The Golden Carrot

The Golden Carrot

Carrot for horse : Eternal life for man

by 

Carolyn Spencer

A pastime my husband and I enjoy is watching short video clips online. Sometimes we like the funny ones, sometimes the serious ones, some to view beautiful cinematography, some to be inspired by the goodness in this world. One that James and I recently saw was a video of a donkey team pulling a massive cart up a steep cobblestone hill and it is an image that has been imprinted on my mind. Another similar image like this one was when I had the opportunity to go to the Louvre Museum and see a painting of a man harvesting his field. He has three large horses that are putting their back into their work. Their muscles bulging and their hooves digging into the dirt. It takes a lot of work to carry a big load or to plow a field. We all know of the classic image of the carrot on a string dangled in front of the working horse to give it the motivation to work hard so that he can earn that delicious carrot. It’s not there to tease or to annoy the horse, but to help him look forward to all he can have after his work is through. We to have a carrot that is promised us as we endure and live through this wonderful life we’ve been blessed with. There are times when we get to graze in the pasture, there are times when we must push and pull in the field, and there are moments when we want to turn back. But as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints there is a Golden Carrot that is the promised end goal of our lifelong journey. We have been taught and blessed with the truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and know why we are here and where we have the potential to go! What a Carrot that is! Today I would like to go into depth on how to keep our eye on that carrot and allow it to lead and guide us in this life. 

That “carrot” is Eternal Life. As we have held to the Rod of Iron and made it to the Tree of Life, we have entered into sacred covenants with our Heavenly Father and we are promised Eternal Life as we continue in that strait way. As we are told in the vision of the tree of life by the prophet Lehi we know that some partake of the fruit of the tree of life and are ashamed. They see and hear the mocking of the world and stray from the tree, leaving behind the greatest of all blessings. We must never leave that tree and take heed to the opinions of man. We have been given the guide of how to stay near the tree and how to share it’s fruit with others. Why would one stop to eat dirt when there is a carrot in the future? Why do we break our eternal covenants with God only to leave the blessing of Eternal Life by the wayside. Because the voices of the adversary are enticing and loud! But there is a way to combat the jeering, to share the good news and to make it to the end. Nephi, the prophet Lehi’s son, counsels with wise advice ways to help us keep our focus on that great prize of eternal life! In 2 Nephi 31:19-20 it reads;

“And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; 

for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save. 

Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. 

Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.”

Within these two versus of scripture we are given counsel on how to receive eternal life, the golden carrot. As I account these principles I will also share thoughts from Elder Nelson’s talk “Let your Faith Show” from the 2014 April General Conference.

First, we must have a perfect brightness of hope and a love of God and all men. Last weekend we had the great opportunity of joining family in Bear Lake ID. While we were there we visited the Minnetonka Caves. They were incredible, with their stalactites and cave bacon. The huge rooms of limestone were filled with incredible formations. At the very back of the cave the tour guide turned off all the lights. She told us the only other spot as dark as the back of a cave is the very bottom of the ocean. Standing there in the pitch dark holding baby Jane made me remember how grateful I am for the Light. When you are in utter darkness and literally cannot see a thing, there is nothing more hopeful then seeing light. Jesus Christ is the Light of the World. He is the center of the Gospel and should be the center of our homes and lives. How can our faith be strengthened in His light? Elder Nelson shares that, “Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ can be bolstered as we learn about Him and live our religion. As you practice your religion, you are exercising your faith. You are letting your faith show." It is so important to LIVE what you believe, for just as sharing a testimony strengthens it, so does living a religion strengthen your belief and knowledge of your faith. My Grandpa carried a wonderful poem in his wallet all his life and I would like to share it’s words with you:

The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear,

Fine counsel is confusing but examples always clear;

And the best of all preachers are the men who live their creeds,

For to see the good in action is what everybody needs.

I can soon learn how to do it, if you’ll let me see it done.

I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run!

And the lectures you deliver may be very wise and true,

But I’d rather get my lesson by observing what you do.

For I may misunderstand you and the high advise you give,

But there’s no misunderstanding how you act and how you live!

