Stake Fireside Recap (20 May 2012)

My stake presidency held a spiritual AND unique fireside last Sunday evening. President Mullen, Sister Mullen, and President Britton spent an hour discussing "one liners" from latter-day prophets. I have compiled the following list of my favourite one liners:

Don't surprise the banker.

Do it.-President Kimball

Lengthen your stride.-President Kimball

'How you are doing?' is just a greeting.

Dig your fingers into the rocks and don't let go.

The Lord can make more out of you.

Most of the work done is by those who don't feel very good.

Are you past the weird stage?

Stop, look, and listen before you cross the street.-President Monson

Like the great and good in story, if we fail, we fail with glory.

I don't have to, I want to . . .

Would it be convenient?-President Hinckley

Indecision becomes the decision with the passage of time.

It's your handcart experience. 

Google Doc Foreign Language Survey

Ever since I met countless people of different nationalities, ethnicities, and backgrounds while serving in the Singapore Mission, I have debated this question: 

"Throughout the world, which languages are the most taxing to learn for our brain cells?"

The other related question I often think about is "Which languages are the most difficult for a native speaker of any given language?" For example, "Why is English so difficult to learn for native Thai speakers?"

At the following link, you will be able to tell me what you think and how you feel about these questions.

Additionally, I would like to know your view about which languages hold the most value globally and/or in your personal life. Do you value these languages because you use them as secret love languages with your significant other? Are these languages valuable because you wish to use them in your career? Do you rate the languages based on how many speakers know the languages? Or does your valuation hinge on how often you are able to use your talents to serve other people?

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dDdRTm1LWU1QVUE0QmtkcDQ5TWpwMVE6MQ

I also included my view about these matters in the Google Doc.

Enjoy! :)

Recipe Translations from My Tamil Cookbook

Last January and February while in Malaysia, I had the delightful privilege of shopping for some of the best souvenirs. One of the things that I found is an Indian cookbook written in the Tamil language. This book has so many recipes including idly, dhosa, chutney, chapati, vadai, murukku, laddu, and halwa types. I would like to share a classic Southern Indian recipe (translation included below):

தேங்காய் தோசை

தேவையான பொருட்கள்:
பச்சை அரிசி -- 1/2 லிட்டர்
தேங்காய் (பால்) -- ஒரு மூடி
உப்பு -- ஒரு தேக்கரண்டி

செய்முறை:
பச்சை அரிசியை தண்ணீரில் கொட்டி இரண்டு மணி நேரம் ஊறவைத்து உரலில் போட்டு ஆட்டவும். தேங்காய் துருவலையும் அதோடு பிறகு சேர்க்கவும். கடைசியாக உப்பையும் சேர்த்து உடனடியாக தோசை வார்க்கலாம். மாவு புளிக்கத் தேவை இல்லை.

Coconut Dhosa

Desired Ingredients:
Raw rice -- 1/2 liter
Coconut milk -- one can (tin)
Salt -- One tsp

Directions:
Soak the rice in water for up to two hours. Afterwards, churn and mix in the coconut milk. Finally, you may add salt to the dhosa mix. The dough does not need to be fermented. [Then lightly fry on a pan and serve with your favourite varieties of chutney.]

I also included a similar recipe from http://fullmeals.com/rc-coconutdosa-coconut-dosa.aspx in case you are confused by my recipe. :)

• Soak rice for 3-4 hrs.(or about 2 hrs in hot water.) Grind rice and coconut together to a very fine mixture
• Add water while grinding
• Make the batter considerably thin.(twice thinner than normal) Add salt
• Keep it for about 1/2 hour
• Dosa Preparation Heat the pan.Put a spoon of oil
• Using a spoon pour the batter on the pan
• As the batter is thin, don't press the dosa with the spoon, as we usually do. It spreads automatically
• Cover the dosa for a minute or so
• Using a spatula fold the dosa on the pan,and take it out onto the plate
• Serve with chutney
• Tips: The above batter makes 10-12 medium dosas.

Thoughts from the May 2012 CES Fireside

The May 2012 CES Fireside featured Elder Marlin K. Jensen of the 70. As is Church policy, Elder Jensen will become an Emeritus General Authority at his 70th birthday. This speaking opportunity before a worldwide audience was apparently his last. Below is a summary of what Elder Jensen shared:

• Some places are made sacred on earth by the events that happen at these locations.
• Mount Sinai--Moses and the Burning Bush
• The Sacred Grove--the place in New York where God the Father and Jesus Christ first appeared to Joseph Smith.
• Elder Jensen compared four eternal principles with the characteristics of trees. 

1. Trees always grow toward the light. Light is a more important catalyst in the spiritual realm. The more light we have, the less darkness that can be present. Sharon Cox, clinical counsellor from the U.K., has more information about this characteristic on her blog. Click here for access to further clarification
2. Trees require opposition to fill the measure of their creation. Opposition also tempers and enriches our lives.
3. Trees prosper together. People flourish when they work together. We build meeting houses, not hermitages. Charity seeketh not her own.
4. New trees draw strength from the nutrients of old, fallen trees. We should learn from the lives of our ancestors. Good family stories make good history.

Blogger Recommendations

Cam's Favourite Blogs:

Enjoy Indian Food -- This blog is an exceptional resource for Indian recipes. It is frequently updated and contains instructions for some of the most delicious Asian treats.

Whimsical Musical -- The design of Ashley's blog is excellent. She posts many interesting things. She is a very talented artist. Anyone wishing to improve their blog would be wise to ask her questions.
              
The Kesler Clan -- Daniel, my dear childhood friend, and his wife Kait, maintain a high-quality blog. Their blog contains many great pictures and stories.