Lessons Learned From Kneeling (And the Sacrament)

I had the opportunity to go to one day of BYU's Education week last month.

Since I was only able to go on Friday (due to school other days) I prayed really hard that I would be able to go to the best classes for me possible. Heavenly Father helped me pick the best classes I could learn from!

One of the teachers I went to was Richard Holzapfel. He is a gospel scholar  and has done a lot of good for the church.

He talked on the significance and symbolism of kneeling. The class was titled, "Kneeling as a sign of humility, dependence on God, and worship."

I will address 3 things in this post that I learned from Brother Holzapfel.
1. Various scriptures describing the significance of kneeling.
2. The opposition in kneeling.
3. Kneeling during the Sacrament prepares us for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

1. Various Scriptures Describing the Significance of Kneeling

One of my Institute teachers told me that if we would study the Temple worship in the Bible we would know exactly what happens in our modern Temples. The Church in Christ's time is the same as in these latter days - that's why its called the restored church - not the brand new church.

Just as we can learn about the Temple, the Bible and Book of Mormon have many accounts on learning how to worship our Lord - specifically in kneeling.

Here are a few examples:

Psalm 95:6-7 "O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.  For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand."

1 Kings 8:54 "And it was so, that when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the Lord, he arose from before the altar of the Lord, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven."

Solomon was on kneeling on the altar of the Lord just like couples kneel when they are being sealed in the Temple. 

 Acts 20:36 "And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all."

Mark 1: 40 "And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean."

I love this leper. I've learned 2 lessons from him as I've written this. 1. This verse is like the process of prayer. We often beseech God in our lives, kneel down unto him and ask him to help make us whole. 2. This man also shows humility, dependence on God and worship. I believe Faith is the cornerstone of showing those three actions.

2. Three Examples of Kneeling and the Opposition That Comes Afterwards.

As the title of Brother Holzapfel address is "kneeling resembles humility, dependence on God and worship," here are some numerous life changing events have started with kneeling. Notice how they kneeled, prayed, then there was opposition from Satan to try to destroy them. Some examples:

Daniel in the Lions Den:

 Daniel was loved by King Darius. This made the other presidents and princes around jealous so they sought to destroy him, but they couldn't find any faults. The only thing they could think of was to go against Daniels beliefs of God. They went to King Darius and flattered him enough he made a law no one in the land could worship any God but could only worship the king. Daniel had such courage and faith that he would not listen to that law. He stayed true to God. "Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime."

You see, he kneeled and showed humility towards God submitting his will to Gods - then the opposition came where he was cast into the lions den. I truly believe him kneeling helped a lot to let God know whatever happened to him he would trust in His will. 

Joseph Smith's Vision of God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ:

Notice again that Joseph kneeled to pray then the opposition came.

 "After I had retired to the place where I had previously designed to go, having looked around me, and finding myself alone, I kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to God. I had scarcely done so, when immediately I was seized upon by some power which entirely overcame me, and had such an astonishing influence over me as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak. Thick darkness gathered around me, and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction."

Incredible! There was such evil at that moment in Joseph's life, but it makes me realize how much truth and light there was in kneeling right before the evil. Opposition in all things is real.

The greatest example of kneeling ever known to man is the example of our Savior Jesus Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Luke 22: 39-42 "And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.

 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,

 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done."

The most monumental occasions in all of eternity - Christ's performance of the Atonement - began with Christ kneeling.

He showed and continues to show complete humility, dependence on his Father and continuous worship.

There is no better example of how we should act than that of Jesus Christ himself. 

So, shouldn't we be kneeling more often? If Jesus Christ commanded in 3 Nephi for the disciples to kneel and the whole congregation for that matter, shouldn't we be follow that commandment also?

 

3 Nephi 19:16 "And it came to pass that he spake unto the multitude, and commanded them that they should kneel down again upon the earth, and also that his disciples should kneel down upon the earth."

Now, here is probably the most exciting part in my opinion. 

3. Kneeling during the Sacrament prepares us for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

 

D&C 20: "And the elder or priest shall administer it; and after this manner shall he administer it—he shall kneel with the church and call upon the Father in solemn prayer, saying:" (sacrament prayer)...

 

The Sacrament table represents the altar of sacrifice and we kneel at that because Jesus Christs body is symbolized on the altar. Even though we don't kneel physically we should be kneeling mentally to Jesus Christ. Why? Going back to 3 Nephi again when Christ commanded the multitude and his disciples to kneel before him. 

 

 We are to kneel inside our hearts with the priests during the Sacrament.  Repeat the words they say in our minds. 

 

Why? Because this will prepare us for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Every Knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess Jesus Christ at the Second Coming. When we bow every week in our hearts during the Sacrament we are preparing ourselves now so that when Jesus Christ comes to rule the earth we will be prepared to kneel in His presence then.

 

 So, my challenge to all of us is simply to kneel. I'm trying to be more diligent in kneeling in prayer, but it's so much more than that. It's more than simply kneeling. It shows our devotion to God. 

 

 May we kneel more often so we can become as prepared as we can to kneel at our beloved Saviors feet when He returns to this earth, is my prayer and supplication.

Tender Mercies: Lessons Learned From Quails

Yesterday morning I looked out my window and saw a Papa Quail sitting there. I then looked at the bottom of my windowsill and saw a Mama Quail sitting there. As I was watching her she was chirping quite a bit - as she could see me very clearly - then I noticed something move beneath her... a baby! Then I noticed 2 babies and I thought that was all she had. They were about the size of my thumb - so you can imagine they were the most adorable fluffy balls I've ever incountered.