As you LIVE your religion you emanate your faith, shining the Light of the Gospel to others. Allowing them to be lead out of darkness and unto Christ. This is one of the greatest actions to show love of God and all men. Sharing your religion, your light, your faith with the world. Teaching them about the end goal of Eternal Life. Elder Nelson stated that, “The word religion literally means “to ligate again” or “to tie back” to God. The question we might ask ourselves is, are we securely tied to God so that our faith shows, or are we actually tied to something else?”

This leads us to our Second guide to receiving Eternal Life, we must press forward. I love the analogies that a Kite holds. A kite can't rise without the wind pushing it, there must be an opposition to push it and give it the ability to fly. But it will never reach it's greatest heights without being firmly tied to its string! When you think about what you are tied to does it give you the strength and steadfastness to rise amongst the storm and to press through the wind? There are many things in this world that clammer for our time. Endless bombardment through media, social life, music, news and the constant “keep up with the Jones’s” lead us to tie our desires and focus away from Eternal Life. When we give head to the noise around us the still small voice no longer can be heard and we are tied to false securities that will cause us to dangerously get caught in the wind. When a kite lets go of its string that is held by a steady hand it flutters and crashes to the ground. We must strive to keep ourselves securely tide to the Gospel to rise above the world and make it to our eternal goals.

Third, we must Feast upon the words of Christ. Whenever I hear this phrase my mind goes immediately to the image of a Thanksgiving dinner. All the delicious foods set out beautifully on a set table. Everyone has been helping make the food and preparing for the feast and finally it is time to sit down and eat. When you feast you do not take a small nibble or just stare at the food, you FILL your plate. One does not nibble at a feast. This is how we need to be with our scriptures, with the words of living prophets, with the counsel of our Apostles. We need to feast daily to nourish our spirits and provide us the necessary knowledge to make it through each day. We know our destination is eternal life, but “life” gets in the way and clouds that focus. This is why daily feasting is so important. Elder Nelson shares that, ”The scriptures provide one of the best ways to find our course and stay on it. Scriptural knowledge also provides precious protection." No one would choose to go into a battle without wearing their protection of armor! Scripture study literally protects us daily from the fiery darts that may come our way. When we choose to study and diligently read from the sacred works we are taught the truths of the gospel and reminded daily of the principles we must strive to live to make it back to our Father in Heaven. Just as we get up and prepare our morning breakfast meal we should remember the importance to daily feast on the word of God. I have a wonderful Aunt and Uncle whom I lived with right before James and I got married. I went into their bedroom to place a thank you note on their bed on my last day in their home. As I laid it on their pillow I noticed a fork placed on their scriptures. It was a wonderful visual reminder that one must feast on that great book. In Elder Nelson’s talk he states, “The Lord knew that His children would need to learn how to find Him. “For strait is the gate,” He said, “and narrow the way that leadeth unto…exaltation, and few there be that find it.” The scriptures help us to learn how to find Him. They teach of Christ and testify of His great plan for us. 

Fourth, endure to the end. This seems to be the dreaded phrase in the gospel. Endure often is connotes negativity and hardship. And yes, it is true that this lifes journey is difficult…but remember that kite? We must have opposition to learn, grow and reach great heights. There is no other way. But the last part of the phrase is the carrot! When we say ‘endure to the end’ we are speaking of Eternal Life the greatest end goal one could ever hope for. We work really hard for the best things in life; a happy family, an education, a loving marriage, having a baby, providing for a family…None of the great things in life come free. And so it is with Eternal Life. Our Heavenly Father expects and requires greatness from us. He has given us all the possible keys and tools and is all merciful. What great hope the Gospel gives!

