Moses Approaches Pharaoh and a Tight Grip & Increased Burdens…

Week 4 Exodus God of Deliverance

The Patience of God

Proverbs 16:32 says, “Patience is better than power and controlling one’s temper than capturing a city” (HCSB). When I read this week’s passage of Exodus 5:1-6:27, I realize the patience of God is long-lasting. He knows the wicked heart of Pharaoh will not bend to His will. But He also knows the hearts of the Egyptian and Israelite people need a thorough cleansing from idolatry.

Therefore, stubbornness and holding onto ingrained ideas is no surprise to God…, and He controls his temper.  

As we will see in later chapters, people of both cultures are open to following the One true God. However, convincing people to die to self is something God knows is done layer by layer and trial by trial. The Egyptians who turn to Him do so in awe of His mighty hand, while the Israelites see the fulfilled promise of their heritage.

Although Israel is eager to be rid of their bondage, the process of tearing down the cultural influence ingrained in them is going to be painful. Would you please read Exodus chapter five to see how this process begins to take place?

Moses approaches the proud Pharaoh as he begins the bargaining with, “Thus says the LORD, let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness (vs1). Pharaoh responds, “Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice and let Israel go? I don’t know the LORD.”

When Things Don’t Go as planned

Pharaoh accuses Moses and Aaron of distracting the slaves from their work. So, he makes the arduous task of the brick makers even harder. They must begin to gather their own straw to make the bricks and continue the same quotas. Call me stretching the concept a little bit here, but do we not see this same principle infiltrating our own economic state?

After all, the average workweek now is fifty-sixty hours with half the workforce and resources. However, the same amount of work and outcomes are expected. The underlying evil behind this is Satan. He resists God and every attempt to put Him first and puts more tasks on people to distract them from seeking Him. Pharaoh’s refuses to allow his grip on Israel’s loyalty to be tested. We see, instead, any attempt to alter their dedication crushed. He scatters them so they cannot talk about worshiping the One true God.

Israel cries out from their increased burdens, and their Hebrew foremen (taskmasters) are beaten when the quotas are not met. A situation making everyone mad at everyone else! The foremen blame Moses and Aaron, as Moses approaches God to say, “O Lord, why have you done evil to this people? Why did you send me? (vs22)

When things get hard and don’t go the way we plan, we blame others and God too, don’t we?

Moses Approaches Pharaoh

God Moves Outside of Comfort

Please don’t miss this interaction, especially in our time of ease and comfort. We turn on our faucets in the morning and bathe with clean water. The clean water fills our showers for bathing, pots for cooking, and our glasses for drinking, sometimes without a thought to thank God above for providing us with such blessings.  The lights come on at the touch of a switch. There is no gathering wood for a fire, finding kindling, and keeping it stoked to light candles at night. Physically, for most of us, life, in general, is ten times easier than previous generations. Therefore, we tend to mistake inconvenience for a trial.

But what if God begins to show us what he can do through discomfort, just as he begins to show Israel?

He says to Moses, “Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for with a strong hand, he will send them out” (6:1a). In chapter six, God reminds Moses of the promise and the covenant made with Abraham. We are also given the genealogy of Moses and Aaron. His response to, “Why did you send me?” is answered clearly by God.

We may question, why me, God? Do you really want to send me to these people suffering from physical discomfort? Or share the gospel with people digging deep into their stubborn idolatry? The answer is YES! He sure does. And we are to do it with patience while also controlling our temper. God gives us the perfect example, doesn’t he? He lets history unfold in a manner that will create lasting change rather than swooping in and making an exit from slavery as easy as turning on a switch.

The one sure way to endear the people’s hearts to follow Him and let go of their idolatry.

For More Bible Study check out the bible study page:




Fall Soup Swap!

Have you ever tried a fall soup swap? It’s easy and so much fun! Especially if you live alone or if there are only one or two of you in the house. After all, an entire pot of soup seems like a lot to eat for one or two people!

But, what if you get a couple of singles on your street to make a pot of soup too? No neighbors? Easy fix, ask your Sunday School class or bible study group. If you’re not doing that either what about co-workers?

The only stipulation is, they have to be CLEAN and good cooks, LOL!

