Peanut butter & chia oat bars are something I make for my hubby’s snacks. They are dry like a granola bar, and slightly crunchy. I saw a similar recipe in Bread Becker’s cookbook as I was looking for some bars to make with the fresh milled whole wheat.

Although, this recipe is completely different, theirs gave me inspiration… I use the fresh milled whole grain but add oats, pumpkin, chia, and hemp seeds. They are rich in good omega 3 fats and also low sugar.

Benefits of Peanut Butter & Chia Oat Bars

Benefits of these bars are the high protein, high fiber, and as previously mentioned omega 3 fat. With this lusciously crunchy combination, these peanut butter bars will satisfy a hunger craving until suppertime. A 2-ounce bar has 2.5 grams of fiber, 175 calories, 5 grams of protein.

Chia seeds are rich in calcium, zinc, and phosphorous. They also have a good amount of omega 3 fat, protein and fiber. Plus, they’re so tiny you won’t notice anything but the slight crunch they add to these peanut butter bars. Their partner in these peanut butter and chia oat bars is hemp seed hearts. A source of complete protein, more omega 3, vitamin E and potassium.

Pumpkin Seeds are a good source of magnesium, manganese, and antioxidants. A rich source of antioxidants taken in our snacks help reduce inflammation and feed our cells what they crave…nutrients! Nutrients that help maintain bone, heart, and muscles. They are also well known for their prostate support. God’s thoughtfulness is evident in the things created to nourish and sustain us!

Devotion

I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds, I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.”

Psalm 9:1-2 EST

When I read about the macro and micronutrients in the grains and seeds God provided, I think of the Psalmist with his praise. Rejoicing in the little things is worship, my friend. God sees and He knows when we appreciate every little thing, He does to give us strength for each day. In our culture, these things are at our fingertips. May we recount all of His wonderful deeds!

I pray you are given stamina today with your choice of nuts and seeds. Maybe combine them all together in a peanut butter & chia oat bar for some added energy! Whatever you choose, know He is with you today and every day. God bless you!

Intentional Eating Series 1

            Intentional eating begins with a new mindset. If I can clearly see a plan set before me to thrive, I want to be a part of it and share it with you. God’s plan from the third day in the garden is exactly where that begins. Mindsets change from what is pleasing to the flesh and become what is pleasing to God when you and I follow his plan.

He is pleased when we obey Him. I believe it’s just like when I am pleased my grandkids don’t run out into the street when a car comes. Preventing our hurt saves Him hurt.

Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever”

John 14:15 ESV

Although we are sometimes taught to think of everything he said in spiritual terms, he put the spirit in a body, with a mind, that makes decisions every day. It’s easy to play the Pharisee in terms of other sins against the body than the one I am most guilty of…food.

You know, those certain items in the daily routine that have no nutritional value and are loaded with preservatives that are damaging to the cells. The “Frankenfoods” that are more than a habit, they’re must haves. When there is physical withdrawal from them or when my mouth waters at the site and smell of them, I might have an idol.

It may be easy for some people to deny food as an idol, but I’d like to see them give up their favorites to fast and pray so they see what happens. When you and I are intentional about eating what God provides in the garden, we are less prone to food idolatry and chronic disease. My friend, obeying God’s plan this way means less suffering for us, which is pleasing to God!

  “I see a day not long from now when every major mainstream media outlet proclaims this headline: Christians are the world’s healthiest people, with less heart disease, diabetes and obesity than the rest of the world and have a vibrant level of health”

Jordan S. Rubin

Can you see that day coming too?

I can, and it is my passion for the body of Christ. I have spent half of my life caring for, teaching, and comforting families of the sick and dying as a registered nurse. When I look at God’s plan unfold in the bible, I long for my brothers and siters to grasp the abundant life God calls them to live.

His plan is for our good and prosperous health! Not only that, but he provides everything we need to maintain and sustain the bodies he gave us to house the Holy Spirit.