My Mom came to look at them and thought the Mama Quail would feel better if we made them a home so I would stop staring at them and make her feel defensive... :)

We made a make-shift home out of a box and I opened my window and set it next to the Momma. All of a sudden she flew away and there were 1,000,000 babies running EVERYWHERE. More like 15 babies but compare me thinking there were 2 to suddenly 15 running out from under the Momma - it was a lot.

We were satisfied with our home and I left them there.

A few minutes later my Mom came in again to tell me that she found on Google someone who had a similar situation with the Papa Quail pacing back and forth and the babies not being able to get out, so we knew we had to get the babies out somehow so they could be free.

My dream come true, I climbed through my window (the Mamma quail flew away) and we picked up the babies (that were running everywhere) and set them on the grass. 2 Babies ran into my room so I caught them while my Mom got the other ones. They were so precious. Once they were out of the windowsill their Momma came back to gather them.

My Mom and I went on a few errands and came back and a little baby had fallen back into the windowsill and was chirping and running around trying to get free. I went and talked to him to let him know I was there to help. I noticed his Dad was waiting next to the windowsill because he knew his son was still there (I decided it was a boy). I set the baby free and he ran under a bush next to his Dad. I think Papa Quail thanked me for helping his son. I could tell he was grateful.

I told my Mom and she thought it was so incredible that the Papa would wait for his child. A Fathers role is to provide, preside and protect... and this Papa Quail did just that.

About an hour later another little bird (I'm thinking the same one) fell into my Moms windowsill and I set him free. I looked around for his Mom and after a few minutes found her, set him down and he ran to her - so happily.

How This Applies to Tender Mercies

People who know me quite well know that I love animals. Growing up we had over 70 animals (Not all at once) :). 30 Koy Fish/regular fish, 15 Hamsters/guinea pigs, 25 cats/dogs and a goat etc... So I love animals.

We haven't been able to have a house pet (I long for a cat or duck or horse.. ha! Mostly cat) for the past 4 yearsish due to different circumstances and it has been really hard on me.

So, the fact that Heavenly Father knows how much I love all the animals of the Earth and aren't able to have one right now, He showed His loving mercy by letting the Mamma Quail have her children in my windowsill - and to add to it He let me hold them while trying to set them free.

He also has blessed me with a duck pond at BYU where I can go feed my beautiful duck friends and have them eat out of my hand. And up Provo canyon my Mom and I have found a piece of land where I can pet some of my horse friends which I love so dearly.

Heavenly Father is so good to us. He knows our needs, wants and circumstances. What may be a tender mercy for me - animals in this case - might not be a tender mercy for you. That's whats incredible. He knows us each so personally and intimately He provides what is most meaningful to us. What a loving Father we all have.

Scriptures and Words From the Brethren on Tender Mercies

It was definitely not a coincidence that on Sunday in Relief Society we talked about this very subject - Tender Mercies. God's timing is so perfect.

Elder Bednar gave a beautiful talk on Tender Mercies and said, "Some may count these experiences as simply a nice coincidence, but I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are real and that they do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Often, the Lord’s timing of His tender mercies helps us to both discern and acknowledge them."

Yes, all things testify of Christ and His goodness. I have realized while talking about it how much the Lord has shown His mercy to me in my life and specifically the past 2 years. I invite you to see how the Lord has been merciful to you in your life.

There are 76 scriptures in the Book of Mormon that have the word 'mercy' in them. Here are a few I specifically chose out.

1 Nephi 1:20 "But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance."

1 Nephi 8:8 " And after I had traveled for the space of many hours in darkness, I began to pray unto the Lord that he would have mercy on me, according to the multitude of his tender mercies."

3 Nephi 22: 7-8, 10 "For a small moment have I forsaken thee, but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment, but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord the Redeemer.
"For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee." 

Ether 6:12 "And they did land upon the shore of the promised land. And when they had set their feet upon the shores of the promised land they bowed themselves before the Lord, and did shed tears of joy before the Lord, because of the multitude of his tender mercies over them."

Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are merciful to everyone. From Nephi who saw the wickedness of Jerusalem and was cast out, to Lehi, who prayed while in his vision of the tree of life to be delivered from the darkness, and Christ being merciful to the Jewish people in the last days after their many tribulations for the crucifixion of Christ, to the Jaredites being guided across the sea to the promised land in the 8 barges - I again say, God is merciful to everyone.

Lastly, Moroni 10:3 - the last chapter in the Book of Mormon. "Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts."

From the beginning to the end of the Book of Mormon the Lord shows how merciful He is. From Nephi's words to Moroni's words and everything inbetween, we see how grand Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are.

I hope we can all ponder in our hearts, as Moroni urges us to, how merciful God has been to us, our families, our ancestors, America, all continents, all worlds, everything and everyone. If we do I believe we would be changed forever. Only things of true importance would we choose to put into our lives.

"When we put God first (acknowledge his tender mercies) all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives." - Ezra Taft Benson

Lessons Learned From Lot's Wife

Genesis 19:26 is the account of Lot's wife turning into a pillar of salt. I read the verse along with the Old Testament Student Manual (section 6-8) and it provided a lot more insights to that verse.

Here is some of what it says:

The account of Lot's wife being turned into a pillar of salt has puzzled many commentators. Was this event  a literal thing, or was it figurative? There are two indications in the scriptures that the phrase "looked back" was an idiomatic way of saying "she turned back" or "returned to Sodom." When warning the disciples of the destruction which was going to come upon Jerusalem, the Savior warned them to flee without delay, not even going into the house to get their possessions. Jesus said, "And he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back. Remember Lot's wife" (Luke 17:31-32). He then admonished them that he who seeks to save his life will lose it, and he who loses his life will find it.