It allows us to have hope through the Light of the Christ, it gives us greater love than the world could ever offer, it strengthens us and allows us to press through difficult times, it provides living scripture to teach us and it gives us an Eternal goal to work towards. How grateful I am for the Covenants the gospel blesses us with. As you are baptized, endowed and sealed with the powers of the priesthood you are blessed with protection and power to resist the world and rise to eternal goals. So, just as a carrot is hung in front of the working horse, we have the promise of Eternal Life to get us through this life! Keep focused on that Golden Carrot! It is the greatest of all blessings you can receive, never leave the safety of the tree of life, follow the prophet and let your faith show. I know that this Gospel is true and am so thankful for the many who gave their lives for us to be blessed with its truths. Remember to keep the faith. I say these things in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

7%

A relative sent this article to my amazing Grandpa and Grandma. It is written by this eclectic woman and is some of her advice from 90 years of living. What a great idea to have tid-bits of knowledge to share with generations to come.

7% 

Written by a90 year old

This is something we should all read at least once a week! Make sure you read to the end!

Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio .

" To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested 

column I've ever written.

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short enjoy it.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the future.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye, but don't worry, God never blinks.

16.. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19.. It's never too late to be happy. But its all up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34 God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative of dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have, not what you need

42. The best is yet to come...

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

It's estimated 93% won't forward this. If you are one of the 7% who will, forward this with the title 7%.

Birthday Mail

"Deliver da letter, da sooner da better"

I am starting a new tradition where I will be writing the # of letters of how old I am turning each year. We'll see how that goes when I turn 80 ;) (I may have to write them more throughout the year instead of only 1 day before and the day of my birthday!)!! I love the tradition of letter writing and think that it is the funnest thing in the world to open a mailbox and find an actual non junk mail item! This year was easy, only 27 letters. It was fun to write people from my mission, childhood and family. I'm very excited for this new tradition and hope I can keep it up over the years! Happy Birthday to me!

O.U.R. Heroes!

Photo: Timothy Ballard, founder of O.U.R., Operation Underground Railroad 

Wow! I love reading Stephanie Nelson's blog, and enjoy the faith and traditions of their family. This last post she made filled my heart with great sorrow and great warmth! What great men of God to go and save these precious children! There is no greater evil and sadness I can think of than children, innocent and pure, being treated this way. There is so much pain in this world and I am so thankful for people like these men who strive to bring back goodness into seemingly hopeless situations. 

There is purpose in this life, great purpose! No life should be bought, taken advantage of, treated like an object, and disrespected. We are all children of a loving Heavenly Father and need to remember the divine nature within us. We are on this earth for a great purpose! To become stronger, more humble, be filled with charity, to develop talents, learn selflessness, to be a member of a family, and to learn why we are here and where we are going! There should not be a single person in this earth who's freedom should be taken from them. When people complain about their "freedoms" being taken away when they want to marry the same sex, or when they can't abort a pregnancy....etc. I would ask them to really observe their complaint. You take away the freedom of virtuous life when you disrespect and mock the power of procreation and the sanctity of life! Freedom to do whatever you want is not freedom! That's exactly why there is child trafficking in the first place. There must be an end to the selfishness in this world!

How grateful I am that there are answers in the scriptures and from a living prophet who strive to teach us those things that being the greatest peace, success and happiness this life can offer. How thankful I am for brave men and women who stand for truth!!!!! I hope we can all stand together against the tide of evil among us!

http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2014/08/ride-to-freedom.html?m=1

The Cousin Cabal

This last weekend I took a long break from technology while I enjoyed our Annual Cousin Cabal!! There is not a finer group of individuals I would rather spend our one summer vacation with! The Sorensen clan is a barrel of fun! Even though the weather was super stormy we packed in the fun! Enjoying beautiful Bear Lake, playing games, eating food, talent show/gift of self, catching up on each others life's, hiking through huge caves... it was a blast. Jane was the lucky guest baby (usually it's no kids allowed) and she was so good!! She was passed about, being held by all. She hardly fussed at all, ate her first sand, stayed up really late and loved being with the "big kids". And she loved having special time with Uncle Spencer, Uncle Matt and Aunt Paige!

We had so much fun caballing together and laughing and catching up. I also made a little area to write letters to Grandma & Grandpa Sorensen. They are the creators of such a fine group and have taught us to love tradition, sharing/developing talents and loving time with family! They are an amazing duo! And each of their children (my mother & aunts & uncles) have taught and instilled the great importance of these principles as well. We are very blessed!

