

Recently, I've taken to writing down my schedule in a little calendar I've been carrying around (but not using) since last Christmas. On the one hand, it makes things easier. I don't forget where I'm supposed to be. On the other hand...

Tonight was my only free evening all week, so I determined it was a good time to buy a gift for a good friend and purchase three things I needed at Target. Off I went on my shopping excursion... I came home with five things from Target, the gift, two new tops, and an absolutely adorable coat. If the stores hadn't all been been closing, I'd probably have some boots, too.

Plus one for good time management! I caught a 40% off everything sale.

In other news...

Fall has come, and along with it the time for alluring cinnamon-scented tree parts (last year it was a stick broom... this year, pinecones!). They make me happy. Still. Just like they did last fall. Only this year, I have an awesome turquoise charger on which to place said pinecones.  See?

Sorry... this is not a scratch 'n sniff picture.

I'm not sure which is the more incredible feat - the clutter-free table or that I designed a centerpiece on my own. Either way, I am happy!

I love the scriptures. This morning as I read, it was like wrapping my heart in a down comforter. Warmth, calm, and a peaceful feeling came over me as I read familiar words from the Book of Mormon. Words of a prophet. Isaiah, to be precise, as quoted by another prophet, Nephi. They are like old friends and faithful companions, come to strengthen me in the current challenges of the week. It was a great way to start the morning.

It has been nearly a year since the weekend of Stake Conference in 2010, during which I received personal revelation in preparation for a big change coming my way in the weeks following. I look forward to Stake Conference again this weekend, for the insight and spiritual strength it will inevitably provide, and as a way to mark the growth I have observed in my own life. Personal revelation is a great gift. The ability to cheerfully walk down the path on which it leads me is another gift. This week, I am grateful for both of these precious gifts.

And lastly (but most definitely not most importantly)?  I think Dilbert gets funnier every week.

The End.

Friends & Saints

We had a unique opportunity today to share in our faith and worship with our friends across the Longfellow Park at the Society of Friends (aka the Quakers).

After our chapel burned over two years ago, these good people helped take care of us, offered their space for storing the things we could rescue from the building after the fire, and were generally good and kind. Today, they hosted an Open House for our newly built chapel after our meetings.

Our Sunday School was an opportunity to hear from two of their members, who taught us a little about their faith and beliefs. It was insightful to hear what we believe in common... that there is an element of godliness in each of us, that personal revelation will guide our respective actions, that quiet worship is fundamental to feeling the Spirit speak in our lives. Likewise, we sent a representative from our membership to their meetings, and shared with them what we believe. There was a feeling of mutual goodwill, and it allowed us to get to know our neighbors in a friendly, respectful, appreciative way.

It reminded me of this scripture:

For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God. (Moroni 7:16)

I always find myself grateful when I see truth reflected in others' lives. It brings us both closer to God.

Pasta-Free Parmesan Chicken & Spaghetti

I made up a recipe, and after a few tries, I figured out how to get it the way I like. Yay for me! It is yummy, so I'll share it with you. Yay for you!

Pasta-Free Parmesan Chicken & Spaghetti

First, cut a spaghetti squash in half and place one half in a glass pan (cut side down) in about 1/2 inch of water. Bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes. (Save the other half to cook later with something else.)

While it's baking for the first few minutes, put a little oil in another glass dish.  Take 2 chicken breasts, dip them in lightly beaten egg white, and sprinkle parmesan cheese over them to coat. Turn the chicken over and sprinkle the other side with parmesan cheese. Then take about half of a ham steak, cut into strips, and dip & sprinkle them as well.  Dice a few cloves of garlic and half a red onion and a small sweet pepper, and spread these around on top. Cover with a lid and bake at 350 (while your squash finishes).  After 30 min, top the chicken dish with pasta sauce (I use a sweet vidalia onion flavor) and bake for 10 more minutes.

Scoop out your spaghetti squash and put it on a plate. Top with some more pasta sauce and put the parmesan chicken on top of that. Serve with fresh bread and fruit.

Enjoy.

General Conference

I love the first weekend of October because it means it's time for General Conference. I savored listening to prophets and apostles remind us of what is most important in life. I appreciated the Spirit I felt listening to the Tabernacle Choir sing some of my favorite hymns. And I enjoyed the time spent with friends as we listened to the good word of God. Now, I look forward to Thursday, when all the messages will be available in print on the Church's website, and I can read them to my heart's content.

What a blessing to have living prophets and prophetic counsel to guide our lives!