Cherry Cream Cheese Bars

1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 cans (21 ounce each) cherry pie filling

Cheesecake Layer:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg

Glaze:
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 - 3 tablespoons milk

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F.

With a stand mixer, cream together the butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at time. Beat well after each addition. Then, put in the vanilla and almond extract. Finally, gradually add in the flour and baking powder.

Spread about 2 1/2 cups of this batter into a greased 15x10x1-inch baking sheet. (I found it easiest to use an offset spatula greased with a little cooking oil to spread out the batter.)

In a medium-size bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, and egg. Add this on top of the first layer of batter. Then, spread out the cherry pie filling.

Drop the remaining batter by spoonfuls over the filling. Bake about 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan on a wire rack.

Once the bars are cool, in a small bowl mix together confectioners' sugar, extracts, and enough milk to reach a drizzling consistency. Drizzle over the top.

One must look with the heart

Some problems are more obvious than others. When someone is clearly struggling, we are usually quite empathetic. We see them limp through life, and most of us readily help in any way we can. We may even make great personal sacrifices to ease their burdens. 

Other times, however, the afflictions people endure might be completely invisible to the eye. Some struggles are silent; some burdens are carried privately. It may be an unhealthy relationship, a personal financial crisis, 

or physical or emotional pain. Whatever the ailments, these silent sufferers may smile and seem to be all right, but inside they are 

barely holding on and doing so alone. 

Perhaps we could be more observant. Maybe we should notice when hands clench with pain, when eyes glaze over with disappointment, or when cheeks are flush with embarrassment. Along with such subtle signs, we could pay attention to those quiet feelings in our heart urging us to help, 

even when others haven't asked for help. 

One woman recalls how a friend noticed that she had started hanging laundry on the banister inside her home. She never told her friend that her clothes dryer was broken; she did not want to explain that she did not have money enough to repair or replace it. But this observant and kind-hearted friend paid for a repairman to fix her dryer. As much as the woman was grateful to have a dryer, she felt even more grateful to have a friend who cared 

enough to look beneath the surface of her life. 

Opportunities to help surround us, but they rarely come with engraved invitations. More often, they come with a gentle nudging in the heart, an intangible sense that we can help. As Saint-Exupéry's little prince wisely observed: "The eyes are blind. One must look with the heart."

Lloyd D. Newell

It passes all understanding

On to the future!

24 Hours

Mozzarella Stuffed Homemade Meatballs

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 pound lean ground beef

1 large egg

1/2 cup finely chopped white onion

1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs

1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese

1/4 cup milk

2 tablespoons minced garlic

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon yellow mustard

1 teaspoon hot sauce, like Tabasco

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

Ten 1-inch Mozzarella balls

1.  Preheat oven to 35o degrees F. and grease 9×13-inch baking dish with oil.

2.  Place beef, egg, onion, bread crumbs, Parmesan, milk, garlic, Worcestershire, mustard, hot sauce, salt, pepper and garlic salt into a large mixing bowl, stirring until just combined.  Take 1/4 cup beef mixture and press into center with your thumb to make room for cheese ball.  Place cheese in middle then with hands enclose the cheese with the beef, making sure the cheese is completely covered.  Place meatballs into prepared baking dish and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until cooked through.

3.  Serve over top your favorite pasta or inside a warm roll for delicious meatball sandwich.

Value of our challenges

“Change is inevitable. Progress is optional.”

 If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always got!

If you're gonna make a change, you're gonna have to operate from a new belief that says life happens not to me but for me.

Our lives are shaped by our decisions and not our situations.

"Remember stress equals fear."

"Beliefs control behavior. Whatever you do, 

you do it because of your beliefs." 

"The only impossible journey is the one you never begin."

"When you are grateful,fear disappears & abundance appears."

"The quality of your life is in direct proportion to the amount of uncertainty you can comfortably deal with." 

Trade your expectation for appreciation 

and the world changes instantly. 

"Change is inevitable. Progress is optional." 

"In the moments of decision your destiny is shaped"

"Real change happens when the pain of staying the same 

is greater than the pain of changing."

