Filling my mind with God’s word in the morning feeds my soul and boosts my mood, it can yours too! The love of God comes to us through his word and assures us we can rely on His provision. Whether by land or sea, He continually supplies a fresh word or catch to sustain us body and soul! I am using some salmon from last night’s supper to create a mood boosting breakfast tortilla with veggies and fresh dill to accomplish part of that task today!
Salmon provides a good amount of essential omega3 fish oil in its natural form to help fight inflammation, lubricate blood vessels, and ease the hormone balance necessary for calming emotions. One study, found it helping elderly patients with mild to moderate depression.
The way I look at it is, if God created fish and Jesus lovingly prepared it for his disciples after his death, burial, and resurrection; it is beneficial for you and me too! My heart just melts when I think of him preparing breakfast for them after a long night of night of unsuccessful fishing because they are still mourning his recent death. It definitely fills my soul this morning…
Come, Have Breakfast
Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.”
Heat the tortilla 10-12 seconds in the microwave to just heat, the salmon heat about 20 seconds, place the yogurt on the shell, cover with salad greens, the salmon, dill, avocado, and fresh red pepper, season it to your taste and enjoy!
Benefits
The benefits of this power packed fish tortilla include omega 3 and vitamin C. The whole grains and nutritional yeast provide B vitamins. Dill, on the other hand, has been studied in mice to restore aortic vessel wall function and reduce stiffening. Studies, like this offer glimmers of hope for those struggling with cardiovascular disease. Moreover, it is HARMLESS to take and adds wonderful flavor to food. So, enjoy a new breakfast tortillas and boost your brain power at the same time!
Fhayli W, Boëté Q, Kihal N, Cenizo V, Sommer P, Boyle WA, Jacob MP, Faury G. Dill Extract Induces Elastic Fiber Neosynthesis and Functional Improvement in the Ascending Aorta of Aged Mice with Reversal of Age-Dependent Cardiac Hypertrophy and Involvement of Lysyl Oxidase-Like-1. Biomolecules. 2020 Jan 23;10(2):173. doi: 10.3390/biom10020173. PMID: 31979322; PMCID: PMC7072659.
10 Ways to Biblically Boost Your Mood
I hope your week is going well and you are staying healthy spiritually and physically, despite the chaos of our day. I don’t know about you, but for me, with so much unrest in the world, it is hard to stay focused on what is good and Holy!
However, that is exactly what we are called to do!
Therefore, I need some biblical ways to boost my mood! God’s word is more powerful than a double-edged sword to spiritually combat negative thinking and attacks from the evil one. Plus, His word never returns void or empty.
So, with that in mind, and following up with on the 10 Easy Ways to Strengthen Your Immune System post, I want to give myself and you 10 biblical ways to strengthen our mood; while also easing our mind, will, and emotions. Are you ready?
1.Praise God
When we fill our hearts with gratitude and praise God almighty for His unending, unshakable, enduring faithfulness we boost our mood. Negative thoughts are consumed by gratitude and evaporate from our thinking.
Romans 12:2 is an often-memorized verse in the bible to help us change our thinking. It says:
Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
The testing comes in the form of situations, people, or circumstances that rub us the wrong way. As soon as negative thoughts build from encounters with others or text messages start rolling in, we are conforming to the pattern of this world.
Rather than getting our moods down, we can boost it instead by saying, “God, I praise you for this person, this situation, and this opportunity to turn to YOU for comfort and peace! Although, I don’t know what you want to accomplish with this situation, I trust you and praise you as you lead me.
2. Pray Scripture
I love to do this over you and my family! The best time to do it is in my early morning reading of the bible. Scripture is something we can incorporate into our morning prayers for ourselves and others because we oftentimes think of people in need as we read. For instance, Paul, in Ephesians chapter six calls the believers to be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. He urges them to put on the whole armor of God that they may stand against the schemes of the devil.
My friend, there is no greater victory for the devil than when he steals your joy!
As he reads our faces and remembers our reactions, his tactics become more precise. We need our full armor of protection on before we leave the house in the morning. Remember, he is the tempter, so if we are prone to gossip, we’ll get a juicy tidbit of information from someone who is always ready to fill our ear. Pray for her and remember:
1 Timothy 5:6 “She who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives.”
Do you see how serious this is?
Likewise, if we are prone to anger or fear, we’ll be tempted with the same scenarios each day that stimulate those turbulent emotions! (See more under # 3)
3.Memorize a Combat Verse
This one is so easy and EFFECTIVE in the heat of the moment. My personal favorite memory verse from scripture to combat the evil of the enemy and my own negative thoughts is—–“Take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ Jesus.” Look through scriptures for your personal favorite and use it as soon as those defeating thoughts creep into your mind.
This is especially helpful when fear, anger, and pride well up within at the sound familiar scenarios. If it is the news, turn if off! Gaslighting is a tactic of the devil and used by the media ALL THE TIME to pit one person’s view against another and stir up more hatred. Social media and search engines watch everything you browse, so they know how to add fuel to your own little fire.
