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.

Luke 12 ESV – Beware of the Leaven of the Pharisees – Bible Gateway

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!

For more delicious healthy recipes see the garden and remember, “What God puts in the garden is good!”

References:

Effect of different cooking methods on the content of vitamins and true retention in selected vegetables (nih.gov)

Lee S, Choi Y, Jeong HS, Lee J, Sung J. Effect of different cooking methods on the content of vitamins and true retention in selected vegetables. Food Sci Biotechnol. 2017;27(2):333-342. Published 2017 Dec 12. doi:10.1007/s10068-017-0281-1

Antioxidant Activity of Spices and Their Impact on Human Health: A Review (nih.gov)
Yashin A, Yashin Y, Xia X, Nemzer B. Antioxidant Activity of Spices and Their Impact on Human Health: A Review. Antioxidants (Basel). 2017;6(3):70. Published 2017 Sep 15. doi:10.3390/antiox6030070

Kaempferol: A Key Emphasis to Its Anticancer Potential – PubMed (nih.gov)

Imran M, Salehi B, Sharifi-Rad J, Aslam Gondal T, Saeed F, Imran A, Shahbaz M, Tsouh Fokou PV, Umair Arshad M, Khan H, Guerreiro SG, Martins N, Estevinho LM. Kaempferol: A Key Emphasis to Its Anticancer Potential. Molecules. 2019 Jun 19;24(12):2277. doi: 10.3390/molecules24122277. PMID: 31248102; PMCID: PMC6631472.

Luteolin, a flavonoid with potential for cancer prevention and therapy – PubMed (nih.gov)

Lin Y, Shi R, Wang X, Shen HM. Luteolin, a flavonoid with potential for cancer prevention and therapy. Curr Cancer Drug Targets. 2008 Nov;8(7):634-46. doi: 10.2174/156800908786241050. PMID: 18991571; PMCID: PMC2615542.

Naringenin, a flavanone with antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects: A promising treatment strategy against COVID-19 – PubMed (nih.gov)

Tutunchi H, Naeini F, Ostadrahimi A, Hosseinzadeh-Attar MJ. Naringenin, a flavanone with antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects: A promising treatment strategy against COVID-19. Phytother Res. 2020 Dec;34(12):3137-3147. doi: 10.1002/ptr.6781. Epub 2020 Jul 2. PMID: 32613637; PMCID: PMC7361426.

Pharmacological Activity of Eriodictyol: The Major Natural Polyphenolic Flavanone – PubMed (nih.gov)

Deng Z, Hassan S, Rafiq M, Li H, He Y, Cai Y, Kang X, Liu Z, Yan T. Pharmacological Activity of Eriodictyol: The Major Natural Polyphenolic Flavanone. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2020 Dec 12;2020:6681352. doi: 10.1155/2020/6681352. PMID: 33414838; PMCID: PMC7752289.

Antioxidant Activities of Quercetin and Its Complexes for Medicinal Application – PubMed (nih.gov)

Xu D, Hu MJ, Wang YQ, Cui YL. Antioxidant Activities of Quercetin and Its Complexes for Medicinal Application. Molecules. 2019 Mar 21;24(6):1123. doi: 10.3390/molecules24061123. PMID: 30901869; PMCID: PMC6470739.

“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-)

Colossians 1 ESV – Greeting – Paul, an apostle of Christ – Bible Gateway

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:

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

Psalm 104 HCSB – Psalm 104 God the Creator – My soul, – Bible Gateway

Savory Cabbage Cashew & Broccoli Sauté

“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.”

Luke 20:37-38

Biblegateway.com

Opening My Heart

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.

For More Bold Faith Articles click here:

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

Zechariah 10:1-3 ESV – The Restoration for Judah and Israel – Bible Gateway

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.

For more delicious recipes click here:

Who is the gentle spirit in your life?

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. 

Galatians 6 ESV – Bear One Another’s Burdens – Bible Gateway

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.

Form healthy recipes using God’s garden and encouragement check out these posts:

Fennel pesto and cucumber wraps make refreshing snacks or delicious tea party side dishes. Today, however I am enjoying these wraps as a quick lunch. The abundance of fennel fronds in the herb garden will help me out on this tasty tidbit. Since I also keep walnuts and a block of Romano cheese on hand, I’m all set to blend this yumminess together.