Tony Robbins

Salmon and Red Potato Chowder

Salmon and Red Potato Chowder

2 cups salmon, cooked and flaked (not smoked)

5 pounds small red potatoes, unpeeled

and cubed (peel half, if desired)

3–4 bacon strips, diced

1 large onion, diced

4 celery ribs, diced

2 quarts milk

4 cups chicken stock

¼ cup dried parsley

1 teaspoon salt (optional)

½ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)

¾ cup butter

¾ cup all-purpose flour

1 cup heavy whipping cream

Preheat oven to 350° F. Put salmon fillet in greased, shallow baking dish. Sprinkle fish with olive oil and salt. Bake 15–20 minutes

or until thickest part of salmon flakes easily with fork. Place potatoes in large pan, cover with salted water, and bring to boil. Cook until potatoes are tender. Drain in colander and set aside. (Do not return potatoes to original pot.)

In pot used for potatoes, sauté bacon on medium-high heat until it just begins to crisp. Add onion and celery and sauté until vegetables are tender. Add milk, chicken stock, parsley, salt, and pepper. Heat through, but do not boil after adding milk. In medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and stir constantly 1 minute, allowing to brown slightly. Add whipping cream slowly and stir constantly until thickened. Do not burn. Add flour-cream mixture into soup, stirring constantly. Add cooked potatoes and salmon. Let simmer 10 minutes, until soup is thick. Keep on low heat. Makes 20 servings.

Smile: Happy Looks Good on You!

See 

Miracles

In

Life

Everyday!

 "When you're smiling, the whole world smiles with you."  .......smiling slows down the heart rate, reduces stress, and can make you feel happier. In fact, some research suggests that the smile doesn't even have to be genuine even a forced smile can have a positive effect on your well-being. When you smile, you just feel better.

Of course, on long, hard days it can be difficult to summon a smile or muster a grin. But that may be when a smile is needed the most.

One dark, snowy winter day, a young man was walking across a deserted university campus on his way to an early-morning class. It was hard to find anything to smile about that cold and windy morning. And then he heard someone singing—loudly! As he got a little closer, he recognized his roommate walking toward him, singing at the top of his lungs, "Oh, what a beautiful morning! Oh, what a beautiful day!" It's practically impossible to sing those words without a smile. It can't be done.

Now, some may say that this young man was silly or deluded, but those who knew him well understood who he really was optimistic, upbeat, always on the lookout for the positive.

You can't always do much to change your circumstances, but you can always smile. Smiling is an outward expression of a full and abundant heart.

I hope you always find a reason to smile!

So smile. Smile because you are alive. Smile because you live in a glorious world. Smile because there are good people around you who could use a smile. Smile because there's always the promise and hope that life will get better. Having the courage and disposition to greet others and yourself with a smile may be just enough to turn the day around.

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about."

Never regret something that once made you smile.

•  And it came to pass that Jesus blessed them as they did pray unto him; and his countenance did smile upon them, and the light of his countenance did shine upon them, and behold they were as white as the countenance and also the garments of Jesus; and behold the whiteness thereof did exceed all the whiteness, yea, even there could be nothing upon earth so white as the whiteness thereof. 3 Nephi 19:25

  

• 
  
• 
  

Seen by God alone

 Be our circumstances what they may, 

we too can live each day trying to find our finest hour.

Our finest hour will seldom be found on smooth paths or sunny days.  But when circumstances force us to walk in darkness, we can be like the shimmering snowflakes that reflect whatever light they receive.  Searching for our finest hour means realizing that our circumstances don't define us; rather, it's we who give meaning to life's circumstances.

For some of us, our finest hour may come with the world watching, and with loud applause for our effort and preparation.  Most of us, however, will find our finest hours in more quiet moments.  Your finest hour may come as you care for loved ones whose condition prevents them from acknowledging your efforts.  Your finest hour may be found as you stand up for what's right, or as you seek the happiness of a wayward child, or as you show uncommon compassion to a stranger.  It may come in the midst of anonymous service, when your work is seen by God alone.

As we each seek our finest hour, life will callous our hands with work, enlarge our hearts with trials, and stain our cheeks with tears.  What life requires of us matters very little in comparison to what we'll become as a result of all we feel, experience, and endure.

When we overcome our trials and reflect whatever light our circumstances offer, we live each day in pursuit of our finest hour. 

Lloyd D. Newell

"Don't lose yourself in your fear."

It's remarkable what we can accomplish if we have courage, if we refuse to be afraid. Fear is a toxic feeling that can consume self-confidence, dampen hope, and keep us from doing our best or sometimes even trying at all. 

