My crazy to Amazing

Maddie gave a talk in church today.  Someone near me said she could have practiced more so that she didn't stumble over her words or repeat herself when she lost her place.  Those things used to bother me a lot.  I still have this little voice inside my head reminding me to speak up, to practice before giving a talk, to do it perfectly.  Somewhere in the past year, I seem to have dropped all that fuss about the delivery.  I am now trying to focus on the message and the spiritual witness of truth in what I am hearing. Maddie talked on Grace through the atonement of Christ referencing Moroni 10:32 -33, and compared it to her effort in art class. The next speaker talked about the joy he feels being with his family and the blessing of eternal families.  The concluding speaker shared an overview of the last week before the resurrection of Christ.  (The most recorded and documented event in the history of mankind.) He shared how he came to understand the a...

This is my year of saying "No, no thank you." "No" to daily chocolate indulgence. "No" to purchasing every piece of fabric that speaks to me. "No" to collecting children's picture books because they are so cute. "No" to going to bed early after work. "No" to doing other people's work when they themselves are capable but it is easier for me to do it. "No" to clutter at home or work because I will put it away later. "No" to eating first and praying later. "No" to spending all my time sitting indoors. This is my year to say "Yes, yes please". "Yes" to healthy eating. "Yes" to completing what I have started. "Yes" to spending time on my feet and outdoors. "Yes" to loving thoughts and kind words. "Yes" to temple work. "Yes" to organizing, and preparing each day. "Yes" I can and "Yes" I will...

Yesterday at work, it was again brought to my attention, again, that I tend to react quickly to suggestions of others.  I am rather impulsive that way, or at least it seems on the surface.  A deeper look reveals that it is possible that my motivation is not altruistic.  Rather, my race to action is linked to my desire to impress. When I quickly respond, I feel like I am on top of it, obedient, ready for action.  In reality, I haven’t always weighed the consequences, considered the needs of others, and can come across as a demanding task master.  I expect other people to respond with similar compliance, without hesitation, and am surprised at any backlash. In my mind I hear thoughts like “I am not to blame I am just doing what I was told by someone of higher authority than me.” But my role isn’t to just quickly implement directions; instead it is to use my analytical skills (which I really do have), apply knowledge to the situation, and respond accordingly. That...

Today was day 3 of the Excellence workshop and it ended in a section on diversity. So much effort us spent in diversity training, cultural sensitivity training, political correctness. I wish more training was about decency, respect, citizenship, and kindness. I don't think "most" people seek to offend others. Our society is so altered that I some how wonder if people are even able to identify themselves. Today I learned that I am a privileged heterosexual Caucasian female who is over valued in our US culture. If that doesn't make me feel good to be alive ?! I think I will stick with my true identity...I am a daughter of my Heavenly Father and He loves me, and I love Him. I live here with my brothers and sisters. We left our heavenly home to grow, learn, and become like our Heavenly parents. Simple. Authentic. Valued.

Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Prep Time:  25 mins Total Time:  25 mins Serves:  10,  Yield:  9 quarts Ingredients 3 teaspoons oil 2 lbs ground beef 14 ounces carrots, slivered 12 ounces onions, chopped 14 ounces celery, diced 48 ounces diced canned tomatoes 2 cups red kidney beans 2 cups white kidney beans 88 ounces beef stock 3 teaspoons oregano 2 1/2 teaspoons pepper 5 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 1 1/2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce 48 ounces spaghetti sauce 8 ounces dry pasta shell macaroni Directions Sauté beef in oil in large 10 quart pot until beef starts to brown. Add onions, carrots, celery and tomatoes and simmer for about 10 minute. Drain and rinse beans and add to pot. Also add beef stock, oregano, pepper, Tabasco, spaghetti sauce and noodles . Simmer until celery and carrots are tender, about 45 minute. NOTES : Makes 9 quarts! Just cut the recipe down for smaller batches.