You may think I’m kidding, but I’m not. So, once you’ve selected your lovely group of people, follow these steps:

Simple Steps

  1. Pick your group of four people with whom to exchange a soup. Four is an easy number, you can choose less, but I wouldn’t do more.
  2. Decide what soup each of you will make and what day you will prepare and exchange.
  3. Gather your storage bowls. There are sets of ten in various sizes throughout all retail stores.
  4. Make your soup. I’m giving you plenty of nutritious ideas in the links below.
  5. Gather together with your chosen friends, bring your soup and divide the soup between your bowls.
  6. You’ve successfully participated in a Fall Soup Swap, enjoyed one another, and have enough variety of delicious, and hopefully healthy, portions for the rest of the week!

God bless you and enjoy what he placed in the garden for us to harvest this season!

 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,  not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Hebrews 10:24-25

Here are some ideas to get you started!

Simply Wholesome Potato Soup – Strengthen Your Heart (mystypfeffer.com)

Harvest Vegetable Soup – Strengthen Your Heart (mystypfeffer.com)

Tortilla Soup-Autoimmune Style – Strengthen Your Heart (mystypfeffer.com)

Butternut Squash! Amazing! – Strengthen Your Heart (mystypfeffer.com)

Butternut Squash Soup

Quinoa Black Bean Chili – Strengthen Your Heart (mystypfeffer.com)

What is your favorite soup to share? Leave me a comment and let me know!




Creamy Asparagus & Squash Soup

The weather is changing with cooler nights and breezy no humid days! It’s time to do my happy dance. Fall weather is also the time to make soups. A creamy asparagus and squash soup is on my mind so I can load up on some nutrition and antioxidants.

Benefits of Asparagus & Squash Soup

Asparagus helps fight the big buzz word INFLMATION, it’s rich in anthocyanins that reduce this pesky irritant to our cells. It also protects the lining of our blood vessels, and our joints. Asparagus protects liver cells from toxic substances too. (1) It’s also carrying some significant anti-cancer properties! (2) I’ll take all the protection I can get in this battle for life in our environment of pesticides, fertilizers, irritants, pollutants, colorings, flavorings, and preservatives.

All the more reason to avoid the canned and boxed soup mixes and make your own. We are harvesting potatoes and a few summer squash this week too. So, I came up with a no dairy, simply creamy asparagus and squash soup from our garden to you. The best part is, it can be ready in 30 minutes.


Creamy Asparagus & Squash Soup

  • 2 Medium Organic Potatoes
  • 1 Small Onion, chopped
  • 2 Stalks Celery, chopped
  • 2 Cloves Garlic, Chopped
  • 1 Bundle Fresh Chopped Asparagus
  • 1 Medium Yellow Squash, chopped
  • 2 Tbsp. Fresh Oregano (1 if dried)
  • 2 Tsp. Onion Powder
  • 1 Tsp. Salt and Pepper to your taste
  • 2 Cups Unsweetened Almond Milk (or milk of your choice)
  1. In a large soup pot place your washed, peeled and chopped organic potatoes. Cover with four cups of water and bring them to a boil, then add the onions, garlic, and celery.

  2. Keep an eye on the water level, I add a cup here and there as it boils down and the vegetables become tender. So, I added at least 2 more cups of water. Once the vegetables were tender (about 20 min on med/high) I mashed the potatoes and added the spices.

  3. Now, you're ready to add your chopped asparagus, yellow squash, and almond milk. Simmer another 10 minutes until these are just tender, (I like mine to remain a little crisp, but you do what you like).


You’ll have over 40% of your RDA of B6, natural folate, and Vitamin K1, over 20% of your vitamin C, E, and B1, while getting a good start to over 15% of RDA for magnesium, selenium, and calcium. Therefore, I hope you enjoy it alongside your cool fall weather this week!

Devotion/ Spiritual Food

I am forever impressed with God’s goodness and provision for us in the garden! Every time I look at the amazing benefits of what He placed in food I think about His mighty love and thoughtfulness. He also provided a way for us spiritually in the presence of his son, Jesus. He says,

“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.

