If you are looking for a delicious and healthy dish to power up your energy, try this Turmeric & Pumpkin Power Bowl!
I think if I were only given three food items and water to live off of for the rest of my life, I’d choose quinoa, fish, and greens.
I’m curious, what would you choose?
This combination of turmeric, mushrooms, pumpkin seeds, and pecans are so delicious and nutritious you can eat it as a light evening meal all by itself. That makes it perfect for all my vegan friends who are eating plant based.
However, if you’re like me and you believe everything God mentions for food in the bible is good for eating, you can top your turmeric and pumpkin power bowl with eggs, chicken, or beef! Plus, the benefits of this tasty dish are amazing!
Benefits of Turmeric & Pumpkin Energy
Bowl
The turmeric in this dish is fresh ground from the root, you can order is from places like Etsy, Azure Standard, or ask your local grocery store if they will order it for you. Trust me, there is a difference in flavor! My husband will not eat anything with ground turmeric spice, but he never says a word when I use fresh.
Reducing inflammation and the pain that goes along with it
Improving memory
Fighting cancer by reducing harmful free radicals
Helping to fight depression
Lowers the risk of heart disease
The benefits of pumpkin seeds are pretty impressive too! They are loaded with vitamin and minerals like magnesium, vitamin E, and carotenoids. All of which contribute to improving fertility in men, as well as fighting cancer and heart disease.
Quiona and Pecans are adding extra benefits like protein and more antioxidants to improve skin and hair, slow aging, and boost blood vessels. Don’t let man-made items pull you away from God’s goodness. The evidence of his divine power is revealed in the things he made.
When Jacob and his family were in the midst of a famine, I assume they were living off pistachios, almonds, and honey. There were enough of these “choice fruits of the land” to exchange for what they needed most, grain!
Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: take some of the choice fruits of the land in your bags, and carry a present down to the man, a little balm and a little honey, gum, myrrh, pistachio nuts, and almonds.
I pray you see the benefit of intentional eating when you prepare your family’s dishes tonight. You don’t have to settle for plain quinoa with salt and pepper. You can bump any dish up to a power bowl when you add these ingredients. Your taste buds will rave, your cells with rejoice, and you’ll get the energy you need to start or finish your day.
Turmeric & Pumpkin Power Bowl
Turmeric & Pumpkin Power Bowl
2 Cups Quiona
6 Mushrooms
1/4 Cup Onion
2 Cloves Garlic
1 Tsp Ghee
2 Tsp Turmeric
1 Tbsp Pecans
1 Tbsp Pumpkin Seeds
2 Tbsp Parsley
1/2 Tsp Salt
1/4 Tsp Pepper
I precook my Quiona on my preparation day so it is ready to use throughout the week.
In a skillet sauté the cleaned and chopped mushrooms in the ghee (or butter) until tender, about 1 minute. Add the garlic and onions next and sauté another minute.
Use a food grater to mince the fresh turmeric root (yes, use fresh!)
Add the pumpkin seeds and pecans and stir well.
Serve on a plate and enjoy or top with fresh chicken breast or an egg.
I hope you enjoy this turmeric & pumpkin power bowl as much as I do! If you are looking for more ideas for healthy recipes check out the garden page! I am looking forward to simplifying health for you physically and spiritually. You can enjoy all the recipes and encouragement on this site for free and without annoying advertisements. If you need help with lifestyle ideas check out the workshops I offer!
Ros E. Health benefits of nut consumption. Nutrients. 2010 Jul;2(7):652-682. doi: 10.3390/nu2070652. Epub 2010 Jun 24. PMID: 22254047; PMCID: PMC3257681.
A Gift of Joy
The gift of joy is the most satisfying element in life, and it is free.
Everyone who thirsts may come.
He who has no money may buy and eat! It has no price.
Why do we spend our money on things that are not bread and labor for things that don’t satisfy?
Isaiah says, “Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near”
When we return to the Lord, he has compassion on us and abundantly pardons straying thoughts, selfish desires, and pride.
The Lord’s Word goes out from his mouth and does not return empty but accomplishes all that He purposes.
“For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” (Isaiah 55:12)
The word of the Lord comes to Joseph in a dream to reassure him the child within his virgin betrothed is indeed from God. I can only imagine the relieved joy in his heart upon hearing this news.
Mary has remained faithful to him, there is no shame in this conception. Nor is there a need to divorce her quietly. The angel says, “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Mathew 1:21)
When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus (Mathew 1:24).
Joseph, son of David, his thoughts whirling about how to get out of this situation is led to accept all the Lord spoke through the prophet Isaiah.
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name ‘Immanuel’ (which means God with us). (Mathew 1:22-23)
The gift of joy is coming through his wife, and he is privileged to raise the Son of God. How quickly his thoughts of turmoil turned to dismay and wonder!
Although righteous, he did nothing to earn this highest honor. Even though his culture shuns the unknown circumstances of Jesus’ birth, and may question the purity of his bride, the gift of joy overrides doubt.
What gift of joy overrides the fear and doubt in your life today?
Let God’s thoughts over you and His reassurance of who you are in Him be the gift of joy in your heart today. Your spiritual health and wellness are of great importance to Him, and to me! Jesus came so we may have life abundantly, here on earth and eternally.
What needs to take place for you to experience joy for a lifetime? King David may have some ideas for you and me today.