Elder Bruce R. McConkie paraphrased those verses in these words:
"Look not back to Sodom and the wealth and luxury you are leaving. Stay not in the burning house, in the hope of salvaging your treasures, lest the flame destroy you; but flee, flee to the mountains.
"Seek temporal things and lose eternal life; sacrifice the things of this life and gain eternal life."

The implication is that Lot's wife started back to Sodom, perhaps to save some possessions, and was caught in the destruction.

In the Doctrine and Covenants is a scripture that uses the same terminology as Genesis 19:26. After warning the Saints to flee spiritual Babylon, which is wickedness, the Lord says, "He that goeth, let him not look back lest sudden destruction shall come upon him" (D&C 133:15). Again, the implication is that of a return to wickedness.

 Questions to Ponder

When we try to find 'home' in our earthly possessions, we will never be happy and we will become lost. We will lose our lives. If, however, we lose ourselves in the service God asks us to do - whatever it may be - and not care for possessions we may have while here on earth, we will find our lives.

Here are some questions I have asked myself after learning more about this story, and invite you to ask yourself the same and have the Spirit guide you to whatever other questions you may need to ask.

If I were called to leave everything I owned behind and travel somewhere the Lord asked me to, would I?

If I did leave everything behind, would it be in faith or fear? (Nephi vs. Laman and Lemuel)

Would I miss the 'worldy' things?

Would I murmur?

How truly dedicated am I to the Gospel?

These have been good things for me to ponder and I hope for you as well!

The Gospel is so good! My favorite part in studying this section was the quote by Elder McConkie, "seek temporal things and lose eternal life; sacrifice the things of this life and gain eternal life."

Everything we own is truly God's. He is letting us borrow everything on this Earth to see how we will use it. Once we recognize this, I feel it would be easier to give it all back when God asks us to. /as a matter of fact He has asked for it all back. He has asked us to give him everything we have (which is so little) and He will give us everything He has (which is more than we can comprehend).

What a kind, loving, generous, perfect Heavenly Father we have - to which I am so grateful.

Blueberry Syrup

Super easy, yummy blueberry syrup recipe. I don't know why I didn't think to make my own syrup before!

Not too sweet, but still so good!

1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
1 cup water
2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar (I usually use agave)
2 tablespoons arrowroot powder (I used Cornstarch)

Place all ingredients into a blender and blend on high until smooth. Pour liquid into a small saucepan and heat over medium heat until little bubbles form, reduce heat just slightly and continue to cook while whisking until thickened and clear. It only takes about 3 to 5 minutes total cooking time! Just remember to keep whisking.

So far I have put this syrup on crepes and muffins - and I'm sure many more things to come. 

Blueberry Omm Nomm Nomm Muffins

Omm nomm nomm is about all I can say about these blueberry muffins I made. I haven't had a blueberry muffin - or a muffin at all in that matter - in a year or two.

I'm trying to expand my horizions in the food area, and boy these muffins sure did expand them!

I hope if you are gluten-free or cutting down on wheat you will enjoy these as much as my family and I have. I made 24 mini ones and 6 big ones and all but 6 were left in less than the hour I made them - you can tell my family liked them. :)

RECIPE:

Agave Sweetened Blueberry Muffins

Ingredients

• Ingredients
• 1¾ c apple sauce
• ⅓ c oil (I use olive)
• ½ c agave nectar
• 1¾ c gluten free flour (I use Bob's Redmill All Purpose GF Flour)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• About 1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen)

Instructions

1. Instructions
2. Preheat oven to 375°F.
3. In a large bowl, mix together apple sauce, oil and agave.
4. In a small bowl, sift together flour, soda, baking powder, and salt.
5. Mix dry ingredients with the wet ingredients and stir until well-combined.
6. *Prepare a muffin tin. Pour ⅓ of desired amount of batter into each muffin section, then add a layer of 5-6 blackberries, then add one more layer of batter, and one more layer of blackberries, and, finally, cover the second blackberry layer with the remainder of batter. Your muffins should have two layers of blackberries in them when they are finished.
7.  Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown, then carefully cover the tin top with foil and bake for additional 5-7 minutes to make sure that the insides of the muffins are done. These muffins turn out soft and slightly moist. For thicker consistency, reduce the amount of apple sauce by ¼ cup.

*As I said, I made 24 mini-muffins. So I did 1/3 batter then 1 blueberry, more batter and a blueberry on top. I had left over batter so made 6 big muffins with about 10 blueberries per muffin. The mini muffins only needed about 12 minutes in the oven and the big muffins 17-20.

Instead of butter, I made a blueberry syrup to go on top of the muffins to make them even better!

The Refiners Fire - To Become Like God

I have wondered (as I think most people have wondered before) why I have gone through trials. Why do I have the specific trials I have? Why do I continue to go through trials? Will they ever end?

Being raised in the LDS church I have been blessed with the understanding of the 'why' we go through trials and what purpose they play in our lives.

I read this story in a book today and it touched my heart. It was another witness that the things I have learned why we go through trials are true. It lead me to thinking more about the trials in my life and in every one's lives that are there to help us become more faithful, charitable and ultimately more like God.

The Refiners Fire of Life:

There was once a group of women studying the book of Malachi in the Old Testament. As they were studying chapter three, they came across verse three which says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver. This verse puzzled the women, and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out about the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible study. 

That week this woman called up a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver. As she watch the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were the hottest as to burn away all the impurities. 

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot - then she thought again about the verse that he sits as a refiner and purifier of silver. She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. 

The man answered "Yes", and explained that he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was on the fire. If the silver was left even a moment too long in the flames, it would be damaged.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" 

He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy. When I see my image in it." 