If it is not the chaos in the world, it may be our spouse, family, or neighbors who stimulate unwanted or anxious emotions. We can pray for a soft heart towards them and to respect their stance on an issue without judgment.
James 1:19-20 God please let me be “quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
Therefore, confessing the behavior you and I are most likely to fall under and finding a scripture to pray ahead of time over this pattern will help us boost our mood; even under full blown attacks!
4. Laugh
—Look around us for fun and join or listen in on the activity. Yesterday we played kick ball with three of our grandsons. The middle one can’t stand to get out, so when he knows he’s caught between the person with the ball and the next base, he runs everywhere but toward the next base—-it’s hilarious! For you, it may be listening to your favorite Dry Bar comedian (they are clean and fun), watching puppies romp, or a funny movie.
5. Listen to Good Music
I love praise music and contemporary Christian songs that are upbeat and make me want to dance! You may like the old hymns, eighties, sixties, classical, or even bluegrass; wonderful! God created our love of music to lift our moods, express our gratitude and even express our sadness. It’s one way to work through our emotions.
6. Walk
Taking a walk does so many good things, it gets us out into the sun (see #7). Also, exercise as many of you know releases endorphins, known as the happy hormones in our brain. It’s true, so take advantage of something free and wonderful to just notice life, appreciate the breeze on your face, or the wonder of nature!
However, biblically speaking, walking with God means walking in His ways and in obedience to Him. There is no better way to boost our moods than when we are in step with God.
Ephesians 4:1-3—” I, therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Psalm 84:11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.
7. Sunlight
Genesis 1:16 “God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars.”
God provided the sun for our benefit! Not only to give us light and warmth, but to make plants grow and feed us. It rules the day. Just think of its power over the earth.
Moreover, taking that walk or sitting in the sun 20-30 minutes will bring a bright light into dark thinking. Soaking up the sun gives us the wonderful vitamin D synthesis I talked about last week. Not only does it build our immune system, it boosts our mood!
Studies show a release of serotonin (the mood boosting hormone) at highest levels during summer sun exposure. (1)
8. Socialize
I know, if you’re an introvert like me, you must internally process emotions privately and in your own time; that is fine for the first day or so of your mood change. You can pray, and agonize with God and to God about all the stuff you’re dealing with. However, after the first day, find we need to find our trusted person or persons with whom to gather. The comfort, presence, and encouragement of other believers will biblically lift our mood!
Hebrews 10: 24-26 —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.
9.Omega 3’s.
These amazing ESSENTIAL oils are found best in tuna, salmon, sardines, and halibut, so try to eat them at least twice a week in this “preformed” way. If you don’t like fish, and want a different source, try chia seeds, hemp seed hearts, ground flax seeds or flax seed oil which can be added easily to salads. Your body must do a little more work to transfer it to the long chain fatty acid it needs, but still, it’s better than nothing. I mentioned the fish first because it contains the necessary EPA that has been proven in studies to help with reducing anxiety, depression, and boost our mood!
Although I cannot find a scripture that says fish boosts your mood, I do know Jesus ate, prepared, and served A LOT of fish. He called fisherman to serve Him, fed the five thousand spiritually starving people with it, and it was the breakfast he shared with his disciples after his death, burial and resurrection (John 21).
10.Serve Someone Else
Getting out of the house and doing something for someone else is an amazing biblical mood booster! When we are self-focused our mood is down or if overburdened with the care of a loved one, we may feel we are serving enough. But I ask you to just start small; this can be sending a card with a thoughtful note, or even simple text message. If you are particularly energetic, mow your neighbor’s lawn, or help someone load their car at the grocery store. God gives us PLENTY of opportunities to serve others; even if it is just a prayer.
1 Peter 4:9-10 “Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
I hope these 10 Ways to Biblically Boost Your Mood Help you this week!
References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12480364/ Lambert GW, Reid C, Kaye DM, Jennings GL, Esler MD. Effect of sunlight and season on serotonin turnover in the brain. Lancet. 2002 Dec 7;360(9348):1840-2. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(02)11737-5. PMID: 12480
10 Easy Ways to Strengthen Your Immune System
How Changing a Few Daily Habits Builds Immunity
My friend, if you want some simple ways to increase your ability to fight off infection look no further. Today, I am sharing 10 Easy Ways to strengthen your immune system naturally. Claude Bernard, the father of physiology said,
Diseases hover all around us, their seed scattered in the wind but they do not settle in the terrain unless the terrain is ready to receive them.
Diseases are here to stay, and viruses mutate, as evidenced by over 100 variants of the flu. Your and my best defenses are given by God above, and mindfully incorporating them into our daily routines will strengthen our immune systems naturally. Here are my top 10.