A Gift of Joy for a Lifetime
I will shout to the heavens over you Lord, for you have pulled my face away from anxiety, fear, pain, and illness.
When I cry to you for help, you heal me.
You take my soul from the pit of hell and restore life to me.
I sing praises to you among my brothers and sisters in Christ and give thanks to your holy name, because your anger is but for a moment, and your favor is for a lifetime.
“Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5b)
I take king David’s words of song in dedication to the temple and put them in my own words because God is worthy of extolling praise and has taken my drawn face out of the pit many times.
The foes of doubt, never measuring up, not being accepted fully by those I love, and physical infirmary pale in comparison to the gift of joy coming when all God’s plan is fulfilled.
The lowly shepherds relate to my occasional feelings of being the outcast. Taking care of animals night and day would be a low position in society. However, it is thought the shepherds keeping watch over the flock by night were assigned to care for the sacrificial lamb to be slain (Wilson, 2012).
The perfect spotless lamb had to remain free of injury for the coming sacrifice. A heavenly calling and important job requiring diligence and commitment brought the angel of the Lord to their presence.
What has your face drawn and downcast today?
Pray this with me today:
God there is an emptiness on my heart that can only be filled by you. The loss of my loved one runs deep and at times sadness pulls me into a pit. Lord, please take my weeping and turn it to joy. I praise you for giving me the true spotless lamb who sacrificed all for me and restores life to me. I look forward to the day when I can rejoice with the one, I’m temporarily separated from, because we share a deeper eternal joy surpassing this lifetime. Give me the strength to continue your heavenly calling on my life that I may pursue you with diligence and commitment as the shepherds did.
In Jesus name I pray, amen.
Conviction, A Gift of Joy
Another surprising way God has of bringing us joy is conviction!
Although conviction has a way of bringing remorse and sorrow, once its power grieves the heart enough to seek repentance, there is a gift of joy-filled relief.
There is no more bearing the weight of guilt and shame.
In its place is the ability to say goodbye to selfishness that prevents healing in relationships. Conviction is bittersweet truth bringing lasting comfort, only the Word made flesh can do.
I see the nation of Israel under conviction in Nehemiah chapter 8. After seventy years of captivity, they are allowed to return to Jerusalem and rebuild its wall of protection.
On the day of completion all the people were gathered to hear the reading of the law (God’s Word). Many are hearing it for the first time and raising their hands in worship.
As the priests move among them explaining the words, Israel is moved to weeping and mourning their sin.
{And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:9-10}
The night of Jesus’ birth the lowly shepherds witnessed a multitude of heavenly hosts praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, among those whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2;14)
Elevated to a position of grace and favor, they made haste to find the baby lying in a manger. “And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told to them.”
God wants to restore you and I to the place of grace and honor too.
He makes a way for us, just like he did Israel and the lowly shepherds. It is through the Word made flesh, Jesus.
Once we see and understand this, the joy of the Lord becomes our strength. Conviction, my friend, is the gift that brings us to Him.
May He be your strength today! I look forward to serving you and helping you simplify your health physically and spiritually. Contact me for your next women’s event for speaking or teaching!
Mysty
RN Health & Wellness Coach
Simplifying Health God’s Way
Soul-Filled Gift of Hope
Do you ever get frustrated planning for the holidays? Or does the gift of hope get lost in the pressure of expectations?
If you are like me, you take time to choose a special gift and pay careful attention preparing a loved one’s favorite dish. All the while, you’re really wondering if they’ll even show up.
Pressure mounts when you can’t find the item you need or the ingredients that make your recipe just right.
In addition to figuring out the month’s itinerary, work still has to be done, errands ran, and bills paid.
If we’re not careful, we can lose sight of the hope of the season.
“The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations.” (Psalm 33:11)
“Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in His Holy name. “
The gift of hope is coming!
As you and I begin to celebrate the advent of our Savior’s birth, we can rest assured in God’s steadfast love.
Overthinking everything else dims the brilliance of this perfect gift in our hearts.
The hearts of our loved ones are not won by special gifts, or by our skills in the kitchen.
The gift their hearts truly crave is Jesus, since God placed eternity on the heart of all mankind.
May you and I let the greatest gift be resting in the shield of his protection and love. The gladness of our hearts will illuminate the gift of hope for everyone around us.
Even when the root of bitterness rises, you gently remind me to trust you.
You incline your ear to me and save me from my own thoughts.
My rock of refuge, I continually come. Just as the Psalmist turns to you when his strength is spent, so do I. Upon you I have leaned from before my birth, you are He who took me from my mother’s womb. My praise is continually of you
(Psalm 71:6).
God’s plan for you and me is clear from birth too. From scripture we see his love for His own.
His plan for Zechariah and Elizabeth to have a son was delayed, but oh so glorious. The hope deferred was so overwhelming it brought disbelief.
Yet it still came.
The multitude of people were praying outside at the hour of incense when the angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah. Five months later, she who was called barren conceived a son. For nothing is impossible with God.
The bitter self- disgrace was removed from Elizabeth’s thoughts. She kept herself hidden saying, “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people (Luke 1:25).
Reproach is a cause or occasion of blame, discredit, or disgrace.
What is an area of your life that needs blame or disgrace removed?
Let the hope of the Lord remove it today. Remain steadfast, righteous, and faithful as God works through you and around you.
