Filling

Remember that 80lbs of apples I have to deal with?    They have been sitting in my cool garage nagging and nagging at me to get something done with them.  The problem is that I've been too busy to do anything with them.  Well, I finally squeezed some time in yesterday to throw another batch of apples in the dehydrator and can 2 batches of pie filling.  The problem?  I still have 40 lbs of apples plus the few left from the other box.  1 box made 2 batches of apple slices and 12 quarts of pie filling.  

I am learning that I need to be more focused on what I'm doing instead of trying to do so many things at 1 time.  Yet again, I broke a jar.  I was on the phone and trying to hurry and get the batch bathing in the water before I had somewhere to be.

Luckily for me, dehydration is fool proof and I could be running on seriously low brain capacity and it would still turn out!

Now, I could get all super fun and turn this into "filling our jars" talk, but honestly.  I'm not up for the research and it isn't all floating around in my brain.  One of my favorite people talks about it in his book about the temple.  My friend also gave a really good talk a few months ago about the different stages of canning that was super good.  I'm telling you, just about anything can relate to the gospel.  

My mini take home message.  

You've got to fill your "jar" with good things -you wouldn't want to seal rotten food.  You want to create a good seal - like a temple sealing.  In order to get that seal you've got to heat the jars - we necessarily have to go thru trials.  After all, the Savior suffered all, should we expect less?  There is no other way to achieve the seal without the heat.  Canning is a slow process.  You've got to use precision and you've got to have patience.  If you don't you could end up getting sick - or spiritually sick.  What do you do when you've created all of this yumminess?   Don't leave it on the shelf untouched.  You've got to use it and you've got to share it!

I'm super excited to have the opportunity to fill my jar with good things by attending the 2nd session of the Saturday portion of General Conference.  I've got my little wish list going of who I am hoping that I can see.  Just a little list….haha only every power hitter.  I'm hoping for at least one because -let's be real- they never load all the giants at one session.  My altruistic side is just praying that we get to see whoever will have the biggest impact on my 2 teenage children that will be there with me.  Especially my scientist son who is exploring the meaning of "truth."

Remember when you're filling your jar - fill it with things that will help you recognize the voice of the Lord :0)  Every 6 months we have the opportunity to guarantee hearing that loving heavenly voice if our ears are ready to hear.  What will He say to you?