1. Sunshine
“And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good (Gen. 1:3-4a). God’s presence and spoken word provided the light. Later, on the fourth day, He creates the greater light to rule the day and separates the light from the darkness (Gen. 1:16-19). Ruling the day with massive energy production, the sun is busy controlling wind and weather. It also provides life and growth to plants, while synthesizing vitamin D in the human skin.
Although Ultraviolet Rays (UVR) from the sun often get a bad rap. The danger of UVR only accounts for 0.1% of the total global burden of disease, whereas not getting enough sunlight daily accounts for 3.3 billion debilitating diseases (1). For instance, melanoma is often found to be dangerous to light skinned people who need protection from EXCESS sunlight, not ALL sunlight.
“Over 1,000 different genes governing every tissue in the body are now thought to be regulated by vitamin D3 including calcium metabolism, neuromuscular, and immune system functioning”
Meade, 2008
The amount of sunlight you need depends on your skin type. Light skinned people can receive approximately 50,000 IU’s with just a half and hour in the sun. Tanned and darker skinned people may receive anywhere form 8,000 -30,000 IU’s.
God has provided us beautiful provision for our immune systems with this great light. So, I pray you make time today for a little sunshine. It may be obtained on your lunch break or sitting on the front porch for 3o minutes. Letting children play and setting the timer on a phone for 30 minutes before showering them, or yourself, with sunscreen is helpful too. It will do you and the little ones a world of good.
2. Eating Fruits and Vegetables
“The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good (Gen 1:12). Our Father, God, is such a fine designer, before he creates humankind he prepares for their provision. Scientists are discovering the power of fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices in the form of antioxidants. Polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, are just a few examples of properties in plants that combat oxidative stress on human cells. Therefore, creating anti-oxidants to help us fight damage to cells.
Over the past fifty to sixty years scientists have discovered thousands of beneficial antioxidants in plants to ward off disease, repair cells, and help the body function more effectively. Moreover, they contain sufficient amounts of fiber to nourish the gut and help move waste products of metabolism out of the body. God’s plan in the garden is still good today.
3. Adding Fresh Herbs to Meals Daily
Not only do fresh herbs and spices add delicious flavor to our daily intake, they also provide a profound ability to strengthen the immune system. Rosemary, sage, oregano, parsley, and mint are just a few herbs supplying anticancer, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory power to the cells (1).
Many herbs are easy to grow perennials that can be added to backyard gardens or patio containers for year round enjoyment. Herbs are also helpful in teaching children to appreciate tastes other than sweet! Tangy, savory, and bitter flavors are good to incorporate early in life to train the taste buds for healing benefits of herbs.
4. Restore the Gut Biome
Although, restoring the gut biome may sound like a foreign task, it is essential to the bodies ability to fight disease. The intestines or our “gut”, is responsible for nutrient absorption and establishing a barrier to harmful macromolecules. It is also home to billions of good and bad bacteria. Long-term use of antibiotics kill good bacteria in the gut and allow the harmful bacteria and fungus to grow. Sugar also altars gut biome in a negative way by enhancing the growth of pathogenic bacteria in the gut (I’ll discuss it’s effect on immunity more in # 6).
Restoring gut biome starts with reducing sugar and artificial sweetener consumption. Artificial sweeteners, like sucralose (Splenda) destroy the good bacteria in the gut and damages the replication of others. On the other hand, excess sugar feeds harmful bacteria. Adding fermented foods like sauerkraut, kombucha, kimchi, kefir, and unsweetened yogurt feed the good gut bacteria and allow more to grow.
5. Exercise
Regular exercise, such as consistent walking, biking, hiking or swimming for 30 minutes every day has a positive impact on the immune system. It increases blood flow, conditions skeletal muscles and the heart, improves endorphins that regulate hormone function, and enhances cell function. Neutrophils, helper T cells and B cells are maintained through physical activity (2).
6. Reducing Stress Strengthens the Immune System
Solomon says, “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” (Proverbs 12:25). The repeated stress response we are given by God to flee danger or fight in our defense is constantly triggered through daily stressors. Moreover, the hormones that regulate this response are overstimulated in areas of our lives that are not life threatening. Excess worry over finances, health, relationships, our self-worth, abilities or lack thereof, create tension and steal our joy.
Truly trusting in God and the promises in His word will help us navigate undo or imagined crisis that we struggle to overcome. Although short-term stress is good for stimulating our immune system, long-term stress contributes to excess inflammation and reduces cytokine response and T-cell function over time (5).
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
A beautiful thing God designed to restore our bodies while we sleep is something scientists call autophagy. A process that involves the metabolic function of our cells to clean up the debris and dead cells, while restoring and repairing cell walls. Our bodies are doing more work during the night than when we are awake. That is why it is so important to get a good night of uninterrupted sleep.
A few ways to do this are praying before bed and meditating on God’s Word, turning off the television, disabling Wi-fi beside our bed on our phones, and cutting out caffeine six hours before going to bed.