Here is what you’ll need for these Fennel Pesto & Cucumber Wraps

• One Seedless Organic Cucumber Sliced
• 1 Cup of Organic Greens
• 1 Tablespoon of Fresh Fennel Pesto
• 2 Fresh made Tortilla Wraps (See recipe in the link below)

Fennel Pesto

• 2 Cups Fennel Fronds removed from the stems
• 2 Tablespoons of Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1/3 Cup of Walnuts
• 1/3 Cup Shredded Romano Cheese
• 1 Lemon, juiced
• 1/4 Tsp. of Salt
• 1/4 Tsp. Pepper

  Blend all the ingredients in a bullet and serve with either Tortilla Recipe pictured below!

The Lens of The World

Friend, is there an area of your life where you want to see some changes? It could be in a relationship, a habit, or a pattern of behavior you’d like to see with a fresh set of eyes.

I sure do!

In a bible study, I recently learned the lens I look through varies with each situation I’m experiencing. Can you relate?

For example, when Elijah was on Mt Carmel, God empowered him with confidence as fire fell from heaven and consumed the burnt offering. Yet, this proof of God’s power was not enough to keep him from running scared from his enemy, Jezebel. When she threatened to kill him, he fearfully fled to the wilderness (1 Kings 18:38, 1 Kings 19:1-3). Elijah is looking through the lens of a temporary situation instead of eternity or God’s purpose for him here on earth.

I wonder how many people respond to threats to their lives in a similar fashion. When I hear propaganda regarding medical issues, I look at the data through the lens of four years of nursing school. A solid background of disease processes and God’s design for immunity helps me make an informed decision. Although, I still must respond with gentle conviction to those who are convinced otherwise and live in fear.

The Lens of Relationship

However, in relationships I want to see grow, hold tightly to, and pray for solidarity, I sense distance. What is happening here?  Why do I make it about me and not see how the other person feels?  If I am looking through the lens of a mother, I still want to fix things that hurt my children. And if I’m looking through a wifely lens, I want to feel loved and listened to by my husband.

When they are no longer children, conflict arises because they don’t want their mom to fix their problems. They want her to listen without judgment.

I know, the first response is: “I don’t’ do that!” Let me assure you; I don’t feel like I judge mine either! Although a wise aunt I cried out to in a moment of despair reminded me, “Your whole life is before them as an example. When you live according to God’s word and not according to the flesh, your very actions and way of life make them feel judged.”

Not only that, my husband wants peace to think through his day when he walks in the door, not my onslaught of emotions.

A Change in Perspective

So, a change in perspective is imperative to strengthening these relationships. May the fruit of God’s Spirit override years of insecurity and allow me to respond with grace, love, peace, gentleness, and kindness amid these emotions.

I must be honest with you in these moments; it takes the power of the Holy Spirit to respond this way.

I will stuff my hurt feelings down for years to keep the peace in my family. Yet, it will always simmer below the surface in callous remarks or self-pity. My past brokenness is more likely to burst forth and rear its ugly head when I’m feeling unloved. The thought of people I’ve poured my whole life into not returning my devotion shatters me emotionally. I’ll either respond with anger or withdraw contact.

Even Elijah’s faith was challenged as he poured his whole life into reminding Israel who God is.  He didn’t just remind them of His goodness, mercy, and love but to be aware of God’s judgment. The prophet also urged them to turn from false idols and Baal worship. He didn’t just say what he believed; he lived it. The price is their eternal souls. Yet, exhaustion, lack of nourishment, and remorse for not successfully restoring the relationship of their leader with God left him feeling defeated. 

I am encouraged to hold fast to God and trust Him to bring my relationships through this refining process just as He did with Elijah. When Elijah sat down under the broom tree and begged God to take his life, “for I’m no better than my fathers,” I sense the enemy’s presence to discourage him and cut his mission short. In the same way, he often pains me in my response to my husband and children.

But God! Look what God does in response!

“Suddenly, an angel touched him. The angel told him, “Get up and eat.” Then he looked, and there at his head was a loaf of bread baked over hot stones and a jug of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again. Then the angel of the Lord returned for a second time and touched him. He said, “Get up and eat, or the journey will be too much for you.”

Biblegateway.com

The Lens of Scripture

The gentle care of Elijah at his lowest moment is so empowering today because I know God cares for you and me the same way. He sees the hearts of the people we long to reach in a much more profound manner than we do. God understands their pain, heartache, fears, anger, and uncertainty much more clearly. Not only that, he allows trials to take place in our relationships so both of us can draw closer to Him.

Please reach out to Jesus today in the area of change you’d like to see in your life. Here are the five steps I took this week to turn the tide of my despair into a change in perspective:

1. Pray and Confess to God my out-of-control emotions
2. Message and Ask 3 Trusted Sisters to Pray for Me
3. Message the person feeling hurt by me and apologize.
4. Let go and trust God to heal, in His timing, what I cannot.
5. Love people gently, unconditionally, and faithfully, despite how I perceive them treating me.