I found the quote from Rubin, in the foreword of a book I just finished by Dr. Rex Russell, “What the Bible Says About Healthy Living.  Dr. Russell’s three principles are easy to follow and very rewarding.

1. Eat the Foods God Created for you
2. Don’t Alter God’s Design
3. Don’t let Any Food or Drink Become Your God “( 1996)

Intentionally incorporating this way of eating every day will change our minds about the choices we make each day. I don’t know about you but I’m tired of battling repeated sinus infections, colds, GERD, and arthritis pain! Changing my eating healed my irritable bowel syndrome years ago, it can help with these problems too.

 Even though I eat healthy; practicing 80 percent whole plant based, clean meat items, and 20% junk, I still suffer. I’m ready to start a new plan, God’s plan, with a new mindset. I will be sharing what I learn in Dr. Russell’s book and others in an upcoming workshop an on the Strengthen Your Heart blog with the STRENTH approach to wellness.

Stay tuned for times and dates for an Intentional Eating series as well. I am here for you and will pray with you and coach you any time!

References:

Russell, Rex, M.D. 1996, “What the Bible Says About Healthy Living” Baker Publishing Group, P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287

Welcome to week one of the STRENTH Approach to Christian Wellness. This week I will share with you my favorite way to combat the enemy of fear, doubt, shame, pride, and illness!  I don’t say that lightly, it is a daily battle! I believe the victory starts with the S in STRENGTH, S=Strategies for Lasting Change.

 Strategies for lasting change begin with small steps that lead to big changes.

The first strategy is to pray for more of God and less of self. A focus on self will always find discontent because it is on wants instead of needs. The focus is on the thoughts and desires of the world and not God.

Second, pray about what God is calling you and me to change in our lives. It may be in an area of relationship, health, addiction, anxiety, or lifestyle choices. The change you and I decide to make may improve how we function in our home, workplace, social gatherings, or church.

 Since we are three-part beings; mind, body, and spirit, everything around us and what we put in us matters! Just living through the past two years of 2020 and 2021 has impacted our mental and physical stability. We can’t escape the enticement to fear/anger/anxiety in a toxic culture, but we can create strategies for change that help us cope more effectively and last a lifetime.

Reacting in anger, distancing ourselves from others, reaching for substances or food to find comfort are all vices we reach for to help control emotions.

Whatever the personal struggle giving us some form of comfort, even when we know it’s not healthy; we can name it. And pray for God to place it beneath Him in our desires. We can be sure, we are not alone in our struggle; He loves us and wants us to succeed.

“For I’m sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present not things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 8:38-39 ESV

Moreover, if we are a people struggling with deteriorating health or battling emotional overeating, poor quality food choices, inactivity, or lack of knowledge; this is a safe place to confront destructive behavior and explore new options. We can connect for a free 30-minute consultation any time.  All without judgement or condemnation.

Although, we may want more energy, feel calmer, live healthier, and think more clearly, there is comfort in settling where we are. Using tools like the “wheel of life survey” helps clarify areas of potential dissatisfaction.  The Values in Action survey determine ingrained strength to lean into as we approach the change process.

Once God reveals the area of discontent, we can pray about removing obstacles, habits, or desires that conflict with his divine plan for our well-being.

Remember, change begins when we want something better.

Strategies for Lasting Change

• Pray for more of God and less of self.
• Pray about what God is asking me to change in my life.
• Pray for a desire to eat God’s plan of nutrition designed the 3^rd day in the garden to restore, sustain, and heal the mind and body. We have been deceived! There are so many substances in processed food that interfere with brain function! Look at this quote from a PubMed article:

“The most frequently encountered food excitotoxin is glutamate (Glu) which is commercially added to many foods despite evidence that it can freely penetrate certain brain regions and rapidly destroy neurons by hyperactivating the NMDA subtype of Glu receptor. “

NMDA (N -methyl-D-aspartate receptor) in the brain is affected by MSG monosodium glutamate is many processed foods. Kicking it out of our systems and replacing it with natural food from God’s Garden sets us on a path to healing.

