We Do Hard Things - Part I

I went running for the first time in well, who knows when, yesterday. One of the many things I love about running/walking is that it gives me time to ponder. No, I'm not an motivational tune mp3 carrying exerciser. Not that there is one thing wrong with it. I just prefer taking note of the beauty of the things around me and pondering.

This first day back to a life of exercise caused me to ponder....well, the importance of exercise and even more the importance of pursuing a life of excellence. It seems today we live in a world of complacency. The temptation isn't to fail or do poorly but well to only push ones self enough to achieve mediocrity. This got me to thinking about the things I am "inadvertently" teaching my children. You know the things you don't set out to teach them but they learn from your own attitudes, habits and behaviors. I asked myself if I strove for excellence in the things I pursued or was I just happy to complete the tasks given me or that I take on?

I couldn't help thinking of our recently adopted family theme. "We do hard things" When I introduced the theme to my boys I explained to them that we tackle challenges and that when things are tough we think positively knowing that if we work hard and are patient we can and will be able to overcome or accomplish anything. After all that talking I had to take a long hard look at myself. I did a self-evaluation and realized there weren't very many things that I pushed myself to achieve excellence in. I wasn't doing hard things....

Cooking with Caprece - Warm Bacon Cheese Spread

The first time I had this recipe was on a visit at Christmas time with Caprece and her still small but ever so sweet family. It was the holiday season and we were all the time whipping up yummy things to snack on while we visited with family and friends. This wonderful one landed on the New Year's Eve Menu - we love snack foods for New Year's Eve fixins. It was comfort food at its finest, warm, bread, cheesy and bacon to boot. How can you go wrong with that combination? We ate it with everything...celery, carrots, crackers, chips, and pieces of warm crusty bread until it was gone...every last warm cheesy bite. Note* This was over several days - it re-heats really well - not all at once :) Although it was yummy enough to do just that.

I have since made it several more times for parties and celebrations and it is always a hit. I love it when something is easy AND DELICIOSO! Que Rico!

(I didn't take pictures when I made it....silly, silly me :) I'll post some the next time I make it.

Warm Bacon Cheese Spread

• 1 round loaf (1 pound) sourdough bread
• 1 pkg. (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1-1/2 cups (12 ounces) sour cream
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese (I use sharp but it is your preference)
• 1-1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 3/4 pound sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled (I am not a fan of cooking bacon - the smell lingers far too long - so I use pre-cooked bacon pieces - you can find them in the salad fixins section of the grocery store)
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions

Assorted Crackers, vegetables, and chips.

Cut the top fourth off the loaf of bread; carefulliy hollow out the bottom, leaving a 1-in. shell.

I cut the bread crosswise like this and then pull each piece out gently. You want to be gentle because you are going to cube the bread to be used for dipping. After I remove the pieces then I just continue to hollow out the bread until I have a 1-in. shell. Cube the removed pieces and place in a ziplock to keep fresh until later. Take the lid (the top of the bread that you sliced and cube it as well so it can be used for dipping).

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese. Add the sour cream, cheddar cheese and Worcestershire sauce until combined; stir in bacon and onions. Spoon into bread shell. Place lid pieces back on the top of the shell. Wrap the shell in a piece of heavy-duty foil or double wrap with regular foil, Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour. Serve with crackers, veggies and reserved bread cubes. Yield: 4 cups.

The Master's Hand

Yesterday my family had the most fortunate opportunity to visit the Carl Bloch exhibit at the BYU Museum of Art. It was an experience like no other...

Although there were many of his works on display. There were three of his altar pieces that really, really, really touched me.

The Doubting Thomas 1881

When we entered the exhibit this painting was the first thing I saw. Right in front of me larger than life. Joaquin and I moved over to the side out of the way and sat down on the floor to soak it all up. The first thing we both noticed was all the light on the Savior. In fact, the light appears to emanate from Him. We looked around to see if it was the reflection of light from a spotlight but there was only one small light directed at this huge painting.

Then we read the background and discovered that the artist had chosen to take a different view of this event. Interestingly enough most works of art based on this scriptural event show Thomas touching the Savior. However, Carl Bloch chose to paint the moment that Thomas knew it was the Risen Lord. I know the little bitty one I have above doesn't do it justice but there is such a look of shame yet joy on Thomas' face. Shame that he doubted joy that his Lord lived!

Christ in Gethsemane 1879

I never knew a painting could touch my soul. Could deepen my understanding of my Savior, but viewing this painting was a sacred event for me. So, all I'll say about it is that I am so grateful for the talents of others that strengthen my own testimony. It was a very special thing to share with my Joaquin.

The Daughter of Jairus

I loved this one not just for the scriptural event it was based on but for the manner in which the artist chose to depict the event. As with The Doubting Thomas the artist chose to paint a different moment than was typically painted. He chose the most intensely sorrowful moment. Why would I like this depiction? Because as you look behind this moment of grief you see the Savior entering the door and you know that light, life, and joy are about to fill this room. "God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son".

Dreams

I wouldn't say I am a "visionary woman", but I would say that at times in my life My Heavenly Father has communicated with me through a dream. I've never thought to record one until now. This one was meant to be remembered. I knew it the moment I awoke. This one was a gift, explaining painful trials of the past and something to hold on to while living through those of the future. It was light and life from the very source. I knew I had to record it, not the details, but the feeling. The feeling of peace, of hope, of light, of love of truth. It was no "Lehi's Dream" but it pointed me to the tree whose fruit is desirable to make one happy, whose beauty was exceeding of all beauty and precious above all. Whose fruit was desirable to make one happy and fills my soul with joy!