The miracle child of Zechariah and Elizabeth is to pave the way and ready a people for Jesus. You, sweet friend, have been chose too.
In your circle of influence, you prepare children, friends, and family to see the beauty of hoping in Jesus too.
The impact on their tender hearts will have eternal rewards!
Gift of Hope in The Word Made Flesh
“My Soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your Word.” (Psalm 119:81)
The hope of salvation rests on the Word of God. Coming to fruition is the everlasting covenant promised to king David, and revealed to the virgin in Bethlehem.
I imagine Mary, breathless with fear as the Word of God comes out of the mouth of Gabriel. Assurance is hers, as it will not return empty, but accomplish all that He purposes (Isaiah 55:11).
“You will conceive in your womb and bear a son. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
(Luke 1:31a, 32-33)
A word of assurance and a true gift of hope in God’s word.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. And the word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as the only Son from the Father full of grace and truth.
(John 1:1,14)
The promised Messiah. The Word becoming flesh. Is coming through her, how can this be?
Simple, dear Mary, the power of the Most high will come upon you.
And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord, let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:36a)
You and I don’t rest in fantasy or empty promises from those who may disappoint us. Like Mary, we can rest in the living Word of the Most High who humbled himself to become a babe in the womb.
It’s the hope of the Word made flesh our souls long for, because in it is salvation. Our spiritual health depends on applying scripture’s truth to our lives each day.
How will you hold this gift of hope close to your heart today?
The Gift of Hope in Obedience
When I get some amazing news, I can hardly wait to tell my family. I make haste to grab my phone and tell my husband, my daughters, or my mom and sister!
Mary is no different. When the angel departed from her, Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country of Judah. With the hope of the angel’s words fresh in her heart, she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.
Confirmation of Elizabeth’s condition combined with her excited proclamation of, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”, fills Mary with rejoicing humbleness. (Luke 1:42-43)
As the infant, John, leaps for joy in Elizabeth’s womb, the Holy Spirit fills her to quiet the emotions this enormous task places on the young virgin. “Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” (Luke 1:25)
All amazing news is a gift of hope from God we can’t wait to share.
It fills us with the hope and brings us closer to our Savior. Mary’s song of praise represents how our hearts can accept and share the hope of Jesus.
*My soul magnifies the Lord
*My spirit rejoices in God my Savior
*He looks on the humble state of His servant
*He who is mighty has done great things for me
*His mercy is for those who fear Him
*He has shown strength in His arm
*He has brought down the mighty from their thrones
* He has filled the hungry with good things
Although the task God calls Mary to do is above and beyond any you and I are called to do, we can still capture the spirit of being called and glorify the Lord humbly in obedience.
For some of us, that may mean walking away from sin and committing ourselves to the Lord. For others, it may require removing our pride and apologizing to someone we’ve wronged.
Whatever the call is upon our lives, make haste to rejoice like Mary and Elizabeth, and move forward in the hope of Jesus clearing the way for belief.
The Gift of Hope in Salvation
God of our salvation and hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas.
O you who hear prayer, to you shall all flesh come.
By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness.
Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! (Psalm 65:5b,2,5a,4)
The blessed hope of a son arrives for Zechariah and Elizabeth in the joyous presence of friends and family. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Zechariah’ muteness dissolves into a glorious prophecy for his son:
*Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed His people
*Raised a horn of salvation for us
*Spoke from the mouths of his holy prophets from of old, that we be save from our enemies and those who hate us
* We being delivered from the hands of our enemies might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness
*And, the child John, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you go before the Lord to prepare his way
*Give knowledge of salvation to His people in the forgiveness of their sins
*Because of the tender mercy of God
*Giving light to those who sit in darkness to guide our feet in the way of peace
The enemy who hates you is Satan, and he wants you to stay bogged down in self-loathing lies.
Lies that invade your thoughts about yourself, your friends, your family, and your coworkers.
The hope of his defeat is herald by John and the angels, the Most High becomes a babe, lives a sinless life, and suffered and died on a tree so you and I can live free of Satan’s lies.
Despite walking among those who are still living in darkness, Jesus makes a way for peace to enter our souls. May the God of our salvation who brings hope from the farthest seas speak softly to your spirit today, friend. Rest in knowing, “Oh you who hear prayer, to you shall all flesh come!”
What is the deepest hope of your heart today and how can I pray for you?
You may not be comfortable sharing personal things in public places, and I understand.
So, just say in the comments, “God knows!”, and that will be enough information to let me pray for you.
Let God work a miracle in your heart this season with His mighty word, and may your spiritual health be lifted today as you trust in Him for all your needs.
I am here for you as a RN Health & Wellness Coach if you need spiritual coaching, as you navigate the beautiful gift of hope during on this journey of life! It is a sure path to complete wellness alongside our physical health!
Mysty
Simplifying Health God’s Way
10 Best Ways to Use Leftover Turkey
I’m sharing 10 ways to use your leftover turkey today!
You’ve praised and thanked God for this year’s provision and survived your 3rd turkey dinner of the week. Feeling full as a tick about to explode, you may be wondering what to do with the rest of your leftover turkey. Rest assured, in today’s post I have a few ideas that will help you’ll enjoy enhanced and varied flavors of the leftover bird.