Courage, however, can bring out the best in us. It doesn't mean we will always win. Courageous people learn how to grow from unsuccessful efforts. They succeed more often and at higher levels because they are willing to try and then to keep trying. 

Courage is required in every aspect of life. 

Courage helps us deal with the despair and defeat, loneliness and loss fears and difficulties of life. If we are to survive life's challenges and grow all that is good in our life, we cannot be ruled by fear. And so, there is no real happiness, no real peace, apart from courage. 

Very often we don't realize how courageous we have been until an event, trial, or adversity is over. In hindsight, we see courageous moments that unfolded like banners of bravery. Then when life presents new hardships, we can draw strength from those courageous moments and remember them.

 As we face new challenges, as we move along the life course and grow older, courage can be our trusted companion all along the way.

 "don't lose yourself in your fear." 

"Be of good courage. The Lord will strengthen thy heart."
Jeffrey R. Holland 

Lemon Cookies

 Lemon Cookies

Cookies

2 cups butter, at room temperature

2/3 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

½ teaspoon vanilla

1¾ cups all-purpose flour

1½ cups cornstarch

Lemon Glaze

4 tablespoons butter, softened

¾ teaspoon grated lemon zest

¼ to 1/3 cup lemon juice

2½ cups powdered sugar

For cookies: Preheat oven to 350° F. Beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar and mix until light and fluffy. Add lemon zest and vanilla. Beat well. Add flour and cornstarch and beat until well combined. Do not refrigerate. Roll dough by hand into 1-inch balls, placing cookies about an inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 15 minutes until bottom edges are light brown. Cool on wire racks before frosting with lemon glaze. Makes about 5 dozen cookies. For glaze: In medium bowl, combine butter, zest, juice, and sugar. Mix well. Place wax paper beneath cookies and drizzle on glaze.

Let us heal

Greatest trials, Greatest teachers

"True shepherds nourish and care for each member of the flock and keep them in remembrance. They do not simply number them. Shepherds know and care for their flock. A shepherd cannot rest when even one of the flock is lost." 

Robert D. Hales 

The Bible records that the Apostle Paul had what he called "a thorn in the flesh" a trial or difficulty that helped to keep him humble and steadfast. He asked the Lord three times to take it from him, but it remained. Yet Paul came to see divine purpose in his infirmities and hardships, declaring with great wisdom, "For when I am weak, then am I strong."

At times, for each of us, the path of life seems to be all uphill, filled with obstacles and hazards. But these struggles are not meant to stop us or discourage us. They are meant to change us. If we face our challenges with all of the courage, patience, and faith we have undoubtedly developing a great deal more in the process we'll reach the top of that hill and make an important discovery. 

In the journey of life, the destination is not as important as what we become along the way.

From that elevated perspective, we may notice that our hardships were the very things we needed to make us better and stronger. Becoming our best self often happens because of rather than in spite of unfavorable circumstances. Our greatest trials can become our greatest teachers.

Lloyd D. Newell

Bequeathed to each individual

"The peace of Christ does not come by seeking the superficial things of life, neither does it come except as it springs from the individual's heart. Jesus said to His disciples: 'Peace I leave with you. My peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you.'  Thus the Son of Man as the executor of his own will and testament gave to his disciples and to mankind the 'first of all human blessings.' It was a bequest conditioned upon obedience to the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is thus bequeathed to each individual."

 David O. McKay

"I will not doubt, I will not fear; God's love and strength are always near. His promised gift helps me to find an inner strength and peace of mind. I give the Father willingly my trust, my prayers, humility. His Spirit guides; his love assures that fear departs when faith endures."  
Naomi W. Randall

"There is an imperative need for each of us to strengthen our understanding of Christ's Atonement so that it will become an unshakable foundation upon which to build our lives. As honor, virtue, and purity are increasingly cast aside in the pursuit of appetite, our understanding of and faith in the Atonement will provide strength and capacity needed for a successful life... bringing confidence in times of trial and peace in moments of turmoil." 

Richard G. Scott

I will go forward...I will smile at the rage of the tempest, and ride fearlessly and triumphantly 

across the boisterous ocean of circumstance...And the 'testimony of Jesus' 

will light up a lamp that will guide my vision through the portals of immortality, 

and communicate to my understanding the glories of the Celestial kingdom

Eliza R. Snow

Watercress Spaetzle with Grape Tomatoes

Serves 6

Tiny spaetzle dumplings get a gorgeous emerald color from watercress, which is blended into the soft dough.