8. Reduce Sugar & Highly Processed Food Intake
Proverbs says it’s not good to eat too much honey and a man (or woman for that matter) who lacks self-control is like a city is like a city broken into and left without walls! Eating too many sweets is becoming a huge health hazard all around. If manufacturers put it in our cereal, breakfast bars, snacks, ketch-up, salad dressings, sauces, stews and even chips—how are we supposed to limit harmful intakes of less than 10% for ourselves and our children?
We can’t, unless we stop eating highly processed food. The preservatives are designed to keep food on the shelves, but NOT help you fight infection. The body has to work overtime to process all of the chemicals added to our food!
According to medical sources, a high sugar diet is also linked to reduced white blood cell function which affects our ability to fight viruses, bacteria and pneumonia. Some sources report this high sugar intake reduces the WBC by 40% (4). Limiting the craving for sugary beverages can be done by consuming fresh fruit high in vitamin C that helps build the immune system and fight infection.
We can even substitute Kool-Aid with 100% fruit juice. However, without its valuable fiber fruit is just as high in fructose as a soda. So, the amount of sugar can be reduced, and the volume doubled by mixing it with equal parts of water. Kids and adults will adjust their taste buds as they are offered this substitute repeatedly.
So, load up the fridge with fresh strawberries, cantaloupe, kiwi, and oranges today for slow edible grazing throughout the day to strengthen your immune system!
9. Eliminate Smoking & Smokeless Tobacco Products
I know this is a no-brainer, but seriously people are still sucked into this really damaging habit. Especially since smoking and other tobacco products help people cope with stress. Although its addictive pattern is a stronghold for many, God gives us the power through the Holy Spirit to send this addiction away.
Physically, smoking destroys the cilia in the airway that helps cough up dust trapped in the mucous. Sublingually, the chemicals and toxins placed on the plants as they grow are absorbed into the body. Not only do damaging carcinogens enter the lungs and mucous membranes and damage cells, but viruses and bacteria entering the lungs are given opportunity to grow and spread. Stopping today can kickstart God’s beautifully designed plan to strengthen your immune system.
10. Reduce Alcohol Intake
Excessive alcohol on the other hand, depletes the body of necessary B vitamins like thiamine and folate. Over time, this depletion affects the ability of the immune system to fight infection. The standard recommendation of intake is one drink for women (12 oz beer or 6oz of wine) and two for men to prevent adverse effects of Chronic Disease.
I hope these 10 easy steps to naturally strengthen your immune system has been helpful for you today! For more ideas to boost fruits, vegetables, and fresh herbs into your daily routine visit The Garden
Mead M. N. (2008). Benefits of sunlight: a bright spot for human health. Environmental health perspectives, 116(4), A160–A167. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.116-a160
Yashin, A., Yashin, Y., Xia, X., & Nemzer, B. (2017). Antioxidant Activity of Spices and Their Impact on Human Health: A Review. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 6(3), 70. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox6030070
Weyh, C., Krüger, K., & Strasser, B. (2020). Physical Activity and Diet Shape the Immune System during Aging. Nutrients, 12(3), 622. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12030622
Dhabhar FS. Effects of stress on immune function: the good, the bad, and the beautiful. Immunol Res. 2014 May;58(2-3):193-210. doi: 10.1007/s12026-014-8517-0. PMID: 24798553
Strengthened With All Power According to His Glorious Might
Strength Comes Through His Power
May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy giving thanks to the Father who has enabled you to share in the saints’ inheritance in the light. Colossians 1:11-12
There is nothing more comforting in times of cultural chaos, fear, and discontent than to read the words of being strengthened with power according to “His glorious might”! It takes the focus off of me and places it directly on the shoulders of the One in control. At the time of this letter to the church of Colossians there was confusion about Christian living and false teaching abounded.
Sound familiar?
As technology becomes the primary focus of our day, information is bombarding our minds and hearts at breakneck speed. Especially through all media outlets. Gone are the days of awaiting news through letters and savoring the words over and over again. Instead, we’re given sound bites of someone’s opinion on a matter instead of a rational explanation of what is taking place. If we’re not careful we and our loved ones can me mislead.
The assurance of God’s inspired word to Paul gives us a better hope in overcoming chaos and fear. He says we’ve already been rescued from the dominion of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son He loves! Although, physically our bodies are still here to working out our salvation with fear and trembling among precarious circumstances, spiritually we are with Jesus. Therefore, through faith in Him, we have redemption and forgiveness of sins.
How We Are Strengthened
Not only that, but POWER to resist the devil’s schemes. How wonderful is this promise amid the constant barrage of divisive tactics all around us? As soon as I feel his schemes coming along in my household, in my workplace, and on the road, I immediately start praising God and thanking Him for placing me with Him!
