Chocolate Chip Cookies

I love to cook; I especially love to bake! For the past few months I've been looking for the "perfect" chocolate chip cookie recipe. For a few years I thought I was in possession of the "perfect" recipe I am now in search of. From my perspective, the "perfect" cookie is soft, a little poofy, but not cakey. I've been experimenting with recipes, oven temperatures, cooking time, and baking sheets. I have yet to find the "perfect" cookie but in the process realized that the "perfect" cookie requires balance. The ingredients, oven, temperature, and cooking time all affect the final product.
In our lives, balance is just as important. So often I have noticed in my own life and in the lives of my friends, an unequivocal imbalance. I think it's human nature to focus on one thing at a time. But why?! In different periods of my life I have been focused on school, career, family, or a social life. I have found times when I lean more to works or faith.
There are extremes in anything. Extreme diets end in unhealthy eating habits, potentially binging. Extreme perspectives in political agendas may help to initiate change but once the goal is obtained, pushes the agenda further than originally desired. Even devoting all of one's time to the church negates the responsibility of family and community. Extremes aren't healthy. I have most recently seen the effects of extreme beliefs and actions have on the unhealthy lifestyle of the individual. The sad reality is that once we become extreme in mindset, it is difficult to accept or view reality. We become enveloped in beliefs which isolate us from the norm.
Even in the small things it is important to maintain balance. The most important thing in my life is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Christ was a balanced leader. He is my exemplar! In order to maintain balance I need to begin each day by acknowledging His influence in my life. And in the process He can help me to balance family, friends, career, education, community, and church.

Cars, decisions, and a seal of approval

A week and a half ago my transmission went out. I was a bit surprised since it was only three years ago that it was replaced. I was frustrated and unprepared to buy a new car. I tried to move forward by illiciting the help of my father. He immediately gave me suggestions. It was perfect timing because he was researching various vehicles and was extremely helpful. The vehicle highest on his list caught my attention. My dad felt that it was the best deal and I felt good about it. I was excited and I felt I had Heavenly Father's seal of approval.
Considering this was the biggest purchase thus far in my life I felt determined to look into all my options before making the purchase. I looked into other makes and models. I researched online and test drove various cars at dealerships. I sought personal knowledge. I wanted to feel like I had made the decision, not others.
In the meantime, the "perfect" car was sold to a quicker buyer. And I found a different car. The car I'm buying is good. It meets my needs. But it doesn't excite me as the first car did. Through this experience I realized that sometimes large decisions come when we least expect. We can find ourselves feeling unprepared to make the decision. However, when we have Heavenly Father's "seal of approval" we need to accept his will and move forward in faith. If I had done this with my car I would have the "perfect" car. I would have something that made me excited and not just meet my basic needs. However, I'm grateful to have learned this lesson when all that is at stake is a car and not my eternal happiness. Heavenly Father loves me and He will not lead me astray. I do not need to know all of the options when I'm making decisions. All I need to know is what Heavenly Father wants me to do!