#1 Way to Use Leftover Turkey–Turkey Tortilla Soup
I love to make a Turkey Tortilla Soup. It’s as simple as using my Chicken Tortilla Soup-Autoimmune Style and substituting the chicken for turkey. This soup base has a puree of boiled beets, carrots, onion, and garlic that make an amazingly tasteful broth for the soup. Best of all its anti-inflammatory, something we need after a little too much celebrating.
If you’re used to the old-fashioned way, and can tolerate tomatoes without inflammation, feel free to use a large jar of salsa in place of the beet puree. The recipe is easy and will be ready within the hour. Spice it up with some fresh or dried oregano, garlic, onions, and chopped zucchini. It’s delicious!
# 2 Way to use Leftover Turkey—Turkey Salad
This is a no brainer, right? Chop some turkey, add a little cranberry sauce, chopped fresh celery, pecans, and you have a delightful turkey salad to eat for lunch on some fresh tortillas and greens! Staying on track with your health plans is doable during the holidays! Click here for my full Turkey Salad Recipe.
#3 Way to Enjoy Leftover Turkey—Turkey and Butternut Squash Enchiladas
You will enjoy the simplicity of this very tasty dish. Using 2 cups of the leftover turkey (instead of chicken in the original recipe) combine it with 1 teaspoon of cumin and 1 tsp of oregano, 1/2 cup chopped onions, and a small can of green chilies, in a small bowl. Mix well and place 2 tablespoons of the mixture on a fresh tortilla and roll up nice and neat, place it in a 8×8 pan. Cover with butternut squash sauce. See full recipe Here
# 4 Turkey Pot Pie
Yes, easy leftover turkey pot pie is so good! All you have to do is combine 2 cups of chopped turkey in a large soup pot, add 2 bags of frozen mixed vegetables or your own leftover vegetables (corn, green beans, carrots), add 3 cups of broth bring to a simmer and add 1 cup of milk (I use plain almond milk) mixed with 2 tablespoons of flour, (or thickening regent of your choice), and seasonings (salt, pepper, onion powder). Once the liquid thickens, place onto your favorite pie crust and top with remaining crust. Bake according to Pie directions about 25-35 minutes at 350 is what I usually do. It’s so delicious.
5. Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
Replace the beef or lamb, in your favorite Shepherd’s pie recipe, with turkey. Combine the turkey with mixed vegetables, 3 cups of broth, spices, and flour milk mixture. Brink to a simmer until thickened, and then place in a 9×13 dish, cover with your left-over mashed potatoes and bake at 350 until heated through.
6. Buffalo Turkey Dip
Yep, this is going to go very well with some nachos! Combine 2 cups of leftover turkey with 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1 block of cream cheese, 1 can of green Chilles (with the juice) and 1/2 cup chopped onion. Heat on the stove or place in a small crockpot until ready to serve.
7. Mini Turkey Pizzas
A turkey mini pizza uses a tortilla wrap, cover with butternut squash sauce (baked squash, 1 clove minced garlic, 1 tsp salt blended in a blender) or your favorite tomato or yummy green pesto sauce, cover each tortilla with 1/2 cup shredded turkey, 1/2 cup red onion, and 1 cup chopped kale. Top with a sprinkle of aged parmesan, or Romano cheese, or a dab of mozzarella.
8. Turkey Frittata
Oh, so good. Line a oven-safe skillet with avocado oil, shred a sweet potato over the bottom about an inch thick, season with a little salt, paprika, and pepper. In a blender grate fresh turmeric and a teaspoon each of cardamom and pepper with 8 whole eggs. Blend well and pour onto shredded sweet potato. Add 2 cups of shredded chicken, 1/2 cup shredded cabbage or Brussel sprouts, 1/2 cup chopped orange or red peppers. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes or until eggs are fully cooked. Enjoy!
9. Turkey Cabbage Rolls
This is very tasty and delicious way to use your left-over turkey. In a pan, slightly boil 1/2 head of cabbage until just tender, about 20 minutes. Pull out of the water to cool until its ready to handle. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded turkey, 1/2 cup of onion, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tesp pepper, 1 tsp oregano, and 1 clove of mince garlic, mix well. When the cabbage leaves are cooled, remove one and place a tablespoon or two of the turkey mixture into a leaf, roll it up and place it side down into a casserole dish. Continue until all the mixture is gone. Preheat oven to 350. Cover the cabbage rolls with 2 cups of cream of mushroom soup (I use 1 package of fresh chopped sauteed mushrooms in avocado oil, then combine 2 cups of broth and 1 cups of milk (I use almond) and 3 tablespoons of flour, mix while all are cold and add to the heated mushrooms, stir until thickened). Bake for 20 minutes or until heated through.
10. Turkey Avocado Cups
This refreshing and filling little appetizer looks great on a serving tray and is a nice treat during Saturday festivities. All you have to do is mix 2 cups of leftover turkey with 1 large, mashed avocado, 1/2 cup red minced onion, 1/2 red minced red pepper, and 1 minced clove of garlic, with the juice of 1 lime. Place a tablespoon of the mixture in some fresh baked phyllo shells and enjoy!
Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
I hope you enjoy these 10 easy ways to use your leftover turkey this weekend! I pray you have a blessed holiday season and remain thankful for all of God’s many blessings!
I’m here for you if you need coaching through the holidays! Staying on track and eating good food is possible, all we need is the right attitude.
