Share You

No two people have the same talents, strengths, perspective, and experience. You are unique and that makes you special. Heavenly Father did not make us all with one cookie cutter and that is a beautiful thing. 

It's easy to compare ourselves and wish we were more like others for so many different reasons. But the world needs you and your vision and your gifts. You bring something to every situation that no one else can bring. 

Think of one of your good friends. She has wonderful qualities and you like spending time with her. She's talented and wonderful. But would you want all of your friends to be exactly like her all the time? No. So why is it so hard for many of us to accept that our uniqueness is beautiful and divine?

When I read the quote from Robert Besson, "Make visible what, without you, might perhaps never have been seen," I think of my photographs. Sometimes I take a picture of a fleeting moment, like a lamb jumping or a water droplet about to fall off a leaf. I may be the only person there to see it and I can capture that moment with a photograph and others can see it even though they weren't there.

Sometimes I am taking photos with my daughter. We are together in the same place, but we notice different things and see the same things in a different way. Our phots are rarely the same. One isn't right and the other wrong. So why do we feel that we aren't as good as someone else if we aren't the same or don't see things the same? 

My photo May 8 Utah Lake

Elisa's photo May 8 Utah Lake

I'm in a couple of different committees at work. It's interesting that no matter what the topic, there is always discussion with differing viewpoints because of distinct experience and knowledge, as well as opinions. I love to learn from all of these people. 

"Every son and every daughter of God has received some talent, and each will be held to strict account for the use or misuse to which it is put” (President Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. [1939], 370). Your talent is yours to use in your unique way. That should be your joy as well as your responsibility. It is a gift to share with those around you to touch their lives.        

When I'm going through a hard time, I have family and friends who help me in different ways. One brings me dinner since she sees I am overwhelmed and busy. One lets me talk and just listens. One might rake my leaves because they don't know what to say, but sees it needs to be done. One gives me advice based on her experience and knowledge. I appreciate all of them and it is great that they are different.

Whether you use your vision on a big stage like being the CEO of a company or in politics or you use that vision in a smaller arena at home and close by, both are just as important. Heavenly Father placed you on earth now with a family different than any other with experiences different than any other and a personality different than any other.  It is not always easy, but that should be celebrated!    

Share your vision and talents with others in your own unique way and give thanks for the unique gifts of others around you! 

French Silk Brownies

My daughter Sabrina loves French Silk pie, so I looked for something similar in a brownie and found this recipe at I Am Baker. There are 3 layers to make, but it’s pretty quick to mix up each one. It's a cool and chocolatey dessert that disappeared quickly at my house.

Be aware that the toppings use raw egg. There is no way to know if eggs are safe, but it doesn't stop me from eating some of the cookie dough when I bake.

 

French Silk Brownies

Brownies:

1 1/2 c. flour

1/3 c. dark cocoa

1/2 t. baking powder

1/4 t. salt

4 lg. eggs, room temperature

2 c. granulated sugar

3/4 c. butter, softened

2 t. vanilla

French Silk Topping:

4.4 oz. dark chocolate, melted and cooled

1 c. butter, room temperature

1 1/2 c. granulated sugar

2 t. vanilla extract

3 T. cocoa powder

4 lg. eggs, room temperature

Whipped Topping:

1 c. heavy whipping cream

1/4 c. powdered sugar

Heat oven to 350°. Grease 9x13-inch pan.

In a large bowl add flour, cocoa, baking powder, salt. Whisk together ingredients until they are fully incorporated.

In the bowl of a stand mixer or in a large bowl using a hand-held mixer, beat the eggs, sugar, butter, and vanilla until light and fluffy.

With the mixer off, add in the flour mixture. Turn mixer on low and mix until ingredients are well combined.

Pour brownies into a prepared baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes. Brownies are done when an inserted toothpick is removed with crumbs but not wet batter.

French Silk Topping

Chop dark chocolate and microwave in 30-second increments until melted (about 1 1/2 minutes total). Set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the butter and sugar. Turn mixer on high for 1 minute. Butter and sugar should be lighter and fluffy.

With the mixer on low, pour in the melted (and slightly cooled) chocolate. Allow ingredients to combine for 30 seconds then turn the mixer off and scrape down the sides. Add vanilla and cocoa powder. Mix for about 30 seconds. Add in 4 eggs and turn the mixer on high for 10 minutes. The topping should lighten, increase in volume, and appear very smooth and shiny.