•  Pray for Him to remove the desire for highly processed food with additives, preservatives, and chemicals that are harmful to the cells. Reach instead for foods that coat and protect the brain cells and calm the nerves.
• Cast out fear of viruses and plagues by concentrating instead on building our immune system.
• Pray for him to remove fear, anxiety, or anger that is destroying our relationships. Trust and believe that God will give us more of Him and less of the world. Its empty promises are no match for the abundant life we find in our Creator!

Prayer for Lasting Change

The strategies for lasting change my friend, begin with prayer. Seeking God in all we do gives us more strength because He IS our strength. I am here with you and for you, and will be happy to pray for you as you enter this phase of change.

Prayer:

Father God, I come to you humble, bare, and stripped of all barriers blocking my submission to your plan and your ways. Spiritually and physically, I need you now more than ever. I see your power and loving plan for me and others in creation. For your invisible attributes, namely your eternal power and divine nature have been clearly perceived ever since the creation of the world (Romans 1:19) and more recently in the microscopic evidence of your plants. How glorious and wonderful you are, my God and Savior! May I understand today that although all things are lawful, not all things are beneficial or build me up (1 Cor. 10:23). It’s a hard truth, but for anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself (1 Cor. 11:29) Help me learn a better way! Please help me see the damage of chemicals in food that are making me sick and change my desire for them to foul and disgusting! I cannot do it on my own, I need you, Holy Spirt to guide me in each moment of weakness. I thank you for the victory today, Lord; for it is yours and yours alone! In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

References:

Olney JW. Excitotoxins in foods. Neurotoxicology. 1994 Fall;15(3):535-44. PMID: 7854587.

Quinoa & Cucumber salad may not sound like a winter dish but in a new year of possibility and hope, it becomes one! You and I get a new start with fresh vegetables, curtesy of our local grocer, making this normally summertime salad possible.

I am thankful for the provision. And also, for my daughters, who inspire me when they share their latest recipe finds. My oldest called me today raving about her shredded brussels sprout salad with cashews.

It sounded delicious, but I don’t have fresh sprouts…just cucumber and onion. Hmm. That sounds doable for a simple salad. But wait, intentional eating is all about balance, I’ll need protein and fiber. Since I love quinoa and its fiber and protein content, it adds heartiness to create this quinoa and cucumber salad.

I’m thinking of tabouleh-type salad but without peppers…adding spicy onion, sweet beets, and cashews. Yum! The Brazil nuts are also on hand so a few of them will go in too. Who says meal prep for one person isn’t possible?

It is! However, if onion is too strong for your taste buds, you might want to substitute a shallot. Don’t forget allium plants provide cancer fighting properties and immune boosting power in the winter flu season (1)

Benefits of Quinoa & Cucumber Salad

One serving has a whopping 15 grams of protein, 29 grams of good fat, and 8 grams of fiber, so it’s delicious and filling! To top it off, did you know one serving (the amount in this recipe) of Brazil nuts has 537mcg of Selenium?

Selenium is good trace mineral necessary for balancing hormones, maintaining brain function, removing toxins from the body, and helping protect the heart (2). The generous amount of fiber in this dish balances out the carbs without a rise in blood sugar, while keeping a belly full for hours. You and I never have to worry about feeling deprived when eating from God’s Garden! His thoughtful care and love are displayed in everything He made for us.

Devotion

For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.”

Romans 1: 19-20 ESV

High-tech microscopes are now revealing over 8,000 beneficial properties of plants! The miraculous wonder of God’s plan continues to unfold with time. It brings to light his power and divine nature. I pray you are actively taking part in his plan today spiritually and physically.

If you need help don’t hesitate to contact me for a consult! I am here for you! In the meantime, start with this Quinoa & Cucumber Salad and be blessed!