If today you are feeling the heat of this world's fire, just remember that God has his eyes on you.

-Unknown

As we go through trials we are invited to (it's our choice to decide how we will be shaped from our trials) give up our pride, our natural man, our hearts, and our lives. If we give up all we have and care about on this Earth - which is nothing, God will give us all he has - which is everything.

 

Understanding the Reasons for Refining

Elder Faust gave a beautiful talk on this very subject. I invite you all to read this talk and see how it applies to your personal life. 

 

"Here then is a great truth. In the pain, the agony, and the heroic endeavors of life, we pass through a refiner’s fire, and the insignificant and the unimportant in our lives can melt away like dross and make our faith bright, intact, and strong. In this way the divine image can be mirrored from the soul. It is part of the purging toll exacted of some to become acquainted with God. In the agonies of life, we seem to listen better to the faint, godly whisperings of the Divine Shepherd.

Into every life there come the painful, despairing days of adversity and buffeting. There seems to be a full measure of anguish, sorrow, and often heartbreak for everyone, including those who earnestly seek to do right and be faithful. The thorns that prick, that stick in the flesh, that hurt, often change lives which seem robbed of significance and hope. This change comes about through a refining process which often seems cruel and hard. In this way the soul can become like soft clay in the hands of the Master in building lives of faith, usefulness, beauty, and strength. For some, the refiner’s fire causes a loss of belief and faith in God, but those with eternal perspective understand that such refining is part of the perfection process." (James E. Faust The Refiners Fire)

Here is a story of how a woman's challenges in her life helped her be more compassionate and  empathetic.

Our trials help us develop empathy. Empathy is a beautiful gift to help bless the lives of others, and I believe us sharing our trials (when prompted by the Spirit to) helps people more than us giving people advice. There is something so special about Empathy!

Christ is the Master of Empathy. He went through everything that everyone has been through. He truly knows how we feel. 

A Challenge: To Be Grateful 

 When I complain about my trials and challenges my life becomes miserable and I'm grumpy. In the scriptures I've been beginning to see how important it is to be thankful in all things - especially our trials. 

My favorite part Elder Faust said, "For some, the refiners fire causes a loss of belief and faith in God, but those with eternal perspective understand that such refining is part of the perfection process."

 When I am grateful for my trials (and I'm just beginning to truly try to be more grateful) I feel so much happier. As I am trying to understand that my trials are to help me become more like God it gives a greater perspective and is a lot easier for me to endure those challenges. 

We will come to an understanding that our trials will one day end. If we endure well and accept Heavenly Fathers plan, Jesus Christ has promised us that, "all that my Father hath shall be given unto him." D&C 84:38

Let us "submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord." Mosiah 24:15

There are exciting and challenging times up a ahead, but I am confident that if we are grateful we will have that eternal perspective and stay on the road that leads home to our Heavenly Father.

We Cannot Love God if We do not Love Our Brother

I'm taking a Teachings of John Institute class and this week we studied 1 John 4 - about love.

The past few months I've tried to understand how to forgive more - and I think because I have been focusing on it more I've noticed it more. For example, our family car was bought at a certain dealership I never heard of before we got the car. After we got the car I started noticing how many other people bought their cars at the same dealership. When we focus on something, we will find it.

So, as I've been trying to learn about forgiveness and I have noticed people talking about it everywhere.

Here is a small portion of what I have learned about forgiveness.

 1 John 4:8 "He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."

1 John 4:20 "If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?"

Wow. This is so beautifully put I don't think we can misunderstand it.

This little video is one of my favorites. This parable, of the unmerciful servant, is one of my favorite parables. A statement to ponder while you watch: No one owes me more than what I owe Christ. What does this mean? We owe Christ more than we can ever repay. Due to this, we must forgive because Christ has told us to and we owe more to him than anyone we are debating to forgive can possibly owe us.

We owe Christ more than we can ever pay. People who have trespassed against us can only owe us pennies to what we owe Christ.

There are some things in my life I sincerely wish to be healed and forgiven. I realized a few days ago that I believe in order for me to heal/be forgiven of what I would like, I need to forgive everyone of everything that has happened in my life. I need to do that before I can be healed. Forgiving others leads to being healed! How incredible!

How do we do that? I know it's hard! Sometimes in our human fallen nature, we want revenge. We don't want to forgive. If we forgive we can be taken advantage of, hurt even more, we won't be able to hold grudges. But if we want to be healed and forgiven (and be 'free'), we must forgive.

I believe the 2 foundational points to forgiveness are compassion and humility;

Compassion - for the people who have hurt us. In the hymn "Lord I would Follow Thee" is a line, "Who am I to judge another when I walk imperfectly? In the quiet heart is hidden sorrow that the eye can't see." We will never know the true intentions or why people hurt us. We need to have compassion as Jesus Christ did, with everyone who hurts us - and in general. Christ had perfect compassion for everyone - even the people who betrayed him. He is the perfect example to us how to have compassion.

 Humility - realizing that we need Jesus Christ. Realizing that we are the servant who is in complete debt (to Him) that we can never repay.

If we are sincere and ask for the Lord's help to forgive someone, He will help. He wants to help us!

Once we forgive someone, we need to walk away from that situation for good. Don't bring up the circumstances again, just let it go. God will help us let go.

The Spirit will help us humble ourselves. He will help us ask for God's help. But it us up to us to decide to forgive someone and let it go.

After we have forgiven someone, we need to replace those feelings with charity which is the pure love of Christ.

 "47 But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.

 48 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen." - Moroni 7:47-48

If we have this love, we are becoming more like God and we will be able to see him when he comes because we will be like him.