John 6:63-64 ESV

The metaphor in John chapter six that Jesus is describing to his disciples is the one of himself being the bread and body coming down from heaven. He will offer himself as a living sacrifice for all mankind. Of course, they are not partaking physically of his flesh, but understanding and internalizing the concepts of believing He is fully God and fully man. It was hard for the people of Jesus’ day and in ours. I pray all doubt is erased as we are encouraged by the amazing proof of His love through the properties of food. Moreover, the evidence of Him in creation and through His Son, Jesus.

Click here for more recipe ideas:

References:

  1. Effects of Asparagus officinalis extracts on liver cell toxicity and ethanol metabolism – PubMed (nih.gov)
    Kim BY, Cui ZG, Lee SR, Kim SJ, Kang HK, Lee YK, Park DB. Effects of Asparagus officinalis extracts on liver cell toxicity and ethanol metabolism. J Food Sci. 2009 Sep;74(7):H204-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2009.01263.x. PMID: 19895471.
  2. Antiproliferative effects of extracts from Salvia officinalis L. and Saliva miltiorrhiza Bunge on hepatocellular carcinoma cells – PubMed (nih.gov)
    Jiang Y, Zhang L, Rupasinghe HP. Antiproliferative effects of extracts from Salvia officinalis L. and Saliva miltiorrhiza Bunge on hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Biomed Pharmacother. 2017 Jan;85:57-67. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2016.11.113. Epub 2016 Dec 5. PMID: 27930987.



God’s Patience and Signs

Exodus Week Four

Then the Lord said to him, ‘Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be your mouth and teach you what you shall speak?

Exodus 4:11-12

Exodus Chapter 4

Today’s reading for our text is Exodus chapter 4, we will see God’s patience with Moses and the signs he is to preform. Moses is still in the presence of God before the burning bush. Please take a moment to read this chapter before it is discussed in the post below.

Last week we learned about covenant and how Abraham’s descendants would never be able to fulfill their end of this powerful agreement between God and man. The penalty of which eventually falls on God in flesh, Jesus.

However, this week we see the loving patience of God giving signs to Moses as proof He will be by his side as he presents the plan to the elders of Israel with his brother Aaron. Moses’ response in verse one is classic of us as we hesitate to present truth to the skeptical, “But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, “The Lord did not appear to you.”

God Will Teach Him to Speak

The Lord is such a masterful teacher, isn’t he? He says to Moses what is that in your hand?  Moses replies the obvious, it is a staff. He is commanded to throw it on the ground as it becomes a serpent. We learn in the teaching time, that the snake represents “Wadjet” the snake God and protector of Pharaoh. God is showing He has power over the natural order and all other false gods.

God proceeds to show Moses His power over diseases as he places his hand in and out of his robe; normal to leprous, to normal again. Lastly, God tells Moses to take some water from the life-supporting Nile River and pour it on the ground as it becomes blood. Proof to Moses and Israel God is in control of life and death.  

Poor Moses, he tries to wiggle out of this commitment three different times in this chapter alone. His next objection is that he is not eloquent of speech. God assures him, “Who made the mouth?  It is not I? He promises to be Moses’ mouth and teach him what he will speak. (vs. 11-12).   Finally, Moses just says, “’Oh my Lord, please send someone else.”

Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses. I wonder if the bush, at this point, shoots a billow of fire above as the Lord convinces Moses he is the chosen deliverer. Aaron, his brother, is on his way to be his mouthpiece. Therefore, Moses is convinced and asks Jethro’s permission to take his family and leave for Egypt because all those seeking his life are dead.  We get a glimpse of how difficult this plan will be as God warns him about the hardness of Pharaoh’s heart. Keep in mind, Pharaoh’s heart is already hard because he thinks he is a god.

The Risk of Not Taking God Seriously

The historical account takes a sudden turn in verses 24-26 at a lodging place along the way back to Egypt. The Lord met Moses and sought to put him to death (vs. 24). We understand from last week’s study Moses was born in a Hebrew home, nursed there until he was weaned, then sent to Pharaoh’s daughter to be raised in the palace. Although he understood he was a Hebrew, when he became a father in his forties in the land of Midian, he failed to adhere to the covenant of circumcision ascribed to his people (See Genesis 17:1-14).