Moreover, my friend, I’m actively practicing what I read in scripture. If I want to sleep better and throw my anxiety out the window, all I have to do is grasp onto power beyond my own strength. I begin by praising God. Christ is the image of the invisible God, all thrones and dominions submit to Him! He is above all things and in Him all things hold together. You and I are secure in His love, so we can give Him praise when we feel like the world is closing in on us and taking our loved ones along with it.
It’s bold faith that see’s us through the refining fire of chaos, fear, and disdain of others. In our hearts and souls we have an unending calmness. The assurance He is working all things to our good and for His glory.
My Prayer For Today
Holy Father in Heaven, You see all things and know all things, My heart and *[FNAME]*’s hearts are before you this day bare and open to be filled. I ask you today Lord come and fill every empty place in our hearts. Remove any bitterness that lingers over lost dreams or disappointments. Help us come to peace with the things that are out of our control and look to you for fulfillment.
Lord, I pray for *[FNAME]* to be strengthened with all power according to your glorious might! This means the two of us bow before your son as the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things in heaven and on earth were created. Visible and invisible entities, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. Just knowing, Father, that he is before all things, and in him all things hold together gives me peace. I pray it does for *[FNAME]* as well.
We have hope with Jesus Christ as the head of the body, the church. He is the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell and make peace for us by the blood of his cross. I thank you God, for this sacrifice because I know that me and *[FNAME]* were once alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, but Jesus reconciled us with his body of flesh by his death, to present us holy and blameless and above reproach before you. Praise you, God may we live in gratitude this day and every day with the fulness of your love. (Scripture taken from Colossians 1:15-22).
Oregano & Mushroom Cabbage Rolls
Cabbage As a Kid
When you have fresh oregano and cabbage coming along nicely in the garden it’s time to make some Oregano & Mushroom Cabbage Rolls! Do you remember as a kid not wanting to try cabbage because of the smell? I do too! I’m not sure what made me try it…..oh wait! YES, I do. My mom would make the classic southern cabbage casserole with butter, cheese and crackers!
Yep, that’s how my siblings and friends grew up. But the good thing is we developed a taste for the natural sweetness of cabbage. So, as we got older we learned to try it other ways. Maturity makes us try new things doesn’t it? We want more out of life, and to provide more for those around us. The benefits of which, reap rewards for years to come. Keep in mind, some of the nutrients in this amazing food is lost when we boil it, like it’s vitamin C.(1) It is much better to make a fermented sauerkraut to retain this vital nutrient.
Benefits of Oregano, Mushroom, & Cabbage
However, for this dish, we will steam the cabbage to try and retain some of it’s vitamins, while releasing some of it’s antioxidant potential.
Cooking or steaming cabbage can release the antioxidant kaempferol that has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, cardioprotective, and antidiabetic properties. This is one food you definitely want in your arsenal to fight disease! (3)
The highest amount of flavonoids have been found in parsley, dill, oregano, celery, and fennel! Fresh herbs you can grow yourself and add to your dishes each day for flavor and nutrition (2). Therefore, growing oregano can benefit your entire family. God’s amazing plan for your health began the third day of creation and is still in effect today. So, take advantage of this beautiful herb for it’s anticancer effects! You will also experience beneficial cardiovascular effects, antimicrobial benefits, and more!
Mushrooms are also high in polyphenols, polysaccharides, anti-cancer, improve immune system, and help with diabetes.
God’s Provision
The bottom line, as I always say is “What God put in the garden is good!”
I was reading Luke chapter 12 today. There are so many principles in this passage of scripture that help me and you appreciate everything God provides. Jesus basically tells his disciples not to worry, and not to hoard up things for themselves. He reminds them to be faithfully wise managers of everything.
Peter said, “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?” And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.
We learn in this passage and throughout scripture that wise choices, trusting God, and submitting our lives to Him are for our benefit. The honor and privilege of abundant sources of nutrition strengthens our bodies for the mission field around us! Our families, neighbors, friends, and coworkers will know of His great love. So, I hope you have time to try these Oregano & Mushroom Cabbage Rolls this week! Your cells with thank you!
Here is the Recipe!
Oregano & Mushroom Cabbage Rolls
Fresh Oregano and garden grown cabbage make this delicious and nutritious meal for your family. My family has grown cabbage and enjoyed it's benefits for many years. I'm inspired by all the previous recipes for cabbage rolls, but I like mine without tomato. So I developed a cabbage roll I can enjoy with my family. I hope it is something you'll enjoy too!
1 Medium Head Organic Cabbage
3 Medium Carrots, finely sliced
2 Cloves Garlic Minced
2 Small Onions or one large Halved and chopped
1 Package Organic Shitake Mushrooms
1 Cup Precooked Quinoa or Whole Grain Rice
2 Lbs. Lean Grass Fed Beef
1/4 Cup Fresh Chopped Oregano
1/2 Tsp. Salt
1 Tsp. Onion Powder or No Salt Seasoning
1. Core and slice your head of cabbage in half. Place in a colander thin put it inside a large pot with shallow water and steam until just tender, about 20-30 min.