References:

A review of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects of Allium cepa and its main constituents – PubMed (nih.gov)

Marefati N, Ghorani V, Shakeri F, Boskabady M, Kianian F, Rezaee R, Boskabady MH. A review of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects of Allium cepa and its main constituents. Pharm Biol. 2021 Dec;59(1):287-302. doi: 10.1080/13880209.2021.1874028. PMID: 33645419; PMCID: PMC7919894.

Selenium – Health Professional Fact Sheet (nih.gov)

I love the flavor of fresh turmeric root shredded on any dish for flavor and spice, especially eggs! So early this morning when the sniffles and cough become more intense, I decided to put a double dose on my eggs. The results…Spinach & Turmeric Eggs on Multigrain English Muffins.

It’s easy and delicious!

The turmeric can be found at a Wholefood store or ordered from a reputable supplier. I went to Etsy and found some to propagate for future use and some to eat fresh now. From the research I’ve seen, it takes this root about eight months to form good rooters. I’ll try to be patient, and start them indoors, since I don’t live in a beautiful tropical climate.

Healthier brands of English Muffins can be purchased at your local grocery store, or you can make your own. I prefer to make my own with fresh milled whole grain, but you do what works for you.

• All you need is a couple of free-range eggs
• 1 tbsp organic extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tsps. fresh grated turmeric root and ground black pepper
• 2 tsps. fresh chopped (or dried) oregano
• 1 tbsp of sunflower seeds
• 1 tbsp of plain yogurt
• 1 whole grain English muffin
• 1/2 Cup fresh spinach.
• Heat the skillet, add the oil and spices, eggs, and then sunflower seeds.
• Toast your muffin, add the yogurt (some onion powder and more pepper) then the fresh spinach. Top with the eggs and seeds.
• You’ll get roughly 422 calories, 25 grams of GOOD fat, 18 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, and a good portion of your potassium and magnesium for the day. Plus, a good portion of pain fighting, and anti-inflammatory properties found in the spices!

Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric root is so amazing! Zesting the root into your oil as you begin to sauté eggs or veggies opens makes it more available for use in your cells. I did not know this spicy herb was fat-soluble until today. Also, a very wise Indian friend of mine told me to also “always” add black pepper to help absorb its healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

If reducing arthritis pain is not enough to make you enjoy turmeric regularly, how about its anticancer effects? Or maybe the eighteen studies verifying its use to improve skin issues like dermatitis, photoaging, and psoriasis (1)? I’m all in for this tasty herb’s powerful benefits and in wonder anew at God’s magnificent plan to provide exactly what you and I need daily!

Devotion

God’s timing is always perfect. I may not realize it until much later, but after situations resolve, and I look back at what took place, I see Him there. I see what He prevented, and I see the wisdom in what he allowed. I know whatever happens is eventually for my good.

To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Thessalonians 1:10-12 ESV – when he comes on that day to be – Bible Gateway

Oh, the awe and wonder of looking back and remembering the encouragement from others. Most importantly, those powerful prayers! Emotions are not as tender and the hurt not as new as time passes and faith pulls us through. May God continue to make us worthy of his calling and fulfill every resolve for good.

I pray you get encouragement from His word today! And I hope you begin making this Spinach & Turmeric Egg on an English Muffin a part of your daily defense against chemicals and disease!

References:

Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence – PubMed (nih.gov)

Vaughn AR, Branum A, Sivamani RK. Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence. Phytother Res. 2016 Aug;30(8):1243-64. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5640. Epub 2016 May 23. PMID: 27213821.

Mysty Pfeffer, RN BSN, Certified Health Coach

The STRENGTH approach to Christian Wellness places Christ in the center of the mind, will, and emotions. God’s Word is the lens through which we view our world, our relationships, and our bodies. Therefore, as we receive his divinely inspired Word, it changes our mind will, and emotions from an inward, self-seeking focus to a God-focus.