God’s Gift of Olive Oil
I love the gift of olive oil! Its many valuable uses, benefits, and flavor are worth sharing and enjoying every day.
“If he offers it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the thanksgiving sacrifice unleavened loaves mixed with oil, unleavened wafers smeared with oil, and loaves of fine flour well mixed with oil.”
Leviticus 7:12
Olive trees have been around long before 5000 BC., one of God’s many gifts to man.
* Israel used it to mix with fine flour and present it to the priests as a first fruit offering. (Lev. 2)
* They used it for burning lamps in the sanctuary (Ex. 27:20)
They cold pressed the precious olive fruit to extract the oil and create their anointing oils, cakes, and bread. How simple life is when living off the land, yet also difficult. According to Bible History, the olives are ripe in September and are harvested and pressed for oil until November.
The branches are picked, and olives removed. They are placed on the stone surface and a large millstone is used to press out the oil. The Bible History site says the word for olive press is Gethsemane.
Oh, how the truest gift of Christ kneeling in prayer in such a place filled with history and purpose come to life!
What Makes Olive Oil a Wonderful Gift?
Olive oil makes the heart glad in more ways than one! It’s such a beautiful gift from God.
Olive oil is made of up of 80% monosaturated fat and 1-2 % polyphenols. However, the geographic location, and the way it’s processed makes a difference in retaining its precious properties.
Nutritional and antioxidant properties of EVOO are related to the presence and concentration of tocopherols, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds that greatly impact human health.
No seed oil (soybean, vegetable, corn, or canola) has these beneficial properties!
I’ll share more about benefits of olive oil tomorrow. Today, I want you to have this simple and delicious dressing to use each day on your salads.
Apple Cider and Vinegar Dressing
1 ounce apple cider vinegar
2 ounces Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 teaspoons of raw honey (optional)
1 pinch each, salt, pepper, onion powder, or your favorite herb.
De Santis S, Cariello M, Piccinin E, Sabbà C, Moschetta A. Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Lesson from Nutrigenomics. Nutrients. 2019; 11(9):2085. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11092085
Romani A, Ieri F, Urciuoli S, Noce A, Marrone G, Nediani C, Bernini R. Health Effects of Phenolic Compounds Found in Extra-Virgin Olive Oil, By-Products, and Leaf of Olea europaea L. Nutrients. 2019; 11(8):1776. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11081776
Jasmine F Millman, Shiki Okamoto, Taiki Teruya, Tsugumi Uema, Shinya Ikematsu, Michio Shimabukuro, Hiroaki Masuzaki, Extra-virgin olive oil and the gut-brain axis: influence on gut microbiota, mucosal immunity, and cardiometabolic and cognitive health, Nutrition Reviews, Volume 79, Issue 12, December 2021, Pages 1362–1374, https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuaa148
Butternut Squash Pie
The harvest of butternut squash is storing well for winter and I’m using one today to develop a butternut squash pie for my family, Thanksgiving Day. God’s design for this winter squash is something to be admired. The skin hardens to protect the flesh inside and it stays well protected for months.
It gets so hard, I don’t even bother to peel it when I’m ready to use it! Instead, I place it on a baking sheet to bake at 350 degrees. After about 45 minutes in the oven, I let it cool until it’s ready to handle.
Benefits of This Butternut Squash Pie
The pie is naturally sweet so you and I can use less sugar.
It tastes like pumpkin pie, so you won’t need a store-bought unknown source of pumpkin to bake with, you can create your own.
It’s super easy to make!
It has the same antioxidant benefits of all butternut squash recipes. They have beta-carotene and A-carotenoids. This is helpful to deter macular degeneration and cataracts and help protect the epithelium (the inner lining of our blood vessels). We need all the heart protection we can get.
One cup has a large amount of vitamin A (212%), some C (35%), B6 (10%), and a little potassium and magnesium.
God’s plan for your physical health is evident in the things He created. We see this every time we read how many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are placed in the plants and what they do for our bodies! On the other hand, we know man’s ultra-processed items destroy the cells and cause chronic disease.
Let’s get our families away from that practice and towards a less toxic cooking experience.
He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and merciful. He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever.
To make your pie crust, mix the salt with the flour, cut the butter into the flour until it looks like crumbles. Add the stevia syrup (homemade stevia is 1/2 tsp, store bought is just a couple of drops because it's much more concentrated). to the water
Add the water, start with 6 tsp, depending on humidity, it may need more. You'll know if it looks dry and it not forming a ball to add more. Roll it out and cover your pie dish.
The Pie Filling
In a large mixing bowl combine your butternut squash with the spices, maple, syrup, eggs, and milk, and a pinch of stevia. Mix all ingredients together until well blended.
Pour into the pie crust and bake about 30 minutes, checking with a toothpick to make sure it comes out clean. Cool and serve!
**The nutrition facts for the fresh-milled pie crust are not in the nutrition calculator system, so there is more fiber in the fresh-milled pie crust than what is displayed.***
I hope you give this zero refined sugar pie a try for your holiday! I love developing recipes from God’s garden goodness, He supplies such abundance and gives so much thought and care into what we need, it is easy to be thankful!
If you are looking for other recipes using your butternut squash here is another one you might like! I do an entire workshop on using butternut squash too, so look at my booking a workshop page to see if you and a few friends might want a girl’s night out to enjoy this creative workshop!