Whipped Topping

In a large bowl, pour the heavy whipping cream. Whip (or use the whisk attachment on a hand-held mixer) for about 2 minutes or until soft peaks occur. Add in powdered sugar and whip until there are firm peaks.

To Assemble:

When brownies are cooled to room temperature, pour and spread French silk topping evenly over top.

Spread whipped topping over top of the topping and smooth with an offset spatula. Optionally, top with chocolate shavings or crushed chocolate cookies. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Falling into Place

I like to listen to audiobooks, talks, or podcasts when I'm getting ready for the day and sometimes I can while I'm working too. I like to listen to BYU Devotionals, which have so many different topics. On October 6, the speaker was Candace Berrett. Her talk was entitled "Angels to Beckon Me." 

You can watch the talk below or view the transcript of it at BYU Speeches. 

One of the topics she spoke about was waiting, waiting for a desire to be fulfilled and prayers to be answered.

"Sometimes waiting is a mere nuisance. But other times, even when everything is going as it should, waiting is really hard. Several years ago I was visiting a friend. In the morning, she was trying to get her baby’s food ready. I watched the baby cry, oblivious to the fact that her mom was getting her exactly what she wanted and needed. Certainly, this is what a baby should be doing—crying to communicate her needs. However, I have thought of that moment several times since when I have been impatiently waiting. How often when I am waiting do I recognize or look for the pieces that are falling into place exactly as I need them to? Or how often am I unaware of others or my Heavenly Parents working on my behalf?"

I love the reminder to "look for the pieces that are falling into place exactly as I need them to" while waiting. I am definitely not where I want to be at this point in my life in several ways. I pray for guidance to get there, and in the meantime, I'm trying to learn all I can where I am. I can see how things can be used as stepping stones for my future. I'm sure that I am not aware of everything my Heavenly Parents are doing daily to bless my life now and set things up perfectly for what they have prepared for me later. 

Candace also talks about, as evident by the talk's title, angels in our lives that are from the other side of the veil and those on earth who bless us. 

"I have been intrigued by the story of the angel appearing to the wife of Manoah, more readily known as the mother of Samson. The story indicates two things for which Manoah and his wife were waiting, although they were likely waiting for more than these two things. First, they and the other Israelites had been under the rule of the Philistines for forty years. Second, Manoah and his wife had been unable to have children. An angel appeared to the woman and told her that the waiting was over—kind of. The angel told her that she would bear a son, “and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.” I don’t know the exact timing, but it appears to have taken Samson at least twenty more years before he began to fight against the Philistines. Twenty more years of waiting in addition to the forty they had already waited is a rather long time in our relatively short earthly experience. Just as angels in the scriptures did not always end the waiting, mortal angels likely will also not bring an end to our waiting as soon as we would like. Instead, here, the angel offered hope and gave direction."

I'm so grateful for the angels at different points in my life who have offered me hope, given me a hand or love, and helped guide me to where I needed to go. Some are family. Some are friends. And some are just inspired people willing to listen to a prompting to help someone they barely knew. They didn't need to fix my trials to bless my life. I'm also grateful for the heavenly angels who I haven't seen, but who have helped me and been with me so I am never alone. 

It is my goal to be that for more people even through the challenge in getting together with others right now. The Spirit can guide me to what others need that I can provide as I pray to find opportunities. 

Our Nobelest Dreams

At the beginning of 2020, I read the book The Path Made Clear: Discovering Your Life's Direction and Purpose by Oprah Winfrey. Talking about how each of us has an individual purpose, Oprah says, "Your real job in life is to figure out as soon as possible what that is, who you are meant to be, and begin to honor your calling in the best way possible."

In her book, Oprah shares her thoughts and insights and quotes parts of interviews she has had over the years with many different people. One of the quotes is from Pastor Wintley Phipps. 

"So I'm hearing in my head at sixteen: I've seen your dreams. Now give me your dreams and I will let you see a glimpse of what I've been dreaming for you. Let me tell you, God is the ultimate dreamer, and when he dreams, he also dreams about us. He dreams about you. He dreams about me. And the most amazing thing that can happen in the life of a human being is to catch a glimpse of what God’s been dreaming for you.”