We do not know if Zipporah was for it or against it at the time of her son’s birth. Nor do we see circumcision as a custom her priestly father practiced with his own family. All we see is that Zipporah, took a knife to her son’s foreskin to save the life of her husband. The inference here is understood, she did not do it happily.

God’s command to circumcise every male on the eighth day as a sign of the everlasting covenant in the flesh of his offspring is to be obeyed! However, when not obeyed, they shall be cut off from his people for breaking the covenant (Gen. 17:14).  We see the seriousness for Moses, and us for that matter, of obeying God’s commands. When he calls us to follow Him and carry out his plans, it’s time to listen.

Reunited and Ready to Deliver

As Moses’ life is spared, and Aaron arrives to meet him at the mountain of God. They leave to gather all the elders of Israel to speak the words that the Lord spoke to Moses. “And the people believed; and when they heard that the Lord had visited the people of Israel and that he had seen their affliction, they bowed their heads and worshipped (Exodus 4:31).

The beauty of trusting God is stepping forward in what he calls us to do, despite our lack of eloquence, or ability. When we submit to Him, He will teach us what we are to speak. Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness and patience in our hesitancy and doubt. May we overcome the fear and trepidation in such a volatile culture and speak the truth as we remember your signs of wonder and glory through Moses, and later Jesus. 

Get your workbook for our Exodus Study, God of Deliverance by Jen Wilkin at Lifeway.com/deliverance.




Week 2 God of Deliverance

A Prince Becomes a Fugitive

The passage of scripture for this week’s study is Exodus 2:11-3:22.

I pray our hearts and minds are open to what God wants to show us this week as He establishes a leader for Israel. To begin with, we see an adopted son show a particular affiliation with the people of his birth. Although Moses grew up in the house of Pharaoh, he knows he’s a Hebrew.

He comes to the defense of a Hebrew slave being beaten by an Egyptian.  However, his efforts are rejected, and he flees the country. The corresponding next we read alongside Exodus this week is Stephan’s account of Moses’ history in Acts 7:17-36. Please take a moment to relish the extra details he offers.

Meanwhile, Moses camps out by a well in a land far away and meets his future wife, Zipporah. We learn from Acts that he is around 40 when he arrives, and he stays there to shepherd Jethro’s flocks for around forty years. The text says,

After a long time, the king of Egypt died, and the Israelites groaned because of their difficult labor, and they cried out; and their cry for help ascended to God because of their difficult labor.

A Covenant Perfected

The God of Deliverance heard their groaning, and He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Wilkin has us look up definitions throughout her studies. I love to do this because it takes me down a delightful rabbit trail and into a deeper understanding of God and His word!

So, according to ancient Hebrew sources, the covenant was an agreement that worked like a Suzerain/Vassal treaty. The lesser/weaker vassal pledges fidelity to the more powerful Suzerain. The vassal shows his loyalty through giving part of his crops and lending his services, while the Suzerain offers his protection. The ancient Hebrews established this covenant with the sacrifice of animals and dividing them into halves. The two parties walked together between the divided animals to seal the treaty. If the parties failed in their part of the agreement, the understanding was, what was done to the animals would happen to them.

Now, take another rabbit trail with me to Genesis chapter 15. Please read the entire chapter—-I promise it will be worth your time!  God, Himself, makes the covenant with Abram! But, in this covenant, Abram is asleep; only God, in the form of the smoking fire pot and flaming torch, appears between the divided animals. Therefore, the price of not meeting the demands of the covenant fall on God. The beauty of a better covenant is fulfilled when the Word became flesh and dwelt among men in the form of Jesus!

The Promise is for Us Too!

Yes, my sweet friend, God hears, he remembers, and he has delivered a way. Not only for oppressed Israel but for you and me. We have no way of meeting the requirements of righteousness in our flesh. However, all we must do is place our faith in Jesus, and his righteous blood covers us. He walked through that covenant long ago as Abram slept. He also perfected it years later when he took the wrath of God upon himself for all eternity. Praise and glory to God, the father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I pray you have a wonderful week studying our Mighty God of Deliverance! Please don’t forget, it is in your workbook and personal time with God that you grow spiritually. Look for the link in Week 1 to get your book, written by Jen Wilkin and offered through Lifeway. God bless you!