I look forward to serving you and offering you add free recipes and browsing on this site! Share this recipe with a friend or on your social media so others can be encouraged too!
References:
Tang G. Bioconversion of dietary provitamin A carotenoids to vitamin A in humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 2010 May;91(5):1468S-1473S. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.2010.28674G. Epub 2010 Mar 3. PMID: 20200262; PMCID: PMC2854912.
Top 6 Foods Causing Inflammation
Do you ever eat something and feel so miserable afterward you wonder, “What in the world caused that!?”
My guess is, you probably have. There are so many foods that can cause an allergic reaction or an inflammatory response, I thought it might be helpful to post a brief cheat sheet of the top culprits of each.
Keep in mind, this is not an exhaustive list, and some sources vary in their choices of foods that cause reactions. There are also multiple environmental factors affecting our food; like, pesticides, herbicides, preservatives, colorings, flavorings, etc.
Top 6 Foods for Causing Inflammation and Why it Matters
Inflammation in the short-term is good, it’s a part of our bodies defense system. However, continuous exposure to inflammatory foods leads to chronic conditions like arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Even more alarming is the connection of inflammation to Parkinson’s, asthma, mental illness and depression. (1)
However, most sources agree on the following six foods as causing reactions.
Substance
What the Studies Say
Sugar and High Fructose Corn Syrup
Intakes of apple juice in children 2-9 years old show 5 times more incidence of asthma. (2) Young adults drinking 5 drinks or more per week are 3 times more likely to have arthritis. (3) Excess sugar consumption correlates to the increase in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Prediabetes (4)
Trans Fats
It’s important to understand the differences in naturally occurring trans-fat in animal products like milk and meat (supported as healthy by some sources and demonized by others) verses harmful chemically altered, hydrogenated, trans fats like margarine and vegetable shortening. Intake causes excessive production proinflammatory cytokines and increased metabolic syndrome and heart disease (5) The relationship to diabetes is present in some human studies but not in others. It lowers good cholesterol (HDL) and impairs blood flow in the arteries. (6)
Vegetable and Seed OIls
Seed oils are high in omega-6 fats, which is not bad in itself, however, the overuse of them in our food supply make the ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 inflammatory. We want a 2:1 ratio for best health and we’re getting around 15-20:1, according to most sources. Also, these oils are mechanically removed, bleached, and deodorized in order for them to be consumable. Harsh chemicals are used to do make this oil “look clean”. Proceed with caution!
Refined Carbohydrates
Again, ultra-processed, refined white flour, and sugar cause blood sugar spikes, and increase inflammation. These are found in glazed doughnuts, cakes, cookies, breakfast cereals, and fast-food restaurants. Avoid, avoid, avoid,
Excessive Alcohol
The American Heart Association recommends one alcoholic beverage for women and no more than two for men in a day. That means, an 8-ounce beer, 1 ounce of hard liquor, or 6 ounces of wine. Drinking more than this amount has been implicated in increased heart disease and cancer.
Processed Meats
Sausage, bacon, hot dogs, lunchmeat and other ultra-processed meat items contain monosodium glutamate, nitrates, and nitrites that are known to cause cancer and inflammation.
I like a short list like this because it makes it easier to eliminate potential offending items. If one of my clients in in chronic pain, has digestive issues, or has another chronic condition, I want to help them find the underlying cause.
A short list is easier to use for identifying inflammation triggers, remove them for a few weeks, and give the cells rest. It is a simple way to determine if they feel better when the foods are not consumed.
After two weeks is up, they add one of the items back and see if it causes problems. If yes, they know to not eat it. If no reaction, they add another item the next week and see if their body reacts to it… and so on and so forth with the remaining items.
When we are mindful of how our bodies react to certain foods, we can begin intentional eating that may help heals us at the cellular level.
God put over 8,000 antioxidants, plus vitamins and minerals in the plants to sustain and nourish us. The mutations and flaws in the human race over time, alongside the tampering of our food supply has contributed to allergic reactions, with a few of these natural foods.
If this is you today, and you want simple strategies to overcome inflammation in your body, I hope you find the answers you are seeking.
I think you and I can make the items we love much better than any ultra-processed item found in a box or fast-food restaurant. God’s plan that first day of creation saw to it, we will always have what we need to thrive, in Him and His provision from the garden!
2. DeChristopher LR, Uribarri J, Tucker KL. Intakes of apple juice, fruit drinks and soda are associated with prevalent asthma in US children aged 2-9 years. Public Health Nutr. 2016 Jan;19(1):123-30. doi: 10.1017/S1368980015000865. Epub 2015 Apr 10. PMID: 25857343.
3. DeChristopher LR, Uribarri J, Tucker KL. Intake of high-fructose corn syrup sweetened soft drinks, fruit drinks and apple juice is associated with prevalent arthritis in US adults, aged 20-30 years. Nutr Diabetes. 2016 Mar 7;6(3):e199. doi: 10.1038/nutd.2016.7. PMID: 26950480; PMCID: PMC4817078.
4. Softic S, Cohen DE, Kahn CR. Role of Dietary Fructose and Hepatic De Novo Lipogenesis in Fatty Liver Disease. Dig Dis Sci. 2016 May;61(5):1282-93. doi: 10.1007/s10620-016-4054-0. Epub 2016 Feb 8. PMID: 26856717; PMCID: PMC4838515.