Seeing Him comes by forgiving one other through his love, which brings healing to ourselves, which helps us become better servants to God in helping build up his kingdom. 

I hope and pray we will all pray humbly and with 'all the energy of heart that we may be filled with this love' to be able to forgive more fully. 

Study the scriptures- as they will tell us all things which we should do to return to our Heavenly Father which is the whole reason for coming to this Earth. 

The Gospel is the only thing that matters.

Judge Not that Ye Be Not Judged

Today I went to a different LDS ward where a friend was giving a talk before she leaves for her mission on Wednesday.

There was a married couple that spoke after my friend. The woman was about 35 and her husband I would guess, 40. I saw the wife sitting on the stand and thought she had a great light about her and thought didn't think much more about her, really, until she stood up to give her talk.

When she stood up to speak at the pulpit I noticed tattoos on both her arms. Instantly I had a judgement - not a bad judgement, but more like me wondering why she had tattoos on her arms and what her story was.  She said, "I grew up an active member of the church. When I met my husband and we got married, we became inactive for a few years. Then I decided to get some tattoos. I used to turn away from people with tattoos and then when I got a few I noticed people would turn away from me." She bore her testimony and I grew to love her more and realized there are always 2 sides to a pancake - 2 sides to every story.

Her husband then stood up and he was wearing sunglasses and I wondered what his story was too. He joined the church in his 20s after her served in the Marines for several years. He said that he has many, many health issues such as PTSD, tourette's, and bipolar which he needs to be on a lot of medication for. He takes 25 pills a day to keep him being a 'normal' person. He sometimes has to stay at home by himself because he literally cannot handle being around other people.  He wears sunglasses because he has a really hard time being around people and even himself. When he looks in the mirror he often times doesn't recognize himself and doesn't know who he is.
When Marines come home and have mental illnesses, they sometimes get rated how bad it is. He was at the top of the scale at a 9 for how severe his illnesses are.

He shared that, "When you have a membership to a gym you aren't expected to already have 18" muscles or a size 6 waist - and if you don't have those, you get kicked out. The contract to that gym doesn't say you have to have those requirements. You go to the gym to become strengthened.
The same with the church. You aren't required to have a perfect, strong testimony when you go to church. You go to church to become strengthened."

After the meeting ended I went up to them both and started crying. I was so thankful for their testimonies and examples to me. I grew to love them both - even though I'd never met them in my life before. They were very real people. They didn't hide behind a facade of pretending to be happy, cheerful, and 'perfect' all the time - that's why I say they were real.

I had a 30 minute drive back to my house and wanted to learn how I could stop judging people, so I listened to President Uchtdorf's talk, "The Merciful Obtain Mercy" where he addresses how we can stop being so critical of others. Here are a few inserts from his address.

"This topic of judging others could actually be taught in a two-word sermon. When it comes to hating, gossiping, ignoring, ridiculing, holding grudges, or wanting to cause harm, please apply the following:

Stop it!

It’s that simple. We simply have to stop judging others and replace judgmental thoughts and feelings with a heart full of love for God and His children. God is our Father. We are His children. We are all brothers and sisters. I don’t know exactly how to articulate this point of not judging others with sufficient eloquence, passion, and persuasion to make it stick. I can quote scripture, I can try to expound doctrine, and I will even quote a bumper sticker I recently saw. It was attached to the back of a car whose driver appeared to be a little rough around the edges, but the words on the sticker taught an insightful lesson. It read, “Don’t judge me because I sin differently than you.”

We must recognize that we are all imperfect—that we are beggars before God. Haven’t we all, at one time or another, meekly approached the mercy seat and pleaded for grace? Haven’t we wished with all the energy of our souls for mercy—to be forgiven for the mistakes we have made and the sins we have committed?

Because we all depend on the mercy of God, how can we deny to others any measure of the grace we so desperately desire for ourselves? My beloved brothers and sisters, should we not forgive as we wish to be forgiven?"

He continues, "The more we allow the love of God to govern our minds and emotions—the more we allow our love for our Heavenly Father to swell within our hearts—the easier it is to love others with the pure love of Christ. As we open our hearts to the glowing dawn of the love of God, the darkness and cold of animosity and envy will eventually fade.

"When our hearts are filled with the love of God, we become “kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving [each other], even as God for Christ’s sake [forgave us]."

"The Savior promised: “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over. … For with the same measure that [you use] it shall be measured to you again. Shouldn’t this promise be enough to always focus our efforts on acts of kindness, forgiveness, and charity instead of on any negative behavior?

"Remember: in the end, it is the merciful who obtain mercy.¹⁷

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, wherever we may be, let us be known as a people who “have love one to another.”¹⁸

"Remember, heaven is filled with those who have this in common: They are forgiven. And they forgive.

"Lay your burden at the Savior’s feet. Let go of judgment. Allow Christ’s Atonement to change and heal your heart. Love one another. Forgive one another.

The merciful will obtain mercy."

I add my words to his - I know it is our choice. Our choice to choose to be judgmental or not be judgmental, happiness or misery, love or anger. I invite you if you struggle with being judgmental to ponder in your heart how you can improve. 

I also know that it is only through God's power that we can improve. He is the one who can soften our hearts to change how we see people. I hope we can get to the point of seeing everyone around us for who they really are - that is God's children who have the potential to become like Him.

Sources:

The Merciful Obtain Mercy - President Uchtdorf

A Story of How God Worked in a Mysterious Way...

I was reading in the Book of Mormon student manual this morning and came across this beautiful story of how God worked in a mysterious way and it changed a mans life. This story brought tears to my eyes and it was another witness of how incredible the Book of Mormon is and how it changes lives.