• 4 large eggs
• 2 Tbs. low-fat sour cream
• 1 ½ tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• ½ tsp. ground nutmeg
• 2 cups coarsely chopped watercress tops, plus ¼ cup chopped leaves, divided
• 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth, divided
• 6 Tbs. chopped fresh basil, divided
• 1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 Tbs. butter
• ½ cup finely chopped shallots
• 3 cups grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise

1. Blend eggs, sour cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg in blender until combined. Add 2 cups watercress tops, 1/2 cup broth, and 4 Tbs. basil. Blend until watercress is puréed (tiny bits may remain). Pour mixture into large bowl. Add flour, and whisk until smooth, thick batter forms. Cover, and let rest 15 to 20 minutes.

2. Bring large pot of salted water to a boil. Coat baking sheet with cooking spray.

3. Working in several batches, smear or press 1/4 cup batter into boiling water through large mesh strainer using flexible rubber spatula, rapping strainer on sides of pot occasionally. Boil dumplings
11/2 to 2 minutes, or until tender. Scoop out dumpling with strainer or sieve. Drain, and transfer to baking sheet to dry.

4. Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat. Add shallots, and sauté 1 minute. Add tomatoes, and sauté 3 minutes, or until beginning to soften. Add spaetzle and remaining 1/2 cup broth. Toss 2 to 3 minutes, or until mixture is heated through and broth is absorbed. Season with salt and pepper, if desired, and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup watercressleaves and 2 Tbs. basil.

Like a sunflower

Little one

1. "Chiquitita" (a Spanish term of endearment for a woman meaning "little one")
2. Chiquitita

   Song by ABBA
3. Chiquitita, tell me what's wrong
   You're enchained by your own sorrow
   In your eyes there is no hope for tomorrow
   How I hate to see you like this
   There is no way you can deny it
   I can see that you're oh so sad, so quiet

   Chiquitita, tell me the truth
   I'm a shoulder you can cry on
   Your best friend, I'm the one you must rely on
   You were always sure of yourself
   Now I see you've broken a feather
   I hope we can patch it up together

   Chiquitita, you and I know
   How the heartaches come and they go and the scars they're leaving
   You'll be dancing once again and the pain will end
   You will have no time for grieving
4. Chiquitita, you and I cry
   But the sun is still in the sky and shining above you
   Let me hear you sing once more like you did before
   Sing a new song, Chiquitita
   Try.......
5. "They who reach down into the depths of life where, in the stillness, the voice of God is heard, have the stabilizing power which carries them poised and serene through the hurricane of difficulties." Spencer W. Kimball
7. 

He cares about all of it

"If we have faith in Jesus Christ, the hardest as well as the easiest times in life can be a blessing."  Henry B. Eyring

 "We should never be discouraged in those daily tasks which God has ordained to the common lot of man. Each day's labor should be undertaken in a joyous spirit and with the thought and conviction that our happiness and eternal welfare depend upon doing well that which we ought to do, that which God has made it our duty to do."
Joseph F. Smith

I believe . . . there is no such thing as instant greatness. This is because the achievement of true greatness is a long-term process; it may involve occasional setbacks. The end result may not always be clearly visible, but it seems that it always requires regular, consistent, small, and sometimes ordinary and mundane steps over a long period of time.

True greatness is never a result of a chance occurrence or a one-time effort or achievement. . . . It requires a multitude of correct decisions for the everyday choices between good and evil  "Over the years these little choices will be bundled together and show clearly what we value" . Those choices will also show clearly what we are.

Howard W. Hunter

To say that the truest greatness is "to do well those things which God ordained to be the common lot of all mankind" means that to achieve this foundational greatness we must look to God as we conduct the daily routine and toil of life. Our lives should reflect our understanding that we are responsible to Him for what we do and what we become. We search for His will and commit to it in every aspect of our lives. We live our lives to God. Jesus said that "every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment." We are told that in this day of judgment, if we have rejected God or neglected His counsel, "our words will condemn us, yea, all our works will condemn us; . . . and our thoughts will also condemn us." There is a happy corollary to being judged in these things. It is that the very details of our lives are of interest to God, that He cares about all of it words, works, even thoughts. His interest and love are infinite in this way, and He will respond to our hopes and pleadings and help us in everything, including matters that seem unimportant or insignificant to others or even to ourselves. Rest assured that you can rely on Him as you strive to establish the foundation of greatness in your life.    D. Todd Christofferson