So, remember those huckleberries we picked...here is what we created with them! Huckleberry Lemon Tarts. They were Devine!!!! I think we need to go pick 1,000's more so we can make these year round!!! I'll post the recipe in a bit. They really were incredible. I don't think I got a final photo before they were gobbled up, but you also drizzle a glaze and I added a tad bit of lemon zest on top. A perfect treat to end a Cabal!

Sunday Delights

Watermelon sorbets were the perfect treat on a hot evening! I had heard of using watermelon chunks to make a smoothie/slushy and wanted to try it out. I had prepared chunks of watermelon about a month ago. We are going to start a fun family tradition of making one each Christmas :), and I'm so excited to do it this year!! But we had to taste test it of course! And Sunday was a hot evening that we both felt munchie on, so it was perfect.

The ingredients we did were a tad random this time round though. We doing shop on Sunday, so no milk caused a problem. But I luckily remembered we had some leftover vanilla bean cream in the freezer. So....we whipped this up:

Watermelon Ice

Makes 1 serving, so double, triple or blendtec size it :), we just have a magic bullet that does individual sizes..so that is what we do right now.

3 chunks prepared frozen watermelon 

1 cup vanilla bean ice-cream (you can use Almond Milk instead if you've got it) 

Juice from half a lime

Lime zest if you want an added zing

A tad but if water to help it blend, roughly 1/3 cup (I'm sure if you've got a blendtec or Vitamix it will blend fine without, our bullet was struggling)

Mix it all up and Yum!

*** to "prepare" frozen watermelon up cut a fresh melon into cubes. Line a cooking sheet with them and sprinkle with sugar. Put into freezer on sheet and then when frozen individually put into freezer safe bags and continue to freeze until needed.

Mistake Calzone! We were making a pizza and James created the whole beautiful finally on a counter it stuck to. I was exhausted had helped prep everything, was feeding and entertaining Jane and was starving after eating next to nothing for 3 1/2 days (from being super sick) so I got a little upset. I figured our easy homemade pizza meal had failed and I so wanted some really yummy food. But then James saved the day, with my help, as we peeled half of the dough with ingredients off of the sticky counter and slapped it over the other side...walah! Homemade calzone for dinner, it was awesome!! We did a homemade crust, used all the freshly picked tomatoes from our garden, chicken, and lots of mozerella cheese! It was yum yum!! The perfect "mistake calzone!"

The yellow Sunday ladies :). After a sick, tired, and long latter half of the week mommy needed some sunshine! I dressed Jane and I in my favorite color: YELLOW! Such a happy color!

B is for..

"B" is for bathing beautiful baby. I sure love bath time, and I think this little lady does as well. This was her first time playing with bath toys! My sweet Bishops wife sent them our way. I was remeniscing the days of playing in the tub watching sweet Jane splash and chew on letters. Oh how fun it is to be in the water amongst the bubbles. 

Hey Girly...

Cherry Pickers! A wonderful woman in our church ward has a cherry tree that the birds like to nibble. So, she generously tells people to come pick. Last year we went with our good friends the Wilmores. This year little Jane was our buddy. Cherries hold a special place in my heart because that is how my dad's parents met! Harold was picking and called down to Priscilla, "Hey girlie, want some cherries?" And the rest is history!

Future Leaders

"Today you do not know what a remarkable future is before you!"

Elder Ballard gave an amazing and wonderful talk a while back and I had the privilege of reading it one morning this week. The title of the talk is "Be still, and know that I am God." I really enjoyed his sence of humor and the down to earth way he speaks. He is a man full of humility and wisdom and I'm so grateful for him, all the living Apostles and our Prophet. We truly are a blessed people to have the Lords living servants on the earth today. They are the mouthpieces of a loving Heavenly Father, standing on the watchtower to warn, comfort, guide and rebuke. 

Opening his talk he addresses the young adults and youth as the Leaders of tomorrow! They will be at the forefront of keeping standards living on this earth, leading others to righteousness, and keeping firm to values of the gospel. There is great importance in leadership, especially in an era of poor leaders, ever-changing values, and evil is good/good is evil mentalities. In this specific talk Elder Ballard discusses 3 very important topics in our society: use of technology, combating pornography, and the doctrine of marriage. Three crucially important issues in our society today. It's a bit long but I encourage all to take the time to listen or read! 