2. Meanwhile, sauté your lean ground beef with minced garlic, 1/2 of the onions (save the other half for toppings), two of the carrots (save one for topping), 1/2 of the mushrooms (save the other half for topping) , salt, onion powder, and/or no salt spice blend. (about 20min)
3. When the ground beef is browned and the vegetables tender and the cabbaged cooled you can assemble and roll the beef mixture on the individual cabbage leaves and roll. When the beef is done, at the very end, add the fresh chopped oregano.
**Be sure to let the cabbage cool enough to handle, this is why the prep time is longer, You can go clean the house or something while you wait. **
4. Place the rolled cabbage leaves into a lightly oiled 9×13 pan. I use organic extra virgin olive oil for this and leave a tablespoon to brush onto the cabbage rolls once the pan is filled.
5. I use a vegetable peeler to slice thin carrots over the cabbage rolls. I also add the remaining sliced mushrooms, onions, sprinkle with onion powder and salt and a tablespoon of fresh oregano.
6. I bake this dish at 350 degrees for about 20 min.
For more delicious healthy recipes see the garden and remember, “What God puts in the garden is good!”
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The Rebar Intercessors
“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you….” Colossians 1:9a
The Role of Rebar Intercessors
Several years ago, a lady approached me at my grandmother’s funeral to verify my identity and association with the grieving family. I told her, “Yes, I am she.” The lady smiled broadly and said, “We’ve been praying for you for years!”
She went on to explain that she is in my Aunt Donna’s weekly prayer group, “The Rebar Intercessors.” Flashbacks quickly began to filter through my mind of fast cars, questionable behavior and living outside of God’s will as a teenager. All of which came to an abrupt halt when I became pregnant at nineteen.
I’ve often wondered how and why God would shelter an unworthy person like me through such rebellion. Now, I know. The Rebar Intercessors made an impact on my life when I didn’t even know they were praying.
Women of faith, praying to my Father in Heaven to protect me, guide me, and not give me over to my flesh. He held me close in my loneliness and collected every tear of painful regret because of someone else’s prayers. How wonderfully humbling this lady’s words were to my spiritually mature ears!
Paul says to the church of Colossae,
“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this, you have heard before in the word of truth, the gospel, which has come to you. And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. (Colossians 1: 3-6a, 9-)
Paul does an excellent job of explaining how necessary it is to pray for new believers. Yes, they heard the gospel, and it impacted their lives, but without people ceasing to pray, they will quickly fall into the behavior of the culture surrounding them.
The Impact of Intercessors
Like me, they experienced the grace of God in truth. Grace for safety in foolishness and protection of the soul during immaturity. Spiritual wisdom does not come when we are chasing material things, running from painful experiences, or struggling with body image.
It comes in the gratitude of a reformed heart. The day we look back at what could have happened but didn’t. His grace is in all the blessings that kept multiplying despite a lack of reverent devotion on my part. Moreover, it came because of prayer warriors meeting weekly to intercede for my soul.
Glory to God for the Rebar Intercessors and for listening! Now I have the opportunity and wisdom to act on behalf of those going through the same struggle.
For more encouragement and recipes click on the link here:
Savory Cabbage Cashew & Broccoli Sauté
We start our garden the Saturday after St. Patrick’s day, weather permitting, of course. There is usually cold weather and rain most of the month, but usually a week or two of warm dry days come along to allow tilling and planting. We take advantage of those rare spring days to plant broccoli, cabbage, onions, and potatoes.
The abundance of cabbage and broccoli this year make for some tasty dishes in the kitchen starting in late May! There is nothing more satisfying to my palate than picking my own home-grown vegetables and coming up with recipes. I hope this Savory Cabbage Cashew & Broccoli Sauté will become one of your favorite summertime dishes as it has in our home.
Cabbage Benefits
Do you notice something about the head of cabbage in this picture? It has some well eaten leaves from a voracious cabbage worm, however the head grew healthy and strong. We use organic compost to fertilize the soil and we do not spray any pesticides on our plants. So, we expect a few eaten leaves and watch God do what He does best, water it and make it grow.
His supply of nutrients for us never runs out if we just partake of what He provides in the garden. The amazing benefits of cabbage begin with it’s rich supply of macronutrients and cancer fighting compounds. It is helpful in digestion, fighting inflammation, and providing necessary minerals to help our joints function. The calcium, magnesium, and potassium in this healthy plant also provide nutrients necessary to stabilize heart and blood vessel function. You can read all about the benefits of cabbage at this Organic Facts site.