5. Softic S, Cohen DE, Kahn CR. Role of Dietary Fructose and Hepatic De Novo Lipogenesis in Fatty Liver Disease. Dig Dis Sci. 2016 May;61(5):1282-93. doi: 10.1007/s10620-016-4054-0. Epub 2016 Feb 8. PMID: 26856717; PMCID: PMC4838515.
6. de Roos NM, Bots ML, Katan MB. Replacement of dietary saturated fatty acids by trans fatty acids lowers serum HDL cholesterol and impairs endothelial function in healthy men and women. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2001 Jul;21(7):1233-7. doi: 10.1161/hq0701.092161. PMID: 11451757.
A Wonderful Review of “Everyday Theology” Bible Study
I am reviewing “Everyday Theology, What You Believe Matters” by Mary Wiley, today because it’s so good you’ll want to add it to your list of must do studies! It is not only foundational, encouraging, and biblically solid, it will prepare you to articulate solid truth for the world.
Why is that so important?
Well, because the world is really busy filling my mind, my kids’ minds, and your mind with its views!
I notice this every day in media, marketing, articles, and even health promoting sites. However, I experienced it yesterday through casual conversation, meeting a new person for the first time. The person was so adept at incorporating his worldview into everything he said, I left the encounter knowing exactly where he stood on every frontline issue.
His choice of words to describe his role at a previous school gave a brief view of what he taught. However, the Hillbilly antics of the people who lived there filled his conversation and expressed his perception of the racial divide. By the time we were ready to leave, I knew his views on marriage, abortion, and conservatives.
My friend, I want our radically different views of life, marriage, and family to roll off our tongues in casual conversation too! Mary Wiley’s, “Everyday Theology” is going to help us do that! More importantly, it will show us how to do it in a non-confrontational or negative way.
Sessions Covered in Everyday Theology
We will start the study learning about the following topics:
Scripture
God
Jesus
The Holy Spirit
Humanity
Salvation
The Church
The End Times
In this eight-week study, you will get a clear view of everyday theology and how to talk about your beliefs with others. If you want a study guide to follow, you can order it with her video teaching sessions at Lifeway.com.
In our introduction and the following weeks reveal the importance of forever. When we examine scripture and see God’s plan for order and protection, we see love and guidance for a more peaceful way to live. I want that for myself and my family, and I want it for you!
Let’s take a look at the term “forever”.
What does forever mean to you?
To me, it means to the end of the age and beyond death. Our scripture memory verse today in Isaiah 40:8 describes God’s Word as standing forever.
I invited a lady to bible study yesterday because this day of study helped me clarify my purpose.
Sharing with her how studying the bible has changed my life for the better just rolled off my tongue. The thought provoking questions that make me think about what I’m reading has transformed my life more than just sitting down to read a chapter or listening to a sermon ever could.
However, even though I’ve enjoyed bible study for personal growth over the years, it’s never been something I wanted to keep secret.
The urge to share it with you and others just kind of took over my life. It has nothing to do with me being a good person, but evidence of the transforming Word of truth hitting a humbled heart. I want everyone I know to experience this!
My friend, God’s Word is forever, because it’s relevant, meaningful, and purposeful. It is everyday theology coming alive is us as we share his living and active Word that is sharper than a double-edged sword to pierce the thoughts and attitudes of every heart!
Spend some time in the following Psalm to understand a heart longing for God and understanding how important it is to communicate with our heavenly Father.
Psalm 119:89-91
Psalm 119:92
Psalm 119:97-104
Mary Wiley says, “If we love God without loving God’s Word, we don’t really know the object of our affection.
Pray for a desire to seek God in His Word over every other desire in your life. He’ll gladly answer this prayer and give you the true desire of your heart…Him.
I’ll be the first to admit, I am not a good baker. However, that does not stop me from making these fresh-milled whole wheat buns!
Guess what? You don’t have to be a good baker to make them either!
I adjusted this recipe from Sue Becker’s adaptation of the Sojurishi recipe. Her blog post is here if you want to see what she does to make hers. She is the pro, not me! My journey started here!
However, in baking we do what works for us, don’t we?
God provides us just what we need when we need it, and He has gone above and beyond with the benefits of the various grain varieties He created. Even if you have a wheat sensitivity, there is a grain for you.
The choices of millet, barley, oats, quinoa, and buckwheat are some that come to mind. They are filling and satisfying.
Anyway, I hope you like the recipe, and the ways I used them for my various meals in the pictures below.
Super Easy Fresh-Milled Whole Wheat Buns
4 Cups Fresh Milled Whole Wheat Flour
1 1/2 Cups Water
2 tsps. Salt
1/3 Cup Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tbsp yeast
Heat oven to 350 degrees.
I put 2 cups of fresh-milled flour into my stand mixer and add the salt and the water. I mix lightly until just combined and then let it sit 20 minutes.
After this time, I add the yeast, oil and then a little at a time, the remaining flour and let the mixer knead the dough 8 minutes.
I remove my beaters, and lightly flour my hands as I shape the dough into 12 buns. I lay them on parchment paper until they are double in size. (I don't do a double rise, that's why this is so easy).
Bake them at 350 for about 18 minutes.
If you like this no sugar bread, give it a rating and let me know how you make yours!