Link to read/view the talk;

https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/ces-devotionals/2014/01/be-still-and-know-that-i-am-god?lang=eng

Green Muffins

Take a wack at these "green muffins" alongside all your green smoothies! These yummy crumpets get you your fruits and veggies! They are delicious and another great way to use up tht garden zucchini!

Green Muffins

Yield: 12-13 muffins

Cook time: 20 minutes (till golden)

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cup flour

3/4 cup dark brown sugar

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 1/4 tsp cinnamon (or you can switch a bit out for allspice, pumpkin spice...)

1 cup buttermilk

1/4 cup applesauce 

1 Tb oil (coconut oil, canola oil...)

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla extract 

1 cup grated zucchini 

1 cup chopped peeled apple (green Granny Smith)

***we didn't but I think shredded coconut or walnuts would also be delightful to add into the mix

Topping:

Turbinado Sugar

Cinnamon

I don't really measure, just sprinkle on how much you desire :)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees, line or grease muffin tin.

2. Whisk dry ingredients in a bowl. Mix wet ingredients leaving out grated zucchini and chopped apple. Combine dry and wet bowls, don't over mix. Then gently stir in the grated zucchini and chopped apples.

3. Fill muffin tins with batter (3/4 full) and sprinkle the topping as desired. Bake for about 20 minutes and then gobble them up!

**Tip: don't leave out the oil ;) cause we did on our first batch and they stuck to the liners. So, unless you want a scraping work out to get every yummy last crumb in your mouth, make sure the oils in there!

Huckleberry Hunting

Mondays are a special day...cause it's James' day off! And we love when he is home! This fine day off we went venturing out in the morning, before the heat of the day, to hunt for huckleberries! I've been wanting to go for weeks and so we finally packed up and went to the mountains.

Jane was a really great little hiking buddy. She even sat on her own on the trail as we picked (we totally should've got a photo of her!). The funniest moment was hearing her from our picking spot give a little disgruntled cry and us coming out of the bushes to see her whole head in the big bowl of Cheerios we had brought her. She face planted right into them! She enjoyed tasting her first dirt and a few huckleberries as well.

It was a beautiful morning! As we picked there was another family near us and it was so fun to hear them jabbering away. The mom was testing her little one on ABC's and the girls were singing camp songs. James and I discussed how amazing the pioneers of old were. How much time and effort it took not only to make their food but to gather it! Cause in two hours of picking we only got a medium bowl amount of berries. I can't imagine how much time it took to provide for a family back then. We are so blessed and given so many conveniences in our modern era. What do we do with all that extra time of ours!?

The messy fingers and stains are an essential result to berry picking! I thought the mark on James' pants was just perfect. It made a natural smiley face! So awesome!

We even spotted a mama and baby moose while on our adventure. I wonder if they were enjoying some huckleberries to? They are quite an amazing little berry.

Then when we got home James rented a tool to cut dead branches off our trees. It was a joke and we went through 2 different tree cutters that didn't work. But we got some BIG branches down with some persistence and James' muscles. The last branch nearly took out our fence! Ahh! Good thing we have some amazing neighbors who saw our plight and came to the rescue! Thanks Smiths!! All in all it was a full and fun Monday off. Now to hunt for an awesome huckleberry recipe!

My wood cutter ;), love him.

S'more Lovin

I never blogged about our big Relief Society Picnic last week that I was in charge of and so I'm back tracking life for today. It was a really fun and special evening. The them was S'more Lovin. And we wanted the women in our group to come away feeling s'more loved, beautiful and of great worth. We had a beautiful woman, Sadie Lish, speak on true beauty. She shared the great importance of really knowing we are children/daughters of God. It was a perfect way to start the night off.

To thank our Relief Society presidency (they'll be switching out soon, because of a move of our president) I designed and framed these little posters. "Look for S'more...." ways to share s'more love to others. It was displayed on all the tables.

An amazing woman in our ward made these decadent S'more Cakes! She is quite talented and these were a hit! 