When you and I gladly submit our lives to a wiser, loving Father, we see more clearly, His plans are for our good and His glory. Also, when we learn the value of intentional eating, we’ll begin to appreciate the tender heart of our loving Father. He provides everything we need to sustain us.

In this eight-week series, I hope to present the STRENTH approach to you and walk with you if you are interested in getting out of a rut. The senseless cycle of feeling dejected and like a failure because change is so intimidating.

Lifestyle choices are so habitual, developing new ways of thinking takes courage and support. Getting to a place of confidence may require outside help because we don’t always receive the foundational reinforcement from those we care about the most.

There is good news!

I offer a 30-minute free consultation via zoom to help support you and get you started. If you need more coaching assistance, we can discuss further appointments.

By subscribing to this website, you will receive a weekly newsletter with the latest posts of encouragement and recipes to help you incorporate the STRENGTH approach every day.

Below is an explanation of what STRENGTH stands for and what to expect in the coming weeks. I am so excited to start this journey with you!

You and I don’t’ need a new year to begin a new way of living in victory, it can begin any day! Below is a brief description of the process. We can cover each step in more detail each week as we will have a fully prepared agenda!

Strategies for Change

Strategies begin with small steps that lead to big changes. The first strategy is to pray for more of God and less of self. A focus on self will always find discontent because it is on wants instead of needs. Second, we’ll pray about what God is calling us to change in our lives. It may be in an area of relationship in the workplace, church, or home. Or it may be the failure to grow in faith due to fear/anger/anxiety in a toxic culture.

Tastes that Satisfy

Tastes are powerful motivators and distractors! Did you know our taste buds replenish themselves every ten days? New cells can develop new tastes as we begin to learn the value of intentional eating and why God’s Garden is so Good.

Receive benefits of God’s provision

In scripture and the garden God provides a healing plan to restore and repair cells. Mind, body, and spirit are renewed when we walk with him daily. You and I can explore filling our minds with promise, purpose, and strength.

Engage family and friends for support.

Although it would be nice, we truly cannot do these things alone. How many times have we started a new plan and someone close to us unwittingly tempts us to take three steps back?  We’ll learn how to confront and command respect for our choices… in a nice way! They may even want to join us!

Never give up hope.

We’ll number the days of relying on ourselves to do everything and focus on needs and not wants. Numbering the days of reliance on comfort food, material items, gossip or whatever is holding us back will bring new life to the hope within us.

Grace to self for times of weakness.

Let’s face it we all have setbacks, obstacles, and moments of weakness. Grace doesn’t condemn but realizes change is a process. Victory comes in permanent lifestyle habits that build a stronger mind and body. But it doesn’t always happen in one or two weeks. It takes repeated failures to learn and grow.

See, more good news! We’ll learn to look at failure in a whole new light!

Thank God for His faithfulness as we actively express our gratitude.

God loves us despite our continually turning to the things of this world to satisfy our longings. We can tell him in prayer our deep desires, and our struggles. Thankfulness and actively showing gratitude in our communities will fill us with assurance. God listens and understands, as he stands beside us along the way.

Hold onto the Holy Spirit as He Guides Us in Change.

Scripture memory is so helpful in this area, especially when temptation is present and persistent. He is for us and not against us! He wants our mind and body to live the abundant life Jesus calls us to live.

There! We now have the eight-step process to make lifelong change. Does this sound like a plan?

Stay tuned for the next eight weeks as we break down the eight steps of this plan to help us get started on a cleaner, clearer, healthier, way of living.

Maybe we can keep Psalm 73:26 in mind today as we begin this new journey–

My flesh and my heart may fail,

    but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

I look forward to walking alongside you on your STRENGTH journey! Be sure to let me know how I can better serve you in the coming weeks as we begin.

A sourdough, fresh-milled English muffin filled with watercress, egg, and avocado is an extra special treat for a cool winter morning…well really, any morning. However, these muffins do take a little tender loving care, so I do them on my preparation day.