We don't get to see the future as one big, open view, but we can know parts of what we can become or what we should do as we stay close to the Lord. He will guide us to where He wants us to be even though we can't always see why. We can be sure to "honor [our] calling" when we follow the promptings, thoughts, and incessant prodding we receive. It helps us to serve others, to discover truths, and to become who Heavenly Father is dreaming we will be.

Not everything in our lives will be easy, and that is the way God planned it. We can't progress in comfort and ease. We can't become the person He knows we can become without resistance. But through it all, we can be assured that we are not alone and it is not without purpose. We can say, "It is well with my soul."

Below is a video of a short message and a soul-stirring, captivating rendition of "It Is Well with My Soul" from Wintley Phipps. You can find many of his sermons and songs online. 

"It is in the quiet crucible of your personal, private sufferings that your noblest dreams are born and God's greatest gifts are given in compensation for what you have been through." Wintley Phipps

These beautiful words remind me of a quote by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin:

“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. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude.”

We are blessed in our trials and because of our faith and perseverance through them. We can become who we are meant to be by our growth through our trials. So we should allow everything to be "well with [our] souls." 

 

 

Utah Local: No. 2 Willow Lane

It's been a long time since I've done a Utah Local post. It's always a good time to support local businesses, but right now so many small businesses are in need of extra support. 

I personally know Jen, the owner of No. 2 Willow Lane, and she's got skills! Whether you have a baby, want to buy a gift for someone else, or just want to spend an hour looking at THE most adorable baby clothes and photo props, stop by her website or Etsy shop. She's also on Facebook and Instagram.

Jen works with wonderful photographers and, obviously, the most adorable babies to show off her designs. 

There's a Black Friday sale from November 21 to 26 on her website, so don't wait to check it out! 

(Some of the photos I'm sharing may be of discontinued items.)

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

I don't reserve pumpkin treats for Fall, but they seem to bring the Fall mood when it's chilly and I know Thanksgiving is coming up. This is a big batch and makes 16 rolls. 

I didn't have any maple extract, so I used vanilla in the frosting and it was really good. I hadn't thought of adding cinnamon to cinnamon roll frosting before. Genius, Deborah at Taste and Tell, which is where I found the recipe.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting 

1/4 c. warm water

2 1/4 t. (one .25-oz pkg.) active dry yeast

3/4 c. evaporated milk

3/4 c. granulated sugar

1 (15-oz) can pumpkin puree  

3 T. vegetable oil

1 egg, slightly beaten

2 t. pumpkin pie spice

5–7 c. all-purpose flour

Filling:

1/3 c. butter

3/4 c. brown sugar

1/2 c. granulated sugar

1 T. cinnamon

2 t. pumpkin pie spice

Maple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

1 (8-oz) pkg. cream cheese, softened

1/2 c. butter, softened

2 c. powdered sugar

1 t. maple extract

1/2 t. cinnamon

In a large bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the water and the yeast. Add a pinch of the sugar. Allow to stand until the yeast starts to bubble, 5 to 10 minutes.

Stir in the evaporated milk, sugar, pumpkin, vegetable oil, egg, and pumpkin pie spice. Add in 4 cups of the flour and stir to combine. Continue adding the flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until the dough comes together and pulls away from the side of the bowl. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, 5-8 minutes.

Form the dough into a ball and place in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise until about doubled, about 1 1/2 hours.

In a small, melt the butter.

In another bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice.

Spray a 9×13” and an 8×8” baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or line with parchment paper.

Punch the dough down, then divide into 2 equal portions. Working with one portion at a time, roll the dough out on a floured surface to a 12×16” rectangle. Spread half of the butter on the dough, and sprinkle half of the sugar mixture over the top. Starting at the long side, roll the dough into a log. Cut the uneven edges off, then cut the log into 8 equal slices.

Transfer the slices to the baking dish, cut side up.  (You will be able to fit 12 rolls in the 9×13” pan and 4 rolls in the 8×8” pan.) Repeat with the remaining ingredients. Lightly press the rolls down, then cover and allow to rise until almost doubled, about 45 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls until golden brown, about 30 minutes.