Giving Thanks
“Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord God, you are very great! You are clothed with splendor and majesty, covering yourself with light as with a garment, stretching out the heavens as a tent. From your lofty abode you water the mountains; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work. You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth and wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen man’s heart. Psalm 104: 1, 13-15
1 Teaspoon Fresh Grated Curcumin Root ((optional–may use ginger))
1 Tbsp. Organic Coconut Aminos
1 Tbsp. Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Tsp. Onion Powder
1 Tsp. Pepper
1 Tbsp. Fresh Chopped Oregano Leaves
2 Tbsp. Chopped Cashews
1. Heat skillet to medium, no hotter. You can do this as you wash and chop vegetables.
2. Add the olive oil to your skillet with the onion and fresh curcumin root (or ginger) add the pepper here as well.
3. Add the Chopped Cabbage and Broccoli and stir frequently. I like mine cooked until just tender about 10 minutes. Season with onion powder.
4. Add the Coconut aminos and fresh chopped oregano.
5. Last, add the cashews! I like to also add sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds for added protein and nutrients. This makes a wonderful light supper, with no heavy meat and it fills you up so you're not looking for snacks later in the evening. I hope you enjoy!
Beyond Death, ALL Are Living to God
“Moses even indicated in the passage about the burning bush that the dead are raised, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. He is not God of the dead but of the living, because all are living to Him.”
Lord, what will happen when you open my heart to your all-consuming presence? I see a heart filling with contentment, softening its demeanor, less sarcasm, and increasing mercy. Insults and innuendos are not absorbed into my psyche and mess with my identity because they bounce off your shield of grace.
My focus will change from temporary pleasure to eternal pleasures. The mind once narrow expands its limited thinking beyond this span of time. Your word says you are not the God of the dead but of the living, for all are living to you.
Since Jesus is referring to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob being alive before the Father, the truth of living souls is clear. Their souls remain alive while their bodies await His return and their own new resurrected immortal bodies. Peter, James, and John are amazed by this reality as Jesus opens their eyes during His transfiguration.
He was transformed in front of them, and His face shone like the sun. Even His clothes became as white as the light. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it’s good for us to be here! If You want, I will make three tabernacles here: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. Mathew 17:2-4
A Sense of My Loved One’s Spirit
Not only are their forefathers speaking with Jesus in person, Peter recognizes who they are without being told. A taste of the afterlife is physically present for Jesus’s inner circle and for all of us who’s hearts are open to receive this truth, for all are living to Him.
Sometimes, I think I get a small taste of my deceased great-grandmother’s spirit when I’m engrossed in my favorite hobbies. As I am digging in the dirt to remove weeds or plant seeds, I feel a connectedness I cannot explain. It’s almost as though she is there with me and I cannot see her.
Grace, fed her ten children from the soil of her garden not far from the ground where I dig. I believe our souls are so enter-twined that her love of the soil and all God provides through the seeds of vegetation are present with me.
The same thing happens to me when I make soap and body creams. I think of Grace, who mom tells me rendered the fat from her hogs every fall to make her own soap.
Walking through the garden, picking vegetables and feeling that connection with her is a great pleasure to me. I see it as a small gift, or part of her she left behind. Her soul is with Jesus, while mine longs for the day of living beyond this place and time in His presence.
Therefore, awaiting Jesus’ return is assuring to we who have lost loved ones. Abraham, Jacob, Isaac, each took their last breath, died, and were gathered to their people (Genesis 25:8, 35:29, 49:29). I get a sense of being reunited with family members spiritually with the last breath, while the body is placed among their remains physically.
Living Forever
Solomon emphasizes the spirit and body separation upon our last breath in his reminiscing, he says,
“… man is headed to his eternal home, and mourners will walk around in the street; 6 before the silver cord is snapped, and the gold bowl is broken, and the jar is shattered at the spring, and the wheel is broken into the well; 7 and the dust returns to the earth as it once was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. Ecclesiastes 12: 5a-6
So many people confuse Jesus’ words of “falling asleep” as though the soul is asleep when our bodies die. However, his message and the apostle Paul’s do not indicate that concept at all. It helps to listen closely to what Jesus tells his disciples when Lazarus was sick:
Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I’m on My way to wake him up.” Then the disciples said to Him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will get well.” Jesus, however, was speaking about his death, but they thought He was speaking about natural sleep. So Jesus then told them plainly, “Lazarus has died. I’m glad for you that I wasn’t there so that you may believe. But let’s go to him.” John 11:11b-16
He is not referring to sleep as a living state, but of death. Jesus later gives them a glimpse of the resurrection when he brings Lazarus back to life. What sweet assurance we have abundant life here with Christ and eternal life with him in heaven! The apostle Paul’s description of living in God’s presence is something to behold! He says:
Promise of a Future Home Living with God
“Indeed, we groan while we are in this tent, burdened as we are, because we do not want to be unclothed but clothed, so that mortality may be swallowed up by life. 5 And the One who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave us the Spirit as a down payment.