The flavor and texture of these whole grain English Muffins is so good, it is worth the additional work. To get ready ahead of time, I use my Betty Crocker cookbook to find a sourdough starter. I used 2 cups of fresh-milled hard wheat flour, 2 1/2 cups warm water, 2 teaspoons yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. I mixed this well in a 2-quart mason jar then covered it with a paper towel and screwed on the rim. The next day, there was some thick alcohol smelling liquid on the top, I learned this is called “hooch”.

Great…some sites said it’s harmless and just stir it in, while others said, pour it off. The first ten days I stirred it in and did not see a good rise in my rolls or my first batch of English muffins. So, on the second round, I began a new starter and poured off the hooch each day. The Betty Crocker recipe did not say to feed it daily, so I did not add flour or water the first seven days, I just stirred it two-three times each day.

Mind you this process takes seven to ten days, so if you don’t have that kind of patience, find a good quality English muffin at your local grocery store…preferably one without “enriched bleached flour, Calcium Propionate, Calcium Sulfate, Ammonium Chloride, Fumaric Acid, or Soybean Oil…..oh, and good luck with that while you’re searching!

You see now, why I value making my own!

Dave’s Killer Bread-organic English Muffins will pass the additive test and cost around $5.50. Also, there is Simple Truth Organic English Muffins for $3.99.

However, if you’re up for the challenge and you are having a bread making day, go for this recipe from Breadbecker’s , because it’s delicious! However, I use water in my starter, not milk. When they are done, I store all ten of them in the fridge and eat one every day!

Today, I’m frying up one egg, applying half of an avocado, and a 1/2 cup of fresh watercress to make this delightful breakfast. That’s all there is to it, getting the dough down is the fun part.

If you are cutting calories or fat, you can omit the olive oil and use just a smidge of oil on a hot cast-iron surface, this will save you about 100 calories. I use a very small amount of olive oil to fry my eggs and I’m careful not to let the temperature get above 350 degrees, so it doesn’t become a trans-fat, as some researchers claim.

Benefits

This power-packed breakfast will provide around 474 calories (with the oil), 14 grams of heart-healthy fat, 5 grams of fiber, and 6 grams of protein. Not only that, but you’ll have a decent start to your B vitamins, C, E, and trace minerals calcium, magnesium, zinc, and selenium.

Sign me up for some intentional eating! I know what God puts in the garden is good! He is faithful to provide exactly what we need when we need it. Doesn’t that make you have a better start to your day alongside a Avocado & Watercress English Muffin?

Devotion

When I think about how important dough was to ancient people, I have a new respect for the saying, “bread of life”. During the famine of Jacob’s day he prepared gifts of almonds, a little balm and a little honey, gum, myrrh, and pistachio nuts (Gen 43:11).  They had food, and they still had their flocks and herds. It was grain they lacked. Jacob heard about Egypt having grain and sent his sons to get it. When they ran out, it was a matter of life and death.

The seven years of plenty that occurred in the land of Egypt came to an end, ⁵⁴ and the seven years of famine began to come, as Joseph had said. There was famine in all lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. ⁵⁵ When all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread. Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph. What he says to you, do.”

⁵⁶ So when the famine had spread over all the land, Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. ⁵⁷ Moreover, all the earth came to Egypt to Joseph to buy grain, because the famine was severe over all the earth.

Genesis 41:53-57

.

Dough is offered in the sacrifice to God as well. The grain offering is mentioned 131 times in the Old Testament. “

Numbers 15:20 says “Of the first of your dough you shall present a loaf as a contribution; like a contribution from the threshing floor, so shall you present it.“

We can appreciate the importance of this nourishing substance as a gift from God and to God as we partake each day. Even as a special place deep in our hearts remembers the spiritual bread of sacrifice in the presence of Jesus, our Lord.

I pray you have wonderful day partaking of both!