We attempted a Marshmallow Chendelier above the dessert table. I loved this idea I had seen and wanted to pull one off. I would have loved a few hundred mallows hanging from it (I always want to go big!), but with the time permitted it turned out fun.

For our take home gift I designed a DVD for each woman to take home with her. I put together a video presentation with photos of ladies in our Relief Society and video footage I took at the Idaho Falls Temple. James helped me learn how to add text in and it turned out really fun. One of the sweet ladies on my activities committee has a CD burner, so her husband got them all set to go. It was a really special take home for the women. 

The song that the video goes with is one that my sweet mother gave me a long time ago; "It's what you give that makes you beautiful." By Cherie Call. It's lyrics were perfect for this evening and should be heard by women everywhere! 

Listen to the song here (I would love to post the video I made, but don't want to infringe on privacy of my ward ladies):

http://www.musictory.com/music/Cherie+Call/Beautiful

Best Soup Ever

So, like many of you, we have zucchini growing like a wild man! And I love it!!!! We've done the classic zucchini bread and zucchini boats (we used the last of my brothers yummy moose burger!) and then I ventured into the soup realm. And oh dear...we have discovered a favorite!! 

I found a make shift recipe online to go off of and then improvised and did my own version. We love having a garden!!! And even though everything has not grown perfect we've loved using what we got! Isn't it amazing how huge plants come from such small seeds!?

Spanish Squash Soup

Makes a BIG ol' pot :)

2 zucchinis (or one if it's abnormally huge!)

2 yellow squash

1 Tb olive oil

1 onion

2 garlic cloves

Bushel of cilantro (add to taste, it's James favorite, so needless to say we used lots)

3 ripe tomatoes (on the vine are my favorite, again add more or less to your taste)

1 small can tomatoe sauce (fill it with water 3 times as add at the same time)

2-14.5oz cans chicken broth (or 4 cups)

1 can black beans

1 can corn

1 can green chilies

Salt & Pepper to taste (James added a crank of pepper to his personal bowl)

Cubed cheese (I used Colby Jack), 1/2 pound

***we added chicken as well, it doesn't necessarily need it though (4 chicken tenderloins cubed)

1. Sauté your chopped garlic and onion with olive oil till soft (I like my onion reallllly soft!)

2. Add the chicken broth cut tomatoes, can of green chilies, tomatoe sauce and water. Bring to a boil and let it all just mix and fill your home with a delightful smell!

3. Turn heat down. Add chopped squashes, canned black beans and corn, and the cilantro. Cook for 10 minutes, or longer if you want it soft. **we added cubed chicken at this point cause we wanted to add some meat :), if you want it vegetarian style don't add it. 

4. Add cubed cheese at end and mix until it's mostly all melted in...then get your bowls ready cause this soup is yum yum!!!

*** we also served it with tortillas to dip in the soup, not necessary, but if you're obsessed with bread like me it's a great side :)

Picked our first ripe tomatoes from the garden patch!!!!! Mmmmmmmm!

Debt is a DISEASE!!!!

Everyone should RUN from debt like a mouse should run from a trap. It is dangerous and puts a man into bondage. Mind you, James and I are in a bit of debt for our home (older and within our means) and car (used), but we are making headway on making sure to pay off that debt before we make other big purchases. We don't buy new clothes, gadgets and toys we don't need, I hardly buy make-up (maybe 1-2 times a year), we are very cautious of how much we drive our car, James bikes almost every day to work (2.9 miles one way), I take a daily walk in our neighborhood with Jane, we have a strict grocery budget and rarely, if ever, eat out. We don't go on fancy vacations. We have bought maybe 4 outfits total for Baby Jane, the rest have been graciously given to us or hand-me-downs. We try to be thrifty with any purchase we make.

So, needless to say, we are striving with all our might to not be in debt and to use our money wisely. Living without so that we can LIVE later! I have incredible Aunts and Uncles, and Grandparents, and parents who live this philosophy and are such wonderful examples to me. There is nothing more important than being wise and managing your money and how/what you spend it on in our modern world. For it is the greatest vice to goodness. Greed, debt, hoarding, jealousy, coveting, power, divorce, hate, pride...there are many things that root from money problems. It is a necessary evil and can also be used for much good. I know that there are many generous people who strive to use their money to bless the lives of others.

