God Gave Me Chocolate...Sort of...

 Sunday is the day I share a little of my soul...enjoy. 

I love chocolate.  I'll admit it.  I eat pretty clean, but every now and then I just want some a hunk of chocolate the size of my head...

 Do I ever give in to the craving? Not often. I know it will not end well. Usually it ends with a lot of regret and a 2 hour work-out because I feel guilty.  Then I berate myself for being so weak. Daggumit. I'm like an alcoholic but with chocolate...and please don't ask me to bake these again...

I will never eat just one. Ever.

As Neal A. Maxwell  observed: “It is not an easy thing … to be shown one’s weaknesses. … Nevertheless, this is part of coming unto Christ, and it is a vital, if painful, part of God’s plan of happiness.”
So, in admitting my weakness, I have to share something that happened this week. God gave me chocolate. It wasn't for my mouth, it was for my heart. I didn't eat it, I felt it in my soul.  Why? Because when I was faced with this overwhelming stress I had the urge to go break all my resolves to treat my body right and just eat a giant wedge of chocolate because it would make me "feel better"...I prayed for strength instead. Instead of reaching for a physical flavor and chemical to medicate myself, I turned to the Master Healer. He gave me what was better than any chocolate I've ever tasted! It was joy, love, peace and mercy beyond description. The answer came with a big helping of Grace. 

I almost felt defeated by my personal weakness this week. I almost gave in to despair. In the past I've attempted to hide it. But I have to confess, that admitting my weakness has allowed humility.  A new level of dependence on God has, out of necessity, become part of my daily walk.  I'm not perfect. I don't think I ever will be in this life. I'll always fall short...but I've seen new strength this week. I hope it continues. By the way, the best part about the Chocolate for the soul that God offers, is that it will never make you feel guilty later for leaning on it. It will never leave me feeling empty or weak.  It will always be free and I can find it anytime, anywhere, and I don't ever have to hide it from my kids to enjoy it later all by myself.  I want to share it with everyone! It isn't a guilty pleasure...it is an eternal strength. 

“And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them” (Ether 12:27).

Find your will to succeed in the arm of the Lord and the power of His might. He will comfort us more than anything this world has to offer...and he will Love us forever. Love is the answer. Love the Lord, love yourself, and keep moving onward and upward. We can do it!

There it is.

Always My Very Best,
Your Sister in the Faith

Chef Tess.