References:

Avocado Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits (verywellfit.com)

English muffins, whole-wheat Nutrition Facts & Calories (self.com)

Watercress Benefits Nutrition Facts and Recipes – Dr. Axe (draxe.com)

“After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months 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 1:24-25

I can’t help but wonder how a woman in advanced age would feel about not meeting her husband’s expectations. Years of waiting and hope are met with no results, yet she is still admired and cherished. She must be proud he has been chosen, by God, to go into the most Holy place, a high honor for his priestly service.

I get this sense of affection and high regard for one another when I read the account of Zechariah and Elizabeth in Luke chapter one. The text describes their genealogy and how they are “both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statues of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.” (Luke 1:5-7).

“What do they say about me? Are those whispers pity for my inability to conceive?” are some questions Elizabeth may have asked herself as time passed with her beloved Zechariah. The two of them are very aware of the culture’s expectations. They lived in a time where her value as a woman depended on giving her husband a son and keeping their home.

 The aching lack of producing a child gave her a sense of defeat and shame. Although barrenness was often attributed to some hidden sin or flaw in this agrarian culture, we know this is not true of her in Lukes’s description (Adalmen, 2021). Watching, and perhaps helping, women bring their children into the world through the years brings a bittersweet experience into deeper reflection.

However, this couple’s relationship is solid. Zechariahs’ doubt about the angel’s promise ends in speechlessness. He finds comfort in Elizabeth’s arms and the promise comes to life!

After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five moths 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 1:24-25

Reproach among her people is Elizabeth’s perception of herself as she reflects on the miracle within her. Her statement echoes that of Rachel as she bore her firstborn, Joseph. Her “reproach” had been removed as well. The longed-for baby happening now in Elizabeth’s advanced years removes the disappointment of barrenness.

But can she grasp the intense reason of this new life, at this time in history? His purpose and the special instruction given to raising him without any impurity is clear. Knowing from the angel, Gabriel, that “many will rejoice at his birth, he will be great before the Lord, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit,” even in the womb, is a longed-for treasure (Luke 1:14-15)!

Awe and appreciation for the Lord fill her in this time of blessing that removes her perceived shame.  She is aware of the proverb,

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life (Prov 13:12).

The most beautiful desire of the heart is to know and be known by our Lord. Although she didn’t fully experience being known during her infertility, she feels it now as sure as she feels the child moving within her.

Oftentimes, we lose sight of our position with him in the heavenly places (Eph. 2:6) because our focus is on what we don’t have here on earth. The continual battle in our mind revolves around the desires of our flesh. We, like Elizabeth, long for the approval of others and to bestow the fullness of our love onto another without risk.

I believe our perception of what people think of us is based on our unmet expectations in life. It is often skewed as we project our own disappointment on another’s thoughts of us. We see Elizabeth’s intuition meet the truth of her actual status in her neighbors’ and relatives’ eyes as they rejoice with her at John’s birth (Luke 1:58).  

They’ve been rooting for her all along.

My strong sister, I bet your close friends and relatives are too! So, if this truth helps relieve some pressure to preform today, take it to heart. God may have another plan for your life that is more fulfilling.

 He may even prolong the dream until you realize your value as a woman has nothing to do with bearing children or being accepted by many. It has everything to do with being filled with the Holy Spirit and living in humility. Elizabeth’s joy and humbleness in greeting Mary is contagious:

“Why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord (Luke 1:43,45).  

Desire satisfied is indeed, a tree of life.

It is also a heart-filling moment in scripture to accept and receive today as an example of biblical womanhood and a devoted couple. Zechariah did not cast her aside but remained committed and intimate. May you and I boldly hold onto our relationships as cherished reward as well. In them, we learn how to please our Savior.

References:

Adalmen, Rachel (June 23, 2021) “Barren Women in the Bible” The Jewish Women’s Archive

Week 1 of Jesus and Women by Kristi McLelland.

Our Tuesday study group is beginning the first week of, “Jesus and Women” by Kristi McLelland. Her approach is that of a college professor comparing the Middle Eastern way of learning to the Western way.