America has reached a cataclysmic debt and it seems it is not being addressed or taken care of. Does the government, President included, know that you shouldn't spend money you don't have!!!!? Couldn't you all go without raises, without paid vacations, private chefs, and all the other government job perks for a little bit to help with this out of control PROBLEM!? I think it is utterly ridiculous the way money is used and think that there needs to be some responsibility taught to these "adults" that run this nation. I don't care what people say about right wing, left wing, conservative, liberal...etc. FACTS ARE FACTS and the leadership running this nation right now are not winning the facts in my scope. Money cannot be ignored, debt can not be run away from or brushed under the rug. Families all over the country have to do without to save money, some lose homes, some work 3 jobs, some have little to eat....these are some of the hardships of not having enough money. But what hardships do the government officials face for being trillions of dollars in debt? Oh, they get to go on incredible vacations and be paid VERY well with added bonuses? That makes sense.....not!

I really feel strongly that our Nation, a Nation founded on great principles of freedom, responsibility, hard work, GOD, sacrifice, and honor is losing its culture of greatness. We are taking the goodness and trampling it underfoot. James and I just read our scriptures this morning after reading a family email about this debt problem and the chapter we read was perfect:

1 Nephi 19, particularly verse 7; For the things which some men esteem to be of great worth, both to the body and soul, others set at naught and trample under their feet. Yea, even the very God of Israel do men trample under their feet; I say, trample under their feet but I would speak in other words—they set him at naught, and hearken not to the voice of his counsels.

I know these are bold statements and this is entirely my opinion, you are entitled to your own. And I respect that. But I feel that we discredit our forefathers and doom our children with this irresponsible and frivolous spending behavior. It is wrong PERIOD!

PLEASE watch this short video, and read this short article. It will take less then 5 minutes of your time today, which is well worth it:

http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/terence-p-jeffrey/706025967449751-federal-debt-7t-under-obama#.U-DemGYYubE.email

And to ease up and put a humor to this RIDICULOUSNESS!!!!! Watch this:

https://screen.yahoo.com/dont-buy-stuff-000000884.html


Also, this is a little bit from the LDS church on Debt (which is a large church that has NO debt!);

https://www.lds.org/topics/debt?lang=eng&query=debt

Rain

"Rain, rain, stay today, come again on any old day!"

We have been blessed with rain here in Idaho Falls two days in a row!!! And I love it! Days like these make me feel like I'm home in Washington again! There is something so peaceful about the sound of rain. James says it makes him feel like he's camping. The only downside of rain is hearing a drip drip leak from the roof! Our furnace installers have claimed to "fix" it three times. A tad frustrating since it never did that before our new furnace was put in! But back to happier rainy news...

The sound of rain makes me think of home, of wet pathways on a hike through evergreens, daydreaming, umbrellas, water drop rings in a puddle, our honeymoon, Singing in the Rain, and cobble stone streets in Salzburg Austria. It is a sound that fills my mind with memories. Like when our Indian TP flooded at Girls Camp :). It is a sound that us soothing , calming and reflective. I love this sound. Thank you for raining!

Sushi Family Night

We celebrated Family Night by going and getting James' favorite thing on earth: SUSHI! He loves, loves, loves sushi! I'm not quite converted. I've always had a hard time with chewy sea food. Fish, I can eat all day long, but octopus tentacles and shrimp I have a hard time with.  

The restaurant felt like we had truly walked into Japan. They even played classic music, had stairs going up and down to your table, a waterfall with a coy fish pond. They only bring you chopsticks, ONLY! So I couldn't cheat :).

Jane tried her first ginger, soy sauce and Miso soup. And LOVED sucking on chopsticks! Fun night out as a family!!