Frosting:

To make the frosting, beat together the cream cheese and butter. Add in the powdered sugar, maple extract and cinnamon and beat until light and creamy.

When the rolls first come out of the oven, spread about 1/3 of the frosting over the top of the rolls, allowing it to melt into the rolls. Let the rolls cool for 15-20 minutes before frosting with the remaining frosting.

 

Step Away from Perfect

Last year I heard two similar thoughts that were freeing. They freed me from a false belief that I had.  Don't you love those aha moments, even when it means you've been doing something wrong? Both taught me that striving for perfection is counteractive to moving forward and to happiness. 

The first thought was just a blurb from a TedX talk from Ashley Stahl. I've shared it below in case you'd like to watch the whole video. The part that stood out to me was, "Perfectionism is the enemy of action." If we wait until the perfect time or until we have every lined up perfectly to act, we will be stuck. 

I picture myself standing in a little mud, and instead of jumping out of the mud, I act like the mud is dried cement. I act like I cannot move and have no power. But that is just a false belief. I can move forward and I don't have to wait until anything is perfect. But what if I jump in the wrong direction? Then I can jump again in a different direction. No destination is permanent. Moving forward in the wrong direction feels better than staying stuck.

How can I know when to go forward? For me, it's important to stay close to my Heavenly Father. He won't show me an entire path to its destination, but I can go to him with my plans and thoughts. He lets me choose, but He is with me wherever I go.  

The second time I heard something about perfectionism around the same time was from the book 13 Things Mentally Strong Women Don't Do: Own Your Power, Channel Your Confidence, and Find Your Authentic Voice for a Life of Meaning and Joy by Amy Morin. It's a good book and she has a couple of other 13 Things books you can check out. (They're also translated into Spanish for my friends who would prefer that.) 

There were a lot of good points in the book, but the perfectionist topic was that most successfully people aren't perfectionists. That makes sense when I think about it. They are willing to take risks, move quickly, work hard but not don't let anything, including imperfection, slow down their forward trajectory. Working or waiting for perfection is inefficient when good or great works just as well. For some reason, when I thought about how successful people aren't perfectionists, I realized that I don't have to be either. 

I know I've heard similar things about perfectionism before, but I guess I was finally ready to hear it and to wake up a little. And I've been trying to practice it this past year since then.

• "Perfectionism is not a quest for the best. It is a pursuit of the worst in ourselves, the part that tells us that nothing we do will ever be good enough - that we should try again."  Julie Cameron

• "Many people think of perfectionism as striving to be your best, but it is not about self-improvement; it's about earning approval and acceptance." Brené Brown

Biscoff Chocolate Cookies

I decided to make a cookie version of the Fudgy Biscoff Swirl Brownies that we love. It’s a soft chocolate cookie with chocolate chips in it and Biscoff Cookie Butter Spread as a filling in the “thumbprint” that I made with a pastry tamper, but you can use your thumb if you don’t have one.

I didn’t measure how much Biscoff I put on each cookie. I just took a spoon and partly filled the indent that I made. You don’t want to fill it with too much. 

Biscoff Chocolate Cookies 

3/4 c. unsalted butter, softened 
1/2 c. light brown sugar, packed
1/4 c. granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 t. vanilla extract
1 (3.7-oz.) pkg. instant chocolate pudding mix
1/4 c. cocoa
2 c. flour
1 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
1 (12-oz.) bag semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/3 – ½ c. Biscoff Cookie Butter Spread

In mixing bowl combine the butter, sugars, eggs, vanilla, and beat on medium-high speed until creamed. After scraping down the sides of the bowl, add the pudding mix and cocoa, and mix on low until combined.

In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to other ingredients and mix on low just until combined.

Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the chocolate chips. Mix on low only for about 30 seconds.

Measure 2.5 ounces on a kitchen scale or about 1/4 cup for each cookie. Form into balls of dough and flatten slightly. Make indentation in the middle of each cookie. Put spoonful of Biscoff Cookie Butter Spread in indentation. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350°. Spray cookie sheets with cooking spray or use parchment paper. Place cookie dough on baking sheet, at least 2 inches apart and bake for 10 minutes, or until edges have set. Cool cookies on cookie sheet for about 10 minutes before placing on cooking rack.