President James E. Faust related an experience shared by Elder F. Burton Howard of the Seventy that demonstrates the converting power of the Book of Mormon:
“Sister Celia Cruz Ayala of the Puerto Rico San Juan Mission decided to give the Book of Mormon to a friend. She wrapped it in attractive paper and set out to deliver her present.

“On the way she was attacked by a bandit who stole her purse and with it the wrapped copy of the Book of Mormon. A few days later she received this letter:

“‘Mrs. Cruz:

“‘Forgive me, forgive me. You will never know how sorry I am for attacking you. But because of it, my life has changed and will continue to change. That book [the Book of Mormon] has helped me in my life. The dream of that man of God has shaken me. … I am returning your five pesos for I can’t spend them. I want you to know that you seemed to have a radiance about you. That light seemed to stop me [from harming you, so] I ran away instead.

“‘I want you to know that you will see me again, but when you do, you won’t recognize me, for I will be your brother. … Here, where I live, I have to find the Lord and go to the church you belong to.

“‘The message you wrote in that book brought tears to my eyes. Since Wednesday night I have not been able to stop reading it. I have prayed and asked God to forgive me, [and] I ask you to forgive me. … I thought your wrapped gift was something I could sell. [Instead,] it has made me want to make my life over. Forgive me, forgive me, I beg you.

“‘Your absent friend.’

“Such is the conversion power of the Book of Mormon” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1996, 58; or Ensign, May 1996, 42).

Again, this is another witness of the power of the Book of Mormon and ultimately, the power of God. I hope this strengthens your testimony as it did mine. We are a blessed people and God is so mindful of us.

Are Your Feet Beautiful?

I'm taking a class where we are learning about the 4 Gospels in the Bible being; Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Today we discussed how it was not a secret that Jesus Christ was going to be born. Heavenly Father tried to spread the word so that EVERYONE would know and could be prepared.

I didn't realize how many accounts there were in the scriptures to help prepare the people. I could list hundreds, but I won't write all that, so...

A few examples...

"Anna, a prophetess... coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem." Luke 2:36-38

"And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child." Luke 2:15-17

"And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth." Luke 1:14

"And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God." Luke 1:16

"And now we only wait to hear the joyful news declared unto us by the mouth of angels, of his coming; for the time cometh, we know not how soon. Would to God that it might be in my day; but let it be sooner or later, in it I will rejoice.
And it shall be made known unto just and holy men, by the mouth of angels, at the time of his coming, that the words of our fathers may be fulfilled, according to that which they have spoken concerning him, which was according to the spirit of prophecy which was in them." - Alma 13:25-26

My personal favorite, Alma 13:24,  "For behold, angels are declaring it unto many at this time in our land; and this is for the purpose of preparing the hearts of the children of men to receive his word at the time of his coming in his glory."

Its pretty clear to me that people knew about Christ's birth.

Our Responsibility as Latter-Day Saints:

There is a wonderful talk by Elder Andersen addressing our responsibility as members of the Church. 

He said, " Have you ever thought about why you were sent to earth at this specific time? You were not born during the time of Adam and Eve or while pharaohs ruled Egypt or during the Ming dynasty. You have come to earth at this time, 20 centuries after the first coming of Christ. The priesthood of God has been restored to the earth, and the Lord has set His hand to prepare the world for His glorious return. These are days of great opportunity and important responsibilities. These are your days.

With your baptism, you declared your faith in Jesus Christ. With your ordination to the priesthood, your talents and spiritual capacities have been increased. One of your important responsibilities is to help prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Savior."

 It is our duty. This leads up to the question, "Are your feet beautiful?"

Are your feet beautiful?

Think deeper than physicality.

Isaiah has a beautiful definition of what beautiful feet look like... "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!"

To make it a more clear, Abinadi expounds on it a little more; "And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those who shall hereafter publish peace, yea, from this time henceforth and forever. And behold, I say unto you this is not all. O how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that is the founder of peace, yea, even the Lord, who has redeemed his people; yea, him who has granted salvation unto his people. For were it not for the redemption which he hath made for his people, which was prepared from the foundation of the world, I say unto you, were it not for this, all mankind must have perished."

We have beautiful feet when we share the message of Christ.

 It is a great question to ask ourselves. Are my feet beautiful? Are we sharing the Gospel AKA Good News with the world? Are we trying to forget our own story and tell Jesus Christs' story? Are we really internalizing what Moroni said to, "labor diligently; for if we should cease to labor, we should be brought under condemnation; for we have a labor to perform whilst in this tabernacle of clay, that we may conquer the enemy of all righteousness, and rest our souls in the kingdom of God."?

I hope we would all think (even if you aren't a member of the LDS church) of ways we can share the story of Jesus Christ more than we are.

The Brethren have told us for a very long time that the Saviors second coming is soon. We have been prepared for Christ, just like the people in the Bible and Book of Mormon were prepared - so let us help others prepare too.

I am so excited for the second coming. I am excited to share about Christ more. I'm thankful for the opportunity I've had to look internally and see how I can improve, and hope you will think how you can too.

Sources:
Preparing the World for the Second Coming - Neil L. Andersen

Purpose of This Blog

I've felt the past few months that a blog would be very beneficial for me to be able to share my feelings with the world. I've had the opportunity to learn many important lessons in my life (the past year especially - and continuing) that I would like to share and hope to bless someone's life, maybe yours.

I had a few blogs when I was younger but didn't maintain them very well. I'm to the point now where I am more dedicated and excited to write then I have ever before felt.