You can find more encouragement for your week with Bold Faith!




1st Week of Exodus–God of Deliverance

My small ladies group is beginning the study of “Exodus: God of Deliverance” by Jen Wilkin. It is a solid study, and if you want to participate, you can. There is an affordable deal by Lifeway to purchase a book and video rental for only $24.99—considering the cost of studies these days, you can’t beat that offer!

Jen’s method of study is straightforward and comprehensive too. I like that “God of Deliverance” focuses on the attributes of God and how I can draw closer to Him through his word.

Exodus 1-2:10 is our passage to read and study this week.

As the first week of our Exodus study, “God of Deliverance” begins, we see the names of the twelve tribes. Jacob’s sons who left Canaan during the famine to live in Goshen. They are shepherds under the rule of their brother Joseph, second only to Pharaoh, in Egypt. However, Joseph’s heroic acts of saving Egypt has long been forgotten, by the new king of Egypt.

An interesting turn of events leads Pharaoh to deal harshly with the Israelites. He is threatened by their large numbers and chooses to work them harshly. The scripture says, “mercilessly”. God sees and he hears their groaning. So, he begins His intervention.

Surprisingly, as Wilkin points out, God’s plan to free Israel begins with five women deliverers. Let that sink in a moment. God’s plan for redemption is seen through the heart of a mother, a sister, an unbelieving King’s daughter, and women who devote their lives to delivering babies.

God’s Plan

Throughout the text we see God is fulfilling the promise of Israel’s fruitfulness as they continue multiplying. Despite their oppression, they keep producing babies. The threat of their numbers and their proximity to the border makes Pharaoh uneasy, so he commands the deaths of all the newborn boys.

The girls are no threat.

Infanticide is a common practice throughout history and continues today. The bottom line behind this evil atrocity is a lack of value for human life.

As Christians, standing for the life of the innocent is something we are all called to do. It is also something Shiphrah, and Puah, the midwives, take seriously before God Almighty.

I am keeping in mind, God’s plan for Israel’s spiritual redemption is greater than their physical redemption at this point, but I still mourn the loss of so many innocent children…then and now.

In reading Exodus 1-2:10 this week we’ll see the repeated language of fruitfulness as spoken in Gen 1:28, 9:1, 17:2, 6, 22:17, 26:4, 28:14, 35:11, 48:4.

As Jen Wilkin always points out in her studies, “What aspect of God’s character has this week’s passage of Exodus shown you more clearly?

Enjoy your 1st week of study time, as God’s word accomplishes its purpose!

More Bible Study Plans Here




Chicken & Kale Lover’s Pizza

When I’m stuck in my house and want a pizza I have to see what is available for ingredients. Today there is a package of Adel’s Chicken Apple Sausage and mozzarella in the fridge. There is also can of tomatoes, some onions, and kale from the garden. Good enough! Dave and I will have a Chicken & Kale lover’s Pizza in no time.

I did a little investing towards the flour for this pizza. You, of course, use what is available to you. But I’m totally into grinding my own whole grain kernels and milling freshly grained wheat! Using this method, there is no fortified processing or enrichment necessary. What God put in the grain is still in tact and ready to nourish this body. Plus it is not bleached and sitting on a shelf becoming rancid.

Check out Sue Brecker’s site on how to begin milling your own wheat.

Benefits

100 grams of soft white kernel (whole grain) wheat is quite nutritious too! It provides a good sources of zinc, potassium, manganese, thiamin, niacin, and folate. Check out the nutrition facts here. Put this whole wheat together with some nitrate and nitrite free sausage, top with some fresh kale and onions, and yum this Chicken & Kale Lover’s Pizza becomes an easy delicious and nutritious pizza.