6 So, we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight, 8 and we are confident and satisfied to be out of the body and at home with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:4-8
Yes, one day we will be out of these weak, decomposing bodies and at home with the Lord. Our souls live forever and God gives us the opportunity each day to choose where we will spend eternity. Since God is the same yesterday, today, and forever we understand he exists outside of time. My focus on this temporary body might change if I could live in the Spirit more and grasp how limited my body is. Although I am to be a good steward of this tent, use it for his work, and nourish it with his provision in the garden; I am not to be bound by its appearance and desires.
More importantly, my heart will be open to his promise of a future home with him. I may even get to know Grace a little more. Her soul, her essence, her spirit is there with God while the dust of her body awaits the return of Jesus here on earth. She may be getting to know Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in His presence because ALL are living to God.
The zucchini is coming on fast with this lovely warm summer! I anticipate the growth when I see those beautiful orange blooms! Believe it or not, the broccoli is still producing smaller heads that want to sprout upward and bloom to produce seed. If I don’t catch them in time, they will flower within a day!
The clear picture of provision and bountiful urgency to reproduce themselves never ceases to amaze me in God’s glorious garden. As the rain continues its steady flow outside the window, I think about how faithful God is to provide.
Ask rain from the Lord in the season of the spring rain, from the Lord who makes the storm clouds, and he will give them showers of rain, to everyone the vegetation in the field. Zechariah 10:1
Even if you don’t grow a garden, the delicious broccoli and zucchini are available to you at your local grocery store or farmer’s market. So enjoy the vegetation God places in season and use the freshly picked vegetables and rotisserie chicken from the store to make this delicious Sweet & Spicy Chicken Zucchini Quinoa Bowl.
Sweet & Spicy Chicken and Zucchini Quinoa Bowl
2 Cups Pulled Apart Rotisserie Chicken
2 Cups Chopped Broccoli
1 Small Fresh Chopped Garden Onion
1 Sliced Zucchini
2 TBSP. Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 TSP. Samba Chili Paste
1 Tsp. Coconut Aminos
2 Tsp. Onion Powder
1. Prepare one Cup of Quinoa according to package directions add 1 tsp. onion powder.
2. Cut up your broccoli, zucchini, and onion and sauté in one tablespoon of EVOO in a skillet until just tender. Add 1 tsp. onion powder.
3. in a separate bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon of olive oil, Samba chili sauce, and the coconut aminos. Pull apart the rotisserie chicken and toss it in the chili sauce and set aside until the vegetables are tender.
4. When your quinoa is ready, layer it on the bottom, place your mixed veggies over that, then add the chicken. It is so good!
***I don't add salt to this dish because of the sodium in the rotisserie chicken and the coconut aminos.***
The gentle spirit of my friend comforts me in my times of distress. Yes, even those of us who walk closely with Jesus experience heartache and longing. There are times, as a mother, when I want to fix the problems of my child as if she is still a youngster. The battles my child face are not insurmountable but I want to take them on as my own, to be the gentle spirt walking alongside her. Under waves of uncertainty I’m sure her circumstances feel overwhelming.
Questions that plague her are the same ones I experience: “Am I raising my children right? Is this the best decision for me and my family? How can I be all things to all people, ALL the time?! Yikes, so much pressure! I want to be a comfort for her, like my friend is for me. Paul says in Galatians 6:1 to restore a person with a gentle spirit.
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
The context of this verse is about wrongdoing and warning followers not to be ruled by temptation. However, the gentle spirit in my situation is helping my daughter through worry and thinking she’s doing something wrong. Carrying the burden of my hurting child is a privilege. My goal is to walk alongside her and reassure her that God sees and He knows. He sent his son to experience and take on the deepest burdens she desperately tries to hide from others.
The Gentle Spirit of Jesus
I want her to know he not only sees those deep burdens, but He also cares!
Jesus says,
“Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Mathew 11:28-29).
My study bible describes the yoke as a harness placed on two animals who pull a cart together. The older more experienced animal receives the larger harness so the younger animal can be trained and guided by its mentor (The Holman Cristian Standard Bible p. 1537).
The metaphor gives a beautiful example of Jesus carrying our burdens and walking alongside us in our distress. I too, can take his example and show my sweet girl how to navigate self-doubt, indecision, and striving to be all things to all people.
She and I can talk to Him when we are uncomfortable sharing our stuffed fears, even with people we trust. We don’t have to worry about Him thinking we are crazy as we try to rationalize thoughts of catastrophe that never materialize.
What a relief to know rest is available to all and not just a select few. Jesus calls all of us to him, for the rest only He can offer. He is a gentle understanding Savior who has walked where I have walked, felt the agony I have felt, and offered to stand in my place and take the punishment for my mistakes.
Moreover, the yoke of his teaching and the way he lived his life as a suffering servant is a beacon of light for my child swamped with doubt and “what ifs”. I feel the earnestness of his humble heart strengthening me to be a solid example of hope to her. He is worthy of my surrender and hers because in His presence we will find true rest. Only then, will I truly find the gentle spirit walking alongside me.