My blog will focus on lessons I have learned about inward improvement being spiritual/psychological, outward improvement being health/body (some of my favorite healthy recipes), how I believe we can improve and help one another in society, my religious beliefs and how they have benefited my life... and over-all experiences I have been through I think can help someone who reads this blog. :)

I'm not a 'perfect' person (Noah Webster Dictionary 1828 definition of perfect: complete, finished) but I am on a journey of trying to become the best person I can! I'm excited to share my feelings. I feel like I can express myself better on paper than in person and I love writing.

This blog is not exclusive to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons), but I will share my beliefs based on the Gospel - because that is who I am.

Thank you for being a part of who I am in my life and I hope that some of the lessons I have learned in my life can maybe help you from making the same mistakes I have, or help you think how to improve yourself and become who you were created to become - that is like our God in Heaven.

Gluten-Free CREPES

I've tried making GF crepes before... but they are always too thick and more like a pancake. I found this delicious recipe and I was SO surprised that they turned out so thin. They tasted like a normal crepe! I even looked at the girl's crepes who had the recipe and her's were really thick... mine turned out thin and I have no idea how, but I was stoked!

Here it is...

Recipe:

Gluten-Free Crepes (makes 6-8 crepes)
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla, gluten-free
1/2 cup nut milk
1/2 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1-2 tablespoons agave nectar
1 cup gluten-free all purpose flour
2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
1 tablespoon coconut oil, for pan

DIRECTIONS: Place 2 tablespoons of coconut oil into a small saucepan, and melt over low heat. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla, nut milk, water, salt and agave nectar until combined. Slowly add in the flour and whisk to combine. Remove oil from heat, and pour into batter in a steady stream while slowly whisking to combine. Mix until smooth.

Heat a small amount of coconut oil in a large frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/3 cup for each crepe. As soon as you’ve poured the batter, tilt and swirl the pan in a circular motion so that the batter coats the surface evenly.
Cook the crepe for about 2 minutes, until the bottom is light brown. Flip the crepe with a spatula and cook the other side. Repeat this process with remaining batter.

Gluten-free hot dogs buns, veggieburger buns, or sandwich bread!

I was told I was gluten intolerant 2 years ago. That was really hard for me to give up because we are surrounded by gluten-filled foods. I didn't do as good the first 17 months of totally eliminating gluten... but the past 7 months I have not had it once.

I finally decided to try to make my own bread as store bought gluten free bread can be pretty gross. It's often times really hard and has many preservatives which are not good!

The recipe is to be used for hot dog buns, but I didn't have a hot dog pan... so I baked it in a cake pan and used it for a veggie carrot 'hot dog', a veggieburger, and whatever else I might want to eat with bread.

Recipe:

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

YEAST MIX:

• 1½ Cups Warm Water or Milk (or Milk Alternative)
• 3 Tablespoons Agave (or honey)
• 2½ teaspoons Dry Active Yeast (be sure your yeast is fresh and alive.)

DRY MIX:

• 3 Cups of Erika's All Purpose Gluten Free Flour Mix
• ¼ teaspoons Xanthan Gum (in addition to whats already in the GF Flour Mix)
• 4 teaspoons Baking Powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt

WET MIX:

• 1 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice
• ¼ Cup Olive Oil
• 2 Large Eggs (see options for egg free below)

EGG FREE VERSION:

• 2 Tablespoons Extra Water added to Yeast Mix
• 1 Tablespoons of Dry Ener-G Egg Replacer Whisked into Dry Mix
  
• 2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar (instead of 1 Tablespoon)

Instructions

STANDARD PREPARATION WITH EGGS:

1. In a measuring cup, measure & warm water to just above body temperature - should be warm to the touch (but not hot or cold). Stir in Honey and add Yeast last. Set-aside & let proof for approx. 10 minutes.
2. Combine Dry Mix ingredients in small bowl.
3. Combine Wet Mix ingredients in bowl with a whisk. (or use a bread mixer machine)
4. Add in the proofed Yeast Mix and mix again for just a few seconds.
5. Add the Dry Mix and whisk for approx. 3 minutes. Dough will be wet (think thick cake batter)!
6. If you want, you can spray your hot dog pan (I used a 9x12 cake pan - or for a thinner bun, you can use a cookie sheet) with non-stick coating, but this is not necessary.
7. Using a spatula, scrape the bun mixture into your prepared hot dog pan and set on top of your stove to proof while the oven is preheating. Be sure to smooth out the loaf with spatula or wet fingers before proofing as the loaf will not smooth out itself.
8. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
9. It is important not to over-proof the buns - just let them rise approximately 20-30 minutes depending on your room temperature.
10. Bake for approx. 25-45 minutes (it only took me 25 minutes). If the crust is darkening too quickly, you can cover it with foil (tent open ended) and return to baking until done. (Every Oven is different, but I usually cook mine until I get an internal temperature of 220 degrees on my digital thermometer).
11. Remove Hot Dog Bun Pan (or other pan) from oven and let cool for 3 minutes before turning out onto your cooling rack. Allow to cool completely (at least 30-45 minutes) before attempting to cut into buns/slices.

WITHOUT EGGS:

1. Follow the standard preparation directions above with these modifications to the ingredients & order in which the ingredients are mixed together.
2. Proof Yeast right in the mixing bowl with Extra 2 Tablespoons Water (no need for a separate bowl/cup)
3. Add Dry Mix to Mixing Bowl (with 2 Tablespoons Ener-G Egg Replacer Whisked In)
4. Add Olive Oil & run Mixer until all ingredients are wet.
5. Add extra Apple Cider Vinegar & Mix on Medium High for Approximately 3 Minutes.
6. Note that the Egg Free Bread will shrink around the edges as it bakes - that's ok, they still turn out great!