Chicken and Kale Lover’s Pizza

  • 2 Cups Fresh Milled Whole Grain Flour
  • 1/4 Cup Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/2 Tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 Tsp Onion powder
  • 1/2 Tsp Salt

Crust

Topping

  • 2 Links Adel's Chicken Apple Sausage Chopped
  • 1 Cup Fresh Chopped Kale
  • 1/2 Cup Fresh Chopped Onions
  • 1 15 oz can Diced Basil, oregano, garlic tomatoes
  • 1/2 Cup Fresh Mozzarella
  1. Preheat oven to 400

    Crust: Combine the flour, spices, and mix well. Add the olive oil and mix until crumbly, add 1/2 cup hot water to this and mix onto surface until well combined. Roll out the dough onto a stone pizza pan and bake 10 minutes. Remove from the oven to add toppings.

    I puree the tomatoes in my bullet and strain all the water out (you can substitute your favorite pizza or alfredo sauce here) and spread on the partially baked crust.

    I then add my chopped chicken sausage, kale, onions, and cheese.

    Bake for 15 minutes until cheese is golden brown.

    Enjoy!


Devotion

The beauty of nutrition in the food we eat is the plan of provision for our sustenance. Where there is evidence of a physical plan, there is also a spiritual plan. The earth opens to bear its fruits of nourishment and Isaiah reminds us the heavens open to provide spiritual renewal.

“Shower, O heavens, from above,

    and let the clouds rain down righteousness;

let the earth open, that salvation and righteousness may bear fruit;

    let the earth cause them both to sprout;

    I the Lord have created it.

Isaiah 45:7-9 ESV – I form light and create darkness; I – Bible Gateway

I pray you enjoy the richness of the Lord in the land of the living today and every day. If you ever need prayer just let me know!

Here are some more ideas from my kitchen to yours!




Tuna & Red Pepper Melt with Dill

A tuna and red pepper melt with dill is a quick easy dinner loaded with vitamin C, omega 3, and antioxidants. Since, I’m always looking for an easy meal after work, the quick preparation of this dish is a plus too!

Benefits

When I read an article about antioxidants I find comfort in knowing God preplanned its use long before I came along. Therefore if the article names flavonoids, anthocyanins, and saponins to help with inflammation I’m impressed.

However, when I look further into the research, and see dill showing a 70% free radical scavenging capacity and a 63% chance of chelating to heavy metals, I’m blown away! (1). Since I am exposed to heavy metals every single day, it makes sense to eat some fresh herbs that bind to them and move them out of my system.

Moreover, with this dish you’ll get plenty of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, fiber, a little calcium and good dose of essential fatty acids. The tuna alone will equip you with omega 3 (433mg), niacin (102%) , B12 (77%), and selenium (177% of your daily value). (2)

What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits to me, indeed!

What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits to me?  I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord,  I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.

Psalm 116 ESV – I Love the LORD – I love the LORD, – Bible Gateway


Tuna & Red Pepper Melt with Dill

  • 1 Large Red Pepper
  • 2 3 ounce Cans Tuna
  • 1 Tbsp. Minced Onion
  • 2 Tbsp. Minced Celery
  • 1 Tbsp. Spicy Brown Mustard
  • 1 Tsp. Mayonnaise
  • 2 Tbsp. Sunflower Seeds
  • 1 Tsp. Onion Powder
  • 1/2 Cup Fresh Spinach Leaves
  • 1 Slice Havarti Cheese
  1. Turn broiler in the oven on Low.

    Wash and Slice the Red Pepper in four slices

    Place the Spinach leaves onto the Red Pepper wedges and sprinkle with onion powder.

    Drain the tuna and place it in a small bowl. Add the onion, celery, sunflower seeds, mustard, and mayo and mix well.

    Divide the tuna mixture over the four red pepper wedges and cover each with 1/2 slice of cheese (cut in fourths).

    Place in a dish under the broiler until the cheese melts, just a couple of minutes. Top the pepper slices with fresh dill and enjoy!


So, enjoy this simple and nutrition packed meal for an easy and satisfying dinner! Also, while you’re here check out some other recipes, because what God puts in the garden is good!

References:

  1. (PDF) Antioxidant Potential of Different Dill (Anethum Graveolens L.) Leaf Extracts (researchgate.net)
  2. Fish, tuna, light, canned in water, drained solids Nutrition Facts & Calories (self.com)



Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Sauté

Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Sauté is a quick and delicious week night meal that is ten times better than anything in a box! This recipe comes to you from my kitchen as I wondered what to do with a few garden sweet potatoes. Harvest time is always a fun time to play with new ideas and… my food. So for this dish, all you need is some fresh sweet potatoes, ground beef, herbs, and root veggies and you are ready to go.