Chicken Club Quesadillas

Chicken Club Quesadillas

Ingredients:
8 flour tortillas
8 slices deli-sliced chicken breast (or turkey works too!)
8 slices deli-sliced ham
8 slices cheddar cheese
8 strips of bacon, cooked
favorite sandwich toppings (mayonnaise, tomato, lettuce, pickles, banana peppers, etc) 

Directions:
Spread mayonnaise on each of the tortillas (if using mayo). Layer the chicken, ham, cheese, bacon, and other toppings on half of each tortilla, fold the tortilla over and press down when you are finished putting toppings on it. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Lightly brush melted butter (or olive oil) on both sides of the tortilla. Cook two filled tortillas at a time (3-4 minutes each; until they are golden brown), turning over once.

Makes 4 servings.

It came from Him

"Sometimes, the Lord sends His blessings in such a highly unusual, dramatic, or precisely timed manner that it's as if the Lord 'signs' the blessing personally 

so we know with a certainty that it came from Him."  

Gerald Lund

"The Lord's hand in in our lives; if we will but feel for it, in the darkness, 

we can grasp it and be lifted thereby."  

James E. Talmage

"When life becomes difficult when our resources seem stretched to the breaking point we can find within us resources of extraordinary fortitude and faith. The goods of heroism are within us all. May we allow courage and honor to define our response to whatever tribulations we face. 

May we become heroes." 

Lloyd D. Newell

"Within us, deep down in our heart…, resides a sense of robust hope and sweet expectation that can lift us out of life's fog to see clearly who we really are. We lift the fog every time we count our blessings, every time we are kind toward others, every time we seriously ponder life's true purposes." 

  Lloyd D. Newell

"Peace is not just the absence of adversity; peace of heart comes when we face up to the battles of life all around us. Even when circumstances seem overwhelming, we can confront our problems and face our fears with faith… depending on the Lord for strength."
 Lloyd D. Newell 

"God is at the helm. . . . Things may be spiraling out of man's control,

 but they are not beyond God's control." 

Gerald N. Lund

That there are roses among the thorns

"The Heavens will NOT Be filled with those who never made mistakes."
Dieter F. Uchtdorf 

Whether or not you choose to keep your covenant to always remember Him, 

He always remembers you. 

"The Savior's Atonement will overcome and compensate for all of the unfairness of mortal life." 

Quentin L. Cook

"It was said of Jesus that He 'increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man;' that He 'went about doing good; for God was with him.' Do we have the determination to do likewise? If we are to [enjoy the abundant life He spoke of], we must listen for the sound of sandaled feet and reach out for the Carpenter's hand. For with every step we take in His path, we abandon a doubt and gain a truth. My prayer is that daily, we may follow in His footsteps." 

Thomas S. Monson

"We can seek for the eternal ... The dial on the wheel of sorrow eventually points to each of us. At one time or another, everyone must experience sorrow. No one is exempt" Because Jesus Christ suffered greatly, he understands our suffering and our grief. "Sometimes, the very moments that seem to overcome us with suffering are those that will ultimately suffer us to overcome." The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in his own way. "Not even death can take from us the eternal blessings promised by a loving Heavenly Father."   

Joseph B. Wirthlin

"Believe in Yourself and then Live so as to Reach your Possibilities." Thomas S. Monson

Rather than complaining that life is hard or that our blessings don't seem abundant enough 

or that there are always thorns among the roses, shouldn't we be grateful that life, however difficult, is precious, that in addition we have the promise of eternal life, that the blessings 

we have are wonderful and those we will have are more wonderful yet, 

and that there are roses among the thorns?"  

Jeffrey R. Holland

Life is full of little miracles

"Think how better life could be if this were our attitude to learn from hardships and mistakes rather than being defined or paralyzed by them. Remember, we are here to learn and grow 

and that takes time so be patient with yourself. Once we 

come to see challenges as building blocks for a better life rather than stumbling blocks that keep us down, 

we truly begin to understand the purpose of life." 

Lloyd D. Newell

Life is full of little miracles, but perhaps the greatest miracle of all is to see people change, grow, and improve, day by day and little by little. Imagine how different life would be if we saw people not for who they are right now, but for who they could become. This may be the most important way we can change in our ability

to believe in and nurture change in others.  

Lloyd D. Newell's