Momma’s Power Over Her Family’s Health Begins Here
Mommas and grand mommas do you understand the potential power you have over your family’s health?
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
Although this may be tough at first, when the whining, begging, and tears of little ones aside their health is worth the effort. When the junk is not present in the house, you and I have all the power over better choices.
And it starts in the grocery store by filling the cart with garden goodness and not bringing junk home.
God’s plan for you, me, and our children is to thrive. Therefore, we can be thankful He put all the healing properties we need in the food He created.
Culturally, for me in rural Kentucky, growing up with a high sugar breakfast, lunch, and snacks were the norm. So, when I consider this statement from the CDC’s website, I cringe inside:
“Empty calories from added sugars and solid fats contribute to 40% of daily calories for children and adolescents age 2–18 years—affecting the overall quality of their diets. Approximately half of these empty calories come from six sources: soda, fruit drinks, dairy desserts, grain desserts, pizza, and whole milk. Most youth do not consume the recommended amount of total water.”
Although the choices of my culture can be eliminated at the grocery store, wise marketing and strategically placed items of little nutrition are still present and tempting.
They are placed within view on every isle of the store. Not to mention, television ads are geared towards our little ones.
Momma’s Power to Resist
How does a momma start to change the culture of her home with this onslaught of persuasion making life easier for her?
One way is prayer, another way is knowledge.
When you and I understand how damaging this ultra-processed food is to our child’s genetic code and his ability to fight chronic disease, we realize the value of filling our cart with God’s miraculous healing food instead.
As the tantrums and meltdowns begin at home, we can calmly take the child over to the cabinet or refrigerator and show him the apples, grapes, bananas, mandarin oranges, kiwi, and pineapple that are available.
We’re off the hook because we are not the villainous sugar depriver in his mind. A simple statement like, “Sorry honey, this is what we have to eat” is all he needs to hear.
Just like the myth of Santa roams through his childish mind, so does the myth overly processed food is satisfying and what he craves. Eventually, out of site will be out of mind, too.
Seeing the effects on his nervous system is also helpful in gaining knowledge, as seen in the diagram of handwriting samples below. How can a child think clearly with such frayed neurons?
Credit for this photo is the Dr. Sears Wellness Institute
The Benefits of Momma Gaining Power
Don’t get me wrong, removing ultra-processed food completely, may not be easy the first week. I remember changing my girls’ routine when they were around seven and nine years old. It took them a few days to get used to the lack of junk food in the house, but they survived.
Well, actually, they thrived.
However, for others, retraining the mind may be easier than retraining the taste buds. Not only that, but new taste and textures form slowly for children. Some sources say it may take 10-15 tries before they begin to like new things.
But offering very small amounts to the side of their plate instead of on the plate is a good way to get used to this as the new normal. Also, being careful not to force them to eat or take a bite, helps avoid power struggles where both of us leave the table defeated and upset.
Kids will eventually explore new items themselves out of curiosity, without mom or grandma pushing it on them verbally (2)
Oh, how I remember my own childhood and the reminders from my parents of starving kids in Africa! Missionaries came through church at various times throughout the year to show us pictures of these children, so I knew they were real.
Being thankful and grateful for our food is worth learning as a child and encouraging children to try new things, without guilt, is even more worthwhile. Teaching them how God placed vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in food to help them grow works better than a guilt trip. It shows how much He loves them.
Children receive good reasons to try new things and momma has an arsenal of immune boosting support for the next round of illnesses that are sure to come.
Momma’s Power to Help Restore Gut Health
Common childhood infections of the ears and throat come alongside the use of antibiotics too, don’t they? This is understandable, because kids are young and developing their immune systems. Plus, they are exposed to bacteria and viruses all around them.
So, what’s a mom to do when several courses of antibiotics have also wiped out the good bacteria in their child’s gut?
Momma’s power to help restore this very important component of her child’s health is in her hands, too. Here are three ways I’ve learned help us get started:
Increase a child’s intake of fermented foods
Kefir- a cultured milk drink that can be purchased plain and blended with fruit for a smoothie.
Fermented pickles
Sugar-free yogurt—the average yogurt for kids has 14grams of sugar, that is over 3 teaspoons!
Small amounts of kombucha— which is a fermented tea, a little sour, and naturally carbonated.
2. Include finely chopped onions and garlic and other root vegetables in meals
Root vegetables offer the right amount of natural sugar (oligosaccharides) feeding the good bacteria
our gut, they help break down fat, increases nitric oxide production, and are high in the antioxidant, quercetin.
3. Explore ways to increase fiber rich foods in every meal
Oats and the use of whole grains in muffins
Ground flax and chia seeds can be hidden in soups, on hot cereals, in cookies, or in burgers.
Encourage as many fruits and vegetables as they will eat, like carrots, apples, celery, bananas, cucumbers, avocados.
Don’t despair, God has placed all things, in many forms, for us to restore health. Trust Him as you explore items with your family to improve your health and prevent chronic disease.
He is worthy of praise!
I am here in the battle with you, and I’m here for you if you or your family need coaching, just contact me!
van der Horst K, Sleddens EFC. Parenting styles, feeding styles and food-related parenting practices in relation to toddlers’ eating styles: A cluster-analytic approach. PLoS One. 2017 May 24;12(5):e0178149. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178149. PMID: 28542555; PMCID: PMC5443548.