Sweetheart

 

Last night I went and sat with a beautiful, spunky older woman who suffers from dimentia. Her sweet husband was running the popcorn stand at the Rodeo and wanted someone to be home with her while he was away. I took the night shift while Jane slept. When I arrived she had PBS on and was watching a Verdi Opera. It was so fun to sit and watch this incredible (and very long) piece with her.

It got me thinking a great deal of the values and culture of the past as I left their sweet humble home. Families are all about strengthening relationships and loving one another! 

First of all the great music of that era seemed to always be singing of Christ. When I think of the exquisite talent and time that went into music of long ago it makes me kind of laugh at how much garbage is produced and listened to today. Where is the value of humanity in media today? Mind you I love modern tunes as well (I don't only listen to boroque ;), but I am grateful my parents and college taught me to appreciate all types of music.

Then on the courtesy and love of the past. So much love filled this couples home. They have lived years together and done so much for one another. As I was leaving out the front door I heard the sweet husband say, "well how are you sweetheart?" In a tender and thoughtful voice that melted my heart. I know every couple has little pet names for one another but this is one of my favorites. I'm so grateful I got to witness that true love moment.

Remember to always cherish your sweethearts.

These were the lady singers of the opera, check out that curly blind hair! Woah!!

Wealth of Health

Being overweight has always been a struggle of mine and there are specific comments and moments in my past that stick out as defining me as the "the fat one." I've always tried to combat it and strive to be ok in my own skin, but it can be hard when a woman looks in the mirror and doesn't admire or feel good about what's looking back at her. 

Over the years I have really wanted to feel better and look better. And not until this past month have a felt like, "Carolyn you can do this!!" James has been that changed mindset. He is my cheerleader, coach, chef, trainer, tracker and love. He is the one who always says I'm beautiful and MEANS it. He is the one who pushes me to go a little farther on a jog, or a little longer on a bike ride. He supports and is by my side in everything I do. It is still though, especially when you stay the same weight and you're working SO hard to eat really well (even passing desserts up at special occasions) and exercise lots. 

That is the challenge; remembering it takes time and that it's better to think of becoming a healthier you than a drop dead gorgeous you. Because that is the whole goal: gaining long term healthy habits that will keep me strong for my children and grandchildren. And so that is why when I feel like throwing in the towel or just sitting down to a whole container of really chocolatey ice-cream I have to kick in the "long term perspective." 

There are those moments of "Wahh" when I see a post pregnant woman already a stick figure, or when those exercise-health nuts are wearing their short shorts (cause those obviously help you exercise better ;), right) at the gluten free grocery isle...when I feel like this is totally not worth it. But again the long term goal and loving a healthier me is what kicks my feet back in gear. I won't ever be the "perfect" image of what a "fit" woman in today's culture "should" look like, but I am going to become my healthiest and happiest self and that's what matters.

My Mister James and I have been gathering tools to help us succeed. First came a new scale that connects to our smart phones and tracks our weight. It's really neat and knows who is standing on it, smart little contraption. And then came running shoes. This was fun cause James has never had a new pair of running shoes, his whole life! He was adorable the first time he took them for a run! Then we got a bike trailer for Miss Jane, a new bike seat for my cheap bike, a helmet and a bike rack. All these tools have gotten us active and out more! 

Then a friend, Kristi, invited us on a 5 Day Clean Eating group on Facebook. We took the challenge and have loved it. We've gotten some great ideas for recipes and have learned again the great inportance of well balanced meal planning. How grateful I am for a man that loves to do things with me, without his support none of this would be happening!

I want to be able to tell my children, "You can do hard things, stick to your goals!" Because that is a very important lesson to learn in this life. If you make a goal be committed to it, fulfill it, surpass it. And when you screw up, dust yourself off, get back up, smile and start again. No one is stopping you but yourself. And so, this journey of health and fitness continues and I seek inspiration and tips from others I admire greatly in their personal wellness goals as well. There are so many strong and courageous souls out there! Encourage them, cheer them on and support them in their struggles and causes!!!

Love,

Carolyn

**photos included are some motivational pieces I made of food we've grown or made, and then meals from our 5 Day journey! I made a goal poster as well so Mister James and I could check things off once we accomplished them! If you'd want one made for you or your family I can make you a customized version for $5!