LEFTOVERS:

1. Store any leftovers in a airtight bag on your counter for up to 2-3 days. Refrigerate or Freeze as needed, but be aware that the bread will dry out quickly in the Fridge. If need be, wrap leftover bread in towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds to warm/soften.

Note- As you see in the photo I used a cake pan. I didn't have a hot dog bun pan, so I used this and cut the hot dog shapes out of it. As well as burger buns and regular sandwich bread. 

Sources:
Gluten Free Hot Dog Buns

Veggie Carrot 'Hot Dogs'

Okay... I know this sounds crazy and you may be saying to yourself, "carrot hot dog? Really?" But it was delicious!! It tasted BETTER than a meat hot dog. I was pretty skeptical to try one too, but boy, I sure have missed eating a hot dog since cutting down on meat. It's like a traditional American dish. I thought I would never be able to eat one again - so now I've found a recipe I love, I am so thankful.

Here's a photo of what mine looked like! I made homemade gluten-free buns that were great, too.

Doesn't it look great? Yummy. I remember the first bite I was so surprised at how great it tasted. It's like the flavor is still in my mouth (probably because I just finished eating it like 10 minutes ago.. Ha!).

Ingredients:

4 large carrots, peeled, with the ends cut off (I cut mine to the size of the hot dog bun)
1/4 cup Bragg’s Liquid Aminos (you could use regular soy sauce)
1/4 cup water
1 TB seasoned rice vinegar
1 TB sesame oil
1/2 TB apple cider vinegar
dash liquid smoke (I used brand name 'colgin' as it didn't have added sugars)
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 tsp dried ginger
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp granulated onion powder
olive oil cooking spray
4 gluten-free hot dog buns (or buns of choice)
desired hot dog toppings  (as you can see I used organic mustard, un-sweetened ketchup and un-sweetened relish).

Directions:

1. Boil carrots for approximately 6 to 8 minutes, or until fork tender but not mushy.  After removing the carrots from the boiling water, run them under cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. While the carrots are cooking, whisk together the Bragg’s, water, vinegars, sesame oil, liquid smoke, garlic, and seasonings.

3. Combine the carrots and the marinade in a zipper gallon-size bag (I actually used two in case of a leak), or in an air-tight container.  Shake gently until the carrots are coated with the marinade.  Place the carrots in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours.

4. To cook the carrots, spray a medium skillet with olive oil cooking spray.  Turn the heat to medium and place the carrots and about 1/2 cup of the marinade into the skillet.  Heat the carrots for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, or until warm.

 Picture to the right shows them during the middle of the process. By the time they are done, they will be browned a little bit more and will look like actual hot dogs.

5. Serve your carrot “hot dogs” in a bun and top them with your favorite hot dog toppings.

These are so yummy. You don't even taste that much of a difference between regular hot dogs.

Enjoy!

The Most Wonderful, Sweet Salad Dressing

Due to the high sugar in a lot of salad dressings these days, I decided it was about time (in February) to make my own salad dressing. I'm a big fan of strawberry-spinach salad, so I tried to find a recipe to go well with that. I found a recipe where I liked everything but the sugar... so I made it and replaced sugar with Agave-sweetner to fit my needs.

I always keep a bottle of this handy and could probably drink this dressing it is so good. I hope you like it as much as I do. I use it almost every day!

Recipe:
Yield: 1 1/4 cups
Time: 3 minutes

For the Dressing:
Ingredients:
1/2 cup vegetable oil (I use Olive)
1/4 cup white wine vinegar (I used plain white vinegar)
1/2 cup white sugar (I use a little more than 1/4 cup of agave to make it healthier)
1/4 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Directions:
Combine all ingredients together and store in fridge or serve and enjoy! Lasts for several weeks in fridge.

For the Salad:
I get whatever greens we have (spinach or a mixed package - the darker the leaves the better) and put them in a bowl. I cut up a few strawberries (depending on how big the salad), a mango, and some blueberries and combine them with the greens. I top it off with pecans and dressing and bon appétit!

Delicious Healthy No-Bake Cookies

Sometimes I am just in the mood for chocolate.

Before I decided to not eat processed sugars I loved no-bake cookies (we called them moose-poops at my house :) ) and I missed them because I didn't eat the sugar they had in them.

After searching Google for a recipe, I found a few recipes that I combined to make the best recipe that is delicious and not bad for your body!  My family loves them too. They taste basically the same as 'regular' no-bake cookies, they just aren't chuck full of un-healthy sugars. Yummy!

Recipe: (Vegan and Gluten-Free)
Yield: 14-16 cookies
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 minute
Total Time: 26 minutes - including cooling time

Ingredients:

1/2 cup agave nectar
1/3 cup cocoa powder (I used Hershey's. I also used a little less than 1/3 cup so it wasn't so rich)
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup crunchy peanut butter (or almond)
2 cups gluten-free rolled oats (I used 1-minute oatmeal as the oat flakes were smaller and easier to chew)
1/3 cup un-sweetened shredded coconut
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan, mix together agave and cocoa powder. Heat over medium heat until combined. Stir in almond milk and coconut oil and bring to a boil. Continue stirring and boil for one minute.

2. Remove pan from heat and stir in almond butter, oats, coconut, vanilla extract, and salt.

3. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop cookies onto wax paper. Let the cookies set up for about 20 minutes in the refrigerator before serving. Store the cookies in an air-tight container in refrigerator for up to one week.

Note-You can use honey instead of the agave if you don't need to make vegan cookies. You can also use regular rolled oats if you don't need the cookies to be gluten-free. You can also replace the almond milk with your favorite milk. And you can also swap peanut butter for the almond butter. These cookies are very adaptable! Enjoy!