How Sweet is the Gospel?

I'm just finishing up my fourth year as gospel doctrine teacher. Two more lessons to go, and I'm hanging on by the tips of my fingernails. My well has only a few liters of water left. I feel like I've shared every personal experience, every good story, every insight I can squeeze out. Yes, I know that men like Daniel Ludlow and Gerald Lund probably teach gospel doctrine for 17 consecutive years, but HELLOOOOO, I'm not Daniel Ludlow!

Tomorrow we will be discussing the book of James. I thought this idea by Bruce R. McConkie was cool. Paul wrote his letters for the benefit of those members of the church living at that time. Occasionally there are gems that benefit us today. James, on the other hand, wrote his letter for the members of the House of Israel today, and a few individuals from his day might possibly have benefitted from them. As I read James with that thought in mind I could truly get the picture.

Take James 1:5-6. It wouldn't surprise me if James wrote that scripture specifically for Joseph Smith. He said that no passage of scripture had ever come to his heart with more power than this one did. And think of the countless individuals who have been blessed because Joseph read and acted on that scripture. I like this quote by Bruce McConkie: "Thus, this single verse of scripture has had a greater impact and a more far reaching effect upon mankind than any other single sentence ever recorded by any prophet in any age."

Anyway, if you're ever feeling uncertain about whether you've prepared a good lesson, may I suggest that a treat during class goes a long way toward improving what you have prepared!!

Pie Scrap Treats

Do you make pie scrap treats for your kids. Then you're a great mom. I make them for myself! Fortunately, I've reached the point where I don't make a whole pan of them. Here's my favorite pie crust recipe:

For every pie crust you plan to make, begin with one cup of flour.

For every cup of flour, add 1/3 t. salt.

Use half as much shortening as you have flour. Cut with pastry cutter until fine crumbs.

Use half as much cold water as you used shortening.

Mix gently. Squeeze together into balls. Roll out on well-floured counter. Try not to handle your dough too much. Bake at 450 degrees about 8-10 minutes.

Eleven, Eleven, Eleven

Yah, surprise, it's me! Every day I think I'll blog, but quite truthfully, my life is pretty boring right now. Nothing of interest about me, but I did remember that tomorrow is one of those three amazingly unique days that will happen this year -- 11/11/11. Now if you check this post tonight then you can be ready to celebrate tomorrow at 11:11,11/11/11. Hey, open a can of Fresca, or go to Costco for one of those poisonous chocolate covered ice cream bars with chopped almonds. Or call me and remind me to celebrate.