So, I am already hooked and loving the study!

One big difference we’re taught in the two cultural approaches to scripture is they encounter the text expecting to be fed a feast; while for us, it is to acquire knowledge (2019).

However, as much as that may be true, “generally “I don’t like blanket generalizations. It happens in medicine far too often. Besides, that is not my, or my study groups, approach to scripture.

My deepest desire (and I think, theirs’ too) is to know my Father in heaven better and relish his presence, his plans, and his Word. Like, the Psalmist, I take delight in his laws. Why? They keep me straight. I have a clear picture of God and his holiness and my need for his mercy every day.

Therefore, when McLelland states, “We tend to stare at our lives and glance at God. We want to stare at God and glance at our lives,” I am immediately convicted (McLelland, 2019). Although, an hour or two is spent reading and studying His word every morning, I must ask myself through the rest of the day, “Am I a woman who glances at God?”

I hope not. However, I often find myself longing for more time with grandchildren, getting caught up in the latest news headline, or getting preoccupied with starting a new career. Then I realize, staring at my life is not helpful in building up others. Therefore, the “staring at my life” statement is a timely reminder to keep my eyes toward heavenly things and not earthly things.

McLelland further states, “We want to live like rivers, not lakes. We want the Word to travel to us, through us, to others (2019).”

It is a natural flow of renewal and hope that we carry with us and are excited to share. When we are set free of sin and death, we want others to be free as well. Furthermore, when there is sickness and disease surrounding us, we have a picture of a day with no illness. A day when all death, destruction, and evil is conquered.

Although we don’t see it yet…it’s coming!

When my girls were in nursing school, I always reminded them, “Keep your eye on the prize” meaning it will all be worth it in the end, and you’ll have valuable skills to help you navigate the rest of life.

 How true is that for people of faith too? When we have a biblical perspective of health, disease, difficulty, distance in relationship, or trials; we can embrace those times as opportunities to draw closer to God and make what we are studying real and personal.

I pray you have that opportunity today! Get your book at Lifeway.com and study with us!

A Spelt & Walnut Breakfast Bowl may be just what you need to calm your gut and get some fantastic energy for the day. Since it provides a good source of magnesium, manganese, vitamin K, 5.5 grams of protein, and 3.9 grams of fiber in every cup, this ancient grain was meant to satisfy.

Besides, this is just another dish showing how tenderly God planned for you and I to thrive. So, while you’re feeling well cared for, add some fresh fruit, walnuts, and plain yogurt to this bowl of nutty deliciousness. You’ll have a mineral packed breakfast giving you quality, heart-healthy Omega 6 fat, protein, and gut healing bacteria.

To prepare for this dish ahead of time, all you have to do is find some spelt berries. They are usually available in your local grocery store. I place 1 cup of them in a medium saucepan with 2 cups of fresh filtered water. I add 1/2 tsp salt, bring to a boil, and simmer 15 minutes. I then turn off the stove and let it set 30 mins. When it has soaked up some of the water and the berries are fully hydrated, I drain and set it aside.

To make my breakfast bowl, I take 1 cup of this nut-like grain and add 1 tsp cinnamon, 2 Tbs. plain yogurt, 1 tbs. walnuts, and 1/2 cup fresh fruit. Yum!

Devotion

Isaiah says about the farmer who levels the surface of the ground:

Does he not plant wheat in its place, barley in its plot, and spelt in its field? His God instructs him and teaches him the right way.

Isaiah 28:25b,26

The prophet explains God’s plan to plant, preserve, and prepare the grain. A system that protects it from disease and spoiling. And even the instructions on how to make it into bread. His plan is wonderful and his wisdom, indeed…magnificent! You and I can rest in His promises today, they are never-ending.

By the way, if you don’t have a hand mill, try boiling it and eating it as a porridge. Something like this Spelt & Walnut Breakfast Bowl, because that works too!