Benefits

Sweet potatoes provide a decent amount of fiber (6.5 grams) for gut health. It also has the antioxidant (anthocyanin) for a neuroprotective role and decreasing neuroinflammatory markers; which is good news for aging brains(1). They also contain a good amount of manganese, vitamin A, and beta-carotene. Plus, they are yummy in this ground beef and sweet potato sauté. Just add some chili powder, fresh oregano, onions and celery.

Pair this dish with a side of steamed broccoli and you have a well balanced and EASY supper! What God puts in the garden is so good!

Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest

Proverbs 6 ESV – Practical Warnings – My son, if you – Bible Gateway


Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Sauté

Get ready for an easy week night meal that is quick and satisfying!

  • 1 Lb Lean Ground Beef
  • 1 Large Sweet Potato, peeled and chopped
  • 1/2 Cup Celery chopped
  • 1/2 Cup Onion chopped
  • 1 Tsp Chili Powder
  • 2 Tsp Fresh Oregano
  • 1/2 Tsp Salt and Pepper
  1. 1. Sauté ground beef with the onions, celery, spices, and sweet potato until brown.

    2. Serve with side of steamed broccoli, YUM!


For more recipes look in the garden

References:

The Anti-Neuroinflammatory Role of Anthocyanins and Their Metabolites for the Prevention and Treatment of Brain Disorders – PubMed (nih.gov)

Henriques JF, Serra D, Dinis TCP, Almeida LM. The Anti-Neuroinflammatory Role of Anthocyanins and Their Metabolites for the Prevention and Treatment of Brain Disorders. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Nov 17;21(22):8653. doi: 10.3390/ijms21228653. PMID: 33212797; PMCID: PMC7696928.




Eggs and Kraut with Fresh Herbs

You may not think eggs and sauerkraut with fresh herbs sound good in the morning, but you may be surprised! This delicious combination will provide a wonderful amount of protein, choline, lutein and zeaxanthin. Essential elements that are present for our brain and heart function. Although, eggs are not promoted as being heart healthy, new research is finding little to no association to eggs and heart health (1). Does this mean you can eat all the eggs you want?

Well, if you’re avoiding processed man-made food like doughnuts, chips, processed cookies in a package, sugar-laden cereals, sodas, teas, and the like…the answer is yes! Therefore, if you are eating God’s provision in the garden and partaking of fresh greens, homemade bread, lean beef/chicken/fish you’re most likely safe to eat at least one a day.

Eggs and Kraut

So, enjoy your eggs and kraut with fresh herbs! It will provide a delicious microbiome-immune-boosting meal to start your day and break your nightly fast!

What God puts on the land and in the sea is good!

Here is what you’ll need.

Eggs and Kraut with Fresh Herbs

2 or 3 Farm Fresh Eggs

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 teaspoons chia seeds

2 Tablespoons sauerkraut

1 Teaspoon fresh chopped parsley

1 Teaspoon fresh chopped dill or oregano

Heat the olive oil in a warm skillet (not too hot, keep your oil from damage by keeping it at 3 and no higher). Add the eggs, then the chia seeds. Cook until done to your preference. Season as desired (I love onion powder!) Once, on the plate add your kraut and fresh herbs

Click the links below for more brain boosting ideas!

References:

Effect of a high-egg diet on cardiometabolic risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes: the Diabetes and Egg (DIABEGG) Study—randomized weight-loss and follow-up phase | The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition | Oxford Academic (oup.com)

Nicholas R Fuller, Amanda Sainsbury, Ian D Caterson, Gareth Denyer, Mackenzie Fong, James Gerofi, Chloris Leung, Namson S Lau, Kathryn H Williams, Andrzej S Januszewski, Alicia J Jenkins, Tania P Markovic, Effect of a high-egg diet on cardiometabolic risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes: the Diabetes and Egg (DIABEGG) Study—randomized weight-loss and follow-up phase, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 107, Issue 6, June 2018, Pages 921–931, https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/nqy048