I admit this week has been rough, and I can’t say I handled it well. But I can say it was authentic. For a person who cries once or twice a year, it was a blessing to see a fresh area of faith in Jesus give me the power to change. By identifying the lens, I look through (past experience, past hurt, stuffing emotions, anger, and rejection), I can see where the enemy tries to threaten me and my relationships.

His ulterior motive is to drive a wedge between God and me, in addition to the people I love.

Sister, if I did not reach out to others and stay rooted in God’s word daily, Satan would have won!

However, the Spirit of the Lord was upon me; he quieted my longing for death and isolation and gave me life and the warmth of his presence. Flashes of His promises came to me in the form of scriptures I’d memorized. The words of my trusted sisters’ encouragement also gave me a calm resolve. I can trust God and His timing and I felt their prayers begin to break apart the ominous cloud over my soul as it began to dwindle.

Moreover, stepping out to make things right with the one feeling wronged the next day helped me appreciate their view of our relationship. It is far from perfect, but loving people well is a start to lasting change in perspective.

Thank you for joining me today, I hope to encourage you body and soul, so click the posts below for nourishing recipes or posts!

Our entire family loves broccoli! The bigger, the better. Since the dark cherries are slightly tart and sweet, I wanted to combine them with the broccoli for a broccoli and cherry salad. This crop of broccoli is much more impressive than the last two year’s crop.

I decided at the end of February to dig some fresh compost to fill our boxed bed before planting the broccoli. Since the tree line to the right of our property has been the dumping ground of all grass clippings, old trees, leaves, and vegetables rinds for the past twenty-five years, it seemed like a good place to find multiple nutrients.

Leave it to God to use time and His creation to decompose one source of vegetation to nourish and help another grow! He never ceases to amaze me. The broccoli seedlings were planted in late March and survived temperatures as low as 21 degrees! We covered them with a sheet and hoped for the best! You can see below, with a little tender loving care and resilience these plants thrived!

Much like the covering of theses plants in the frigid air, my heart needs God’s covering to protect it too. Especially when there are some tough moments when I feel some coldness from others. I admit my part in this, ask forgiveness, and cry out to God to heal the relationship. It is all I can do.

Do you know what happens? He holds me through the cold. I feel the warmth of his love envelop me and protect my heart just like that sheet protected my plants that freezing April morning.

My heart recoils within me my compassion grows warm and tender.

Hosea 11:8b

We can enjoy what He puts in the garden and savor the nourishment for our souls in His Word.

God Bless you as you partake of both today!

It is always fun to use fresh herbs to make an old favorite more appealing and flavorful. So, I picked a few oregano leaves to create a fresh oregano chicken and zucchini dish. As with any herb, applying them at the end or after cooking allows them to retain their nutritional benefits. For instance, adding fresh oregano to this dish adds antioxidants like thymol, carvacrol, limonene, terpinene, ocimene, and caryophyllene. It’s loaded!

Oregano Benefits

Why are these antioxidants so important? They help reduce cancer cell growth, are used to combat diabetes, they have anti-inflammatory benefits, as well as antibacterial properties. God knew long before he created mankind the diseases he would face and how well his plant creations will help with healing.

This boatful perennial herb is easy to grow, too! All we have to do is plant it and watch it come back year after year.

If that’s not exciting enough, just imagine the flavor. It is peppery an pungent right off the stem, but mellows to a superbly tasty enhancement just wilted in this chicken dish. So, get ready for an easy, healthy, and delicious meal!

Fresh Oregano Chicken & Zucchini

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 Cups Precooked Chicken (Baked and sliced or Rotisserie Shredded)
• 1 Medium Organic Zucchini Chopped
• 1 Thinly sliced Carrot
• 1/2 Thin Sliced Onion
• 1 Tbsp. Fresh Chopped Oregano (No stems)
• 2 Tbsp. Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 Tsp. Onion Powder
• 1/2 Tsp. pepper

Heat your skillet to medium heat, add the oil then the onions, carrots, and zucchini. Add the onion powder and pepper to the vegetables sauté until just tender, about 10 min. I do not add salt to this dish because the rotisserie chicken I used for this was well seasoned and all I had to do was add it to the skillet to warm when the vegetables were cooked. The last minute I added the fresh cut oregano. It is Yummy!

I hope you enjoy what God puts in the garden near you, whether it is in your local grocery store or farmer’s market. While His garden is pleasing your belly, let HIs word freshen your soul:

He put a new song in my mouth,   a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,  and put their trust in the Lord. Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie!

Psalm 40:2-4 ESV – He drew me up from the